The Berlin Citizen

Berlin resident Reid Meyers placed third among 7-to-9 year olds in the national Drive, Chip and Putt competition, which wrapped up Sunday at Augusta National in Georgia. Meyers, a 9-year-old who honed his skills at Timberlin Golf Course, was one of only 10 youngsters in his age bracket to advance all the way to Augusta, home of the Masters. "I am so proud of Reid for not only qualifying for the Drive, Chip and Putt national championship, but also placing third in the competition,” Timberlin pro Marc Bayram said. “As talented as Reid is as a player, he is even better as a person. He is always smiling and has fun with the game. He loves just hanging out at Timberlin Golf Course with his buddies having friendly competitions and is an incredibly humble young man." Read more about Reid Meyers inside.

BUDGET COMMENTARY

BOE chief: Increase needed to maintain staff, programs

By Julia Motte Dennis

Each year, every district in the state goes through the process of approving a town budget. Each town’s process is different and requires a thorough understanding by residents. Public officials look to balance the needs of the various departments in town with the ability to fund those requests.

The Berlin Board of Education, in conjunction with the Board of Finance and Town Council, uses the following process when creating its budget and sending it through the proper channels:

This year, the superintendent worked with district administrators requesting the fol-

lowing: Do not include any new staff members and do not plan to increase your operational budget. As a result, the superintendent requested a 4.87 percent increase, which included the following staffing reductions: lead teacher at McGee, custodian, BHS math teacher, BHS science teacher and two building substitutes, with the only new position being an elementary teacher added because of large class sizes in a particular grade level.

Dennis

See BOE, A9

Berlin museum reopens April 15

Press Release

The Berlin Historical Society Museum, 305 Main St., Kensington, reopens Saturday, April 15 for a special reservation-only program. Kevin Johnson, a longtime employee of the Connecticut State Museum of History will portray Private William Webb, a Civil War soldier who fought as part of Connecticut’s 29th (Colored) Regiment.

Johnson has extensively researched Webb, and brings him to life in this Living Histo-

ry program. He has performed hundreds of times to wide acclaim.

The April 15 program is free, but space is limited. To check availability call 860-8285281.

On Saturday, April 22, the Berlin Historical Society hosts a large group from the Historical Society of Early American Decorating. The group’s convention is in Southbury that weekend.

See Museum, A16

Michael Katz, DMD

TIME FOR TEE

Local golfers rejoice; Timberlin has opened for the season. The 18-hole municipal course located at 330 Southington Road welcomed players back on Wednesday, March 23. Timberlin pro Marc Bayram hit the ceremonial first shot on hole No. 1 and another on the new-look driving range, which now includes a pair of engraved benches donated by Peggy and Phil Porter. From left: Phil Porter, Director of Golf Sol Guerrero, Marc Bayram, Peggy Porter and Mayor Mark Kaczynski.

In Brief

Help for nonprofits

The Town of Berlin is accepting proposals from nonprofit organizations for community programs to be designated as eligible for business contributions under the State of Connecticut 2023 Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program. Organizations should submit a proposal no later than Friday, April 28 to the Town Manager’s Office (Town Hall, 240 Kensington Road). For further information and proposal materials, visit the Department of Revenue Services website, portal.ct.gov/DRS.

Golf fundraiser

The Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA and New Britain-Berlin Rotary will stage their 2023 Golf Tournament Tuesday, May 2 at Timberlin Golf Course in Berlin. Proceeds will support the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA's Annual Campaign and the community work of the New Britain-Berlin Rotary. For more information, visit nbbymca.org or meridenymca.org.

Letters to the Editor

Reading challenge

The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, in partnership with Eversource, has an nounced the return of a student reading challenge for the 2023 season. Students (K through 8th grade) who read five books out side of the school curriculum will earn two tickets to a Yard Goats game at Dunkin in Hartford. Parents/guardians can register students on the Yard Goats website (yard goatsbaseball.com) through May 6.

Community grants

The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain approved its first round of grants for 2023, awarding more than $436,000 to a wide variety of programs serving Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. The second round of CFGNB grant applications will be accepted this summer. Letters of Intent are due July 1. Visit the “grantmaking” section of the foundation’s website at cfgnb.org.

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.

Timberlin, Facebook

Summer Enrichment Program renewed for 2023, 2024

By Crystal Elescano Record-Journal staff

MERIDEN The State Department of Education is renewing the Summer Enrichment Program for summer 2023 and 2024.

The program was established in 2021 with the goal to connect students who may have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a statement from Gov. Ned Lamont. Parents enrolled their children in high-quality enrichment opportunities during the summer which includes summer camps, childcare centers, and other programs.

“Investing in our children’s future is a priority for Connecticut. With this invest-

ment, we can extend this successful program for another two years and ensure that more of Connecticut’s children have access to summer enrichment and learning opportunities, regardless of their family’s income level. This program is helping provide a safe and enriching summer experience for our kids and will benefit our communities for years to come, ” Lamont said in a statement.

The State Department of Education said they would invest $11.5 million from their share in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for the summers of 2023 and 2024. The department will have released $32 million for all four years of the program.

Camps are able to use funding to expand the number of students enrolled, additional support, additional activities, and minimizing enrollment costs for families with low-income backgrounds. Two local organizations the Meriden YMCA and Boys & Girls Club of Meriden were granted funding from the program. This allowed them to expand their summer camps. Steve Markoja, the chief operating officer at the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA, says that the YMCA has been part of the Summer Enrichment Program for the past two years. The organization will be applying again.

Camp counselor Bryan Brazeo gets a fire started at his group’s campground area in the woods at the Meriden YMCA’s Mountain Mist Day Camp on June 26, 2020.

Aaron Flaum, Record-Journal

$575,000.

Brimal B Patel & Suruchi B Patel to Maranda Cote, 50 Toll Gate Road, $500,000. Federal Natl Mtg Assn to Danielle Crescentini & Brian Little, 43 Oak Ridge Drive, $445,000.

Speed camera program detailed

By Mark Pazniokas

The Connecticut Mirror

The unblinking eye of cameras will begin enforcing the speed limits at highway work zones in Connecticut in a tightly constrained pilot program that begins on April 10, the day after Easter.

To Carl Chisem, the experiment is long overdue. As the president of Connecticut Employees Union Independent, Chisem represents 3,600 state employees, including 1,500 at the Department of Transportation.

“The data does not lie,” Chisem said last week. “In the last four years, there have been 3,674 crashes, resulting in 13 fatalities and 32 serious injuries in work zones alone.”

A simple memorial in the DOT lobby lists names of the 13 and 24 other workers killed in work zones. Where someone might ordinarily leave flowers, there are orange traffic cones marked CT DOT and wrapped in black ribbon.

Gov. Ned Lamont joined Chisem, DOT workers and others in a parking lot near the DOT headquarters in Newington on March 29 to publicize the start of a pilot program that transportation officials hope will become a permanent check on reckless drivers.

“It’s gotten pretty dodgy since COVID,” Lamont said. “A lot of people driving like a bat out of hell. It’s these folks who are at risk.”

See Camera, A6

WELCOME ABOARD

Noah Vinci, right, is the newest member of the Berlin Police Department. In a March 29 social media post, the Berlin PD said, "Officer Vinci has a degree in Business Administration from Anna Maria College and comes from a law enforcement family, following his father, a retired Middletown Police Officer." Vinci was expected to begin training at the police academy this week. "Welcome aboard!," the department stated. Vinci is pictured with Lt. DrewGallupe. Berlin PD, Facebook

Holiday notice

Town departments will close at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 6 and will be closed Friday, April 7 in observance of Good Friday. Normal trash/recycling schedule will apply.

Lineworker certification

Eversource is partnering with Housatonic Community College and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Unions 420 and 457 to prepare the next generation of electrical lineworkers in Connecticut.

The Lineworker Certificate Program provides students valuable training in the electric utility industry and the opportunity to progress into Eversource’s paid apprenticeship program. For details, visit Eversource.com.

Hall of Fame

The Berlin High School Athletic Hall of Fame’s 2023 induction banquet will be held Sunday, April 23 at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. 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.

For ticket information, call 860-546-8614 or email bhshalloffamebanquet@ gmail.com.

New sidewalks

Sidewalks are being constructed along the south side of Farmington Avenue between house No. 1208 eastward to the intersection of Farmington Avenue and No. 14 Patterson Way. Also, sidewalks are being constructed from house No. 32 to house No. 104 Newton Street, and along a portion of Langdon Court from New Britain Road to the entrance of the Kensington Woods Condominiums. Questions can be directed to the Public Works Department, 860-828-7022.

Route 372 project

The Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Office of Engineering is developing plans to rehabilitate the pavement on CT Route 372 in Berlin and Cromwell. Berlin officials recommend property owners who abut Mill Street and are planning paving or underground utility projects this spring/summer contact Matthew R. Vail:

860-594-3274, matthew.vail@ct.gov. Reference State Project 171-487.

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.

They stood by a white SUV equipped with cameras linked to automated systems that will issue tickets. Cars sped by on the Berlin Turnpike, occasionally drowning out the speakers. “What if this press conference was

scheduled for behind a set of cones on I-95 at midnight or even better, after the bars get out?” asked Donald J. Shubert, the president of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association.

The highway construction season is a three-season affair, with overnight shifts common.

“Construction workers are going to be out there eight to 10 hours a night, spring, summer and fall, focusing on their fellow employees, the trucks, the heavy equipment and the quality of their work with their backs towards the traffic,” Shubert said. “Think about that. How would you feel?”

On the night of Nov. 16, 1995, David Ferraro was a construction inspector in a closed southbound lane on I-95 in Greenwich, about 1,000 feet from the New York border, when a motorist sent safety cones flying, struck a truck and sped away.

“It was at the beginning of the night at the point where all workers were preparing to start paving,” Ferraro said.

He felt the impact of the cones, not realizing he had been hit by the car until a trooper pointed to his torn and bloodied jeans.

Troopers caught the driver in New York. He was drunk. Ferraro said things only have gotten worse.

“Over my years on the job, I’ve seen it all,” he said. “People not just going five or 10 miles an hour over the speed limit, they’re going 30, 40 or plus miles an hour over the speed. So what can we do to slow people down? We do this by joining other states around the country and adding automated speed control devices and cameras to active construction projects.”

The General Assembly has placed tight limits on the DOT. Only three camera-enforcement vehicles can be used at one time, each limited to a work site posted with signage warning motorists of automated speed enforcement. The cameras are unblinking, but they are programmed for leniency. They

cannot issue a ticket unless someone is 15 miles per hour over the limit.

“This is not that complicated. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t tweet and drive. Stop speeding,” Lamont said.

“Look at the wrong-way deaths. We see what’s happening to pedestrians getting hit. And look at the folks behind me.”

Behind him were DOT employees and private-sector construction workers.

“These guys are going to be really busy for the next 10 years. We’re upgrading our roads and bridges in a way that the state hasn’t seen since Dwight Eisenhower,” Lamont said.

Eisenhower was the president who pushed for passage of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 and the creation of an interstate highway system not deemed to be finished until 1992.

Read the full version of this story on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, ctmirror.org.

Community alerts

Sign up to receive emergency alerts and community notifications. Visit berlinct.gov. The sign-up options are: Emergency Alerts (weather related closings, fire, flood, etc.); Town Updates (town-wide non-emergency communications, announcements, elections, referendums, etc.); Public Works (road and bridge construction, trash, utilities, water, sewer, etc.); Community Related (Community Center, Senior Center, Parks & Recreation, Social Services).

Wall of Honor

The Berlin Veterans Commission’s “Veterans Digital Wall of Honor,” located in 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 can be put up on the wall. Contact Peter Galgano at petergalgano@ comcast.net or 860-604-7258.

Legion Post 68

American Legion Post 68 has been serving Berlin veterans since 1947. 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.

Michael Katz, DMD

Individual

Sat,

Rain or Shine

Textile recycling

Berlin has partnered with AFAB Recycling LLC, a Connecticut-based textile recycling company. Residents are encouraged to drop off unwanted clothing and shoes at the Transfer Station, 19 Town Farm Lane, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon.

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.

Mentoring

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the 119-year-old national youth mentoring organization.

Based in Hartford, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut offers life-changing programs to at-risk children in all of the state’s 169 municipalities. Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters by visiting ctbigs.org.

Theater

Castle Craig Players, Meriden is celebrating its 30th season. On sale now: “The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On,” May 5 to 20; “Into The Woods,” July 28 to Aug. 12.

For ticket information, visit castlecraigplayers.org.

After much conversation and deliberation, the Board of Education then voted 7 to 2 to increase the superintendent's budget to 5.84 percent and stated that it is not in the best interest of students to eliminate the positions given academic and social-emotional struggles that are present in many students post-pandemic.

Following the town’s process, the Board of Finance met on March 20 and approved a 3 percent increase for the BOE for the 20232024 school year.

On March 28 there was a Public Hearing on the municipal and BOE budgets, and on April 4, the Town Council was scheduled to vote to accept, reject or decrease the recommended 3 percent budget increase proposed by the Board of Finance.

From there, a town-wide referendum will be held on April 25. At that time, residents will have an opportunity to vote on the municipal and the Board of Education budget separately. Residents can indicate whether or not they support the budget. Additionally, they can indicate that they feel the budget is too high or too low.

Since there were constraints on school administrators to limit requests, readers may question how there could a budget increase. Contractual obligations are the major driver in the 2023-2024 budget request, as staffing is the biggest portion of education budgets. A 4.24 percent increase is required to maintain the current staff and programs for the 2023-2024 school year with no adjustments to the current level of programming. As stated earlier, the Board of Finance is proposing a 3 percent increase.

The Board of Education will meet on April 10 to review the proposed reductions and, potentially, offer alternatives to cuts.

To meet that level of funding, the BOE will consider the following reductions, and others: secondary reading teacher, elementary reading paraprofessionals, elementary math interventionist, elementary and secondary math paraprofessionals, academic resource tutor, equipment, special education paraprofessional, contracted services, building

substitutes, secondary ISS supervisors, kindergarten paraprofessionals, BHS student management paraprofessional.

The Board of Education is committed to providing an outstanding school system that prepares all students for options and opportunities upon graduation. The BOE will continue to work with the Board of Finance and the Town Council in an effort to advocate for a fiscally-responsible and educationally-sound budget.

Support from the community is vital to ensure that our quality educational system will not be jeopardized based on inadequate funding. We ask that you show your support by attending Board of Finance, Town Council and Board of Education meetings, and by voting on April 25 at the town referendum.

Thank you for supporting our community by supporting our school district during these challenging economic times.

Hard work pays off for local golfer Reid Meyers

The following excerpts are taken from an article on the Connecticut State Golf Association website, csgalinks.org. The writeup was posted on March 30, three days before local golfer Reid Meyers finished third in his age bracket at the finals of the national Drive, Chip and Putt competition, which was broadcast on the Golf Channel.

Reid Meyers was one good drive away from qualifying for the 2023 Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals.

Meyers, a nine-year-old from Berlin, sent his final drive into the air, and right away he knew it would be close. If the drive stayed in bounds he would be heading to Augusta National Golf Club, if

the ball flew out of bounds then he would see his journey end at the sub-regionals for a third straight year.

When the ball landed Meyers thought it was out. However, after two officials came over to look, it was determined the shot was in bounds and with it came a ticket to the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals. “After my first two drives went straight down the middle I was like, ‘Okay, you just have to hit this one straight down the middle one more time. Let’s do it,’" said Meyers, a fourth grader at Mary E. Griswold Elementary School in Berlin. "Then I hit my drive and I thought it was out and I thought, ‘oh no I’m done for if it is out.’ Then they said, no, it is in, and I thought 'that is a miracle.'"

Meyers started swinging plastic clubs when he was 2 years old. By the time he was 3 he had metal clubs in his hands, and shortly after that, at the age of 4, he was competing in tournaments. His first win would come two short years later in a U.S. Kids Golf event.

Reid Meyers was swinging real golf clubs by the time he was 3 and started competing in tournaments at the age of 4. See Meyers, A11

Meyers' success at a young age is a result of hard work and dedication. He spends countless hours practicing alongside his 13-year-old brother Brennan. Much of that time is spent at their home club, Timberlin Golf Course.

“The relationship between them has really allowed Reid to grow and be invested and get better because he always wants to beat big bro,” said their father Chris the athletic director at Newington High School. “It is a pretty cool dynamic. Brennan has had some pretty cool golf experiences as well so that has kind of allowed Reid to get exposed to some of the cooler opportunities that golf has to offer.”

The Meyers' love for the game has been fostered by Timberlin GC head professional Marc Bayram. It isn’t uncommon for Bayram to find the Meyers out on the course or on the putting green.

Bayram offers tips and suggestions when needed.

“Marc always helps me on the green and on the driving range, ” Reid said. “He will just walk out of the (pro shop) and he will be like, ‘alright Reid let’s see this putt.’ Then if I do something wrong he will say, ‘okay, do this; you are going to make it all the time.’ Then I do his suggestion and it always works.”

Following his qualification for the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals, Bayram presented Reid with his own green jacket, a jacket that not only makes Reid smile, but the entire Berlin and Connecticut golf community as well. “This achievement by Reid is incredible,” Bayram said. “Getting

through three stages of qualifying against some of the best players his age is a tough task, especially in Drive, Chip & Putt. You only get nine shots total and you have to be sharp in all areas. ”

“Timberlin GC has a family atmosphere and everyone who plays there has noquestion seen Reid practicing and working hard on his game, ” Bayram added. “He is always doing it with a smile and most of the time he is having friendly competitions with his friends and brother. This is big for Berlin, and our small community will all be watching him on TV the week of the Masters.”

Reid Meyers and his father Chris.

Bill to eliminate legal notice rule reprises debate

By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

State lawmakers are again debating repeal of a newspaper notification requirement for bid invitations, policy changes and other legal matters.

Some lawmakers say it’sa way to save towns money, while newspaper advocates argue the notification requirement is an accountability measure for government. State law requires certain measures such as contracts, foreclosures and unclaimed property to be noticed in a newspaper with substantial local circulation.

New bill, old fight

A bill in the General Assembly’s Planning and Development Committee, Bill No. 5186, aims to change the current system by allowing cities and towns the alternative of posting legal notices on their municipal websites exclusively.

It isn’t the first time state lawmakers have attempted to remove the notification requirement.

Chris VanDeHoef, a lobbyist representing the Connecticut Daily Newspaper Association, said he’s been fighting the move for years. Requiring towns and cities to publish certain legal actions provides public accountability, VanDeHoef said. The more places such notices are published the better.

“It removes a layer of eyeballs on it that is important,” he said concerning the repeal of the notification requirement.

Legal notices from all the towns and cities in Connecticut are currently available online at mypublicnotices.com.

Municipalities are also not prohibited from posting notices on their own websites in addition newspapers.

“Notices should be on a town’s website,” he said. “They should be anywhere and everywhere we can put them.”

State Rep. Craig Fishbein, RWallingford, introduced the latest bill. When the requirement to publish was first passed decades ago, Fishbein agrees that it did help hold government accountable.

With the decline in circulation and publication schedule of certain newspapers, he said it no longer performs that function.

“Clearly I think we recognize that newspaper circulation is down. If the intent is to get notice to the general public that they should have notice of, if newspapers are a medium that isn’t being used as widespread as (during) the original statute, then perhaps it’s appropriate to look at other vehicles,” he said. “It’s unfortunate but it’sa symptom of the times.”

“The dissemination of news has certainly changed over the many years,” Fishbein said. “I think that the current statute is antiquated.”

The bill drew opposition, however, during a legislative hearing from leaders in the newspaper industry who raised concerns about transparency and public access to information.

“Requiring public notices to be posted in newspapers helps ensure that the public has access to important information about government activities and decisions, and that government agencies are transparent and accountable,” wrote Mike DeLuca, publisher of Hearst Connecticut Media Group and president of the Connecticut Daily Newspapers

Association, in public comment. “It is imperative these notices are published by a credible and independent body.”

There is no provision in the bill for monitoring or enforcing that municipalities comply in posting legal notices to their websites.

The bill simply states: “That section 1-2 of the general statutes be amended to authorize municipalities to post legal notices on municipal Internet web sites in lieu of publication in a newspaper. ”

State Rep. Mary Mushinsky, D-Wallingford, said in an interview she supports leaving the current legal notice requirement in place. There are still people who don’t get

their news or information online and who depend on printed information, she said.

“There are some people out there, they do not have computer access. That group would get left out if we stopped the requirement,” Mushinsky said.

She also saw the notification requirement as providing revenue to local newspapers that have faced challenging years.

“It does help the newspapers stay in business, to report local news, which is very important. I’d like to keep them afloat if I can,” Mushinsky said.

Fishbein Mushinsky

Bids, hearings and foreclosures

Recent notices in the Record-Journal include bid invitations from Southington schools and the town of Wallingford for work such as HVAC repair, custodial services and clerical services.

Meetings in Southington and Cheshire were also posted as well as items that were approved at previous planning meetings in Southington.

Probate issues, such as the sale of an estate and the notification of creditors, are also published. Towns and cities pay for such postings. In the previous fiscal year, Southington paid just over $40,000 for legal notices from a $160 million budget. Cheshire spent about $20,000 in the last fiscal year for legal notices. The town’s budget was about $120 million.

Captive clients or providing a service?

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities has supported the repeal.

Kevin Maloney, CCM’s communications director, said local governments spend millions of dollars every year publishing documents in newspapers, saying publications have had municipalities as “captive clients” for years because of the notification requirement.

“In the 21st century, the quickest, most transparent and cost-effective way to get information to the most amounts of residents is via the internet. The internet is where people shop, communicate, do their banking, and share general information,” Maloney said.

“The purpose of notice is to ensure the public is provided information on governmental actions and issues that may impact them. It is not intended to provide a safeguard for an unaffiliated third party to disseminate

the information,” he said.

“Municipal officials are custodians of public records who have sworn obligations and professional standards to protect the integrity of such records.”

VanDeHoef said publication in a physical newspaper provides a level of permanence that doesn’t exist online. That’s a legal protection for towns and cities since postings in the newspaper can prove legal notices were promulgated.

“Our position is that it’s not an onerous expense, that the towns and cities are getting a service,” VanDeHoef said.

“The internet doesn’t provide confidence that something being printed in the newspaper does.”

VanDeHoef said a recent court case involving Fenwick, a small borough of Old

Saybrook with just 50 residents, has limited applicability to most other cities and towns.

A Connecticut appeals court ruled last month that putting a notice in the Middletown Press wasn’t enough for Fenwick. The borough’s zoning board passed a policy banning certain short-term rentals, which was challenged by residents saying the move wasn’t properly noticed.

The Middletown Press has no subscribers in the borough and The Hartford Courant has five.

“We recognize that the newspaper industry has undergone significant changes since the legislature first imposed the obligation on municipalities to publish notice in a newspaper with ‘substantial circulation,’ in that municipality,” the court’s opinion says. “We also are mindful, of course, that the widespread availability of access to the Internet may justify, from a public policy perspective, permitting a municipality to publish legal notices on its website.”

But, the decision says, it’s the job of the legislature to make that call. Since the ruling, the borough has opted to print notices in a free weekly publication, according to The Connecticut Mirror.

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.

There are legislative changes that could be made to update the requirement statute, but the Fenwick example is a unique case, VanDeHoef said.

“I don’t think that speaks to the broader issue of areas in the state where there are papers of record in a reasonable distance,” VanDeHoef said. “It creates additional questions about news deserts, which is something the larger legislature and town and cities and general constituency in the state of Connecticut needs to figure out.”

This article includes information from The Connecticut Mirror.

jbuchanan@record-journal.com

Schools

Kindergarten

Kindergarten registration is available online via berlinschools.org. Registration ends Thursday, April 20. Children age five on or before Jan. 1, 2024 are eligible to register. For more information, call 860-829-6782.

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.

HSEAD members are most interested in our early tinware collection, and in the history of tinsmithing in Berlin.

While at the museum, HSEAD members will view a presentation, meet with collectors and tour our museum displays. This is great exposure for the museum and for Berlin.

On Saturday, April 29, the museum resumes regular Saturday afternoon hours of 1 to 4 p.m. The museum re-

mains open until mid-December, except for holiday weekends and the Berlin Fair.

New exhibits this year highlight our Wide Awake lantern, and the soldiers from Berlin who served in the Civil War, including newly-discovered biographies of the African American soldiers from our town.

We also debut a recreated Cheney Clock Shop showcasing our collection of Cheney shelf clocks made in Berlin.

Another new Berlin Historical Society exhibit honors Women’s Suffrage and the first Berlin women to vote in 1920.

Berlin Historical Society members encourage the public to visit and learn more about our extraordinary town. The more you know, the more you cannot help but love where we live.

Kevin Johnson is pic-

portraying Private William Webb, a Civil War soldier who fought as part of Connecticut’s 29th (Colored) Regiment. The Berlin Historical Society Museum will host a Living History program featuring Johnson on Saturday,

tured

April 15. The program is free, but space is limited.

“The design of the program is to break down any barriers that might impact children from gettin camp services,” he said.

Funds from the grant went towards their Mountain Mist Day Camp in Meriden and Camp Thundermoon in Berlin.

According to John Benigni, CEO of the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA, enrolling in the program was a huge success. The YMCA was provided the necessary funds in order to make camp accessible for all children.

“We provided additional transportation in order to make it easier for the families, and we hired additional staffing so that we could have larger groups of children and make it easier for the students to enjoy their summer experience,” Benigni said.

“I’m excited to hear that the governor is renewing this because it allows us to apply again, and hopefully have the necessary funds to be

able to say yes to these families for the next two years,” he said. “I think it’s important for kids to be in an outside environment socializing, especially after COVID. This will hopefully prepare them when they go back into program and classroom settings.”

Larue A. Graham, Jr., executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Meriden, said that the summer enrichment program enhanced the resources the organization was able to provide to the community.

“It allowed us to not only send kids to camp for free, but it also paid for some of

the expenses that camps deal with on an annual basis,” he said. In addition, Graham has seen an increase in enrollment for their two camps Camp BGC and Cuno Camp.

The Boys & Girls Club of Meriden also plans to reapply for the 2023 and 2024 program.

Efrain Valentin J., Owner of Valentin Karate, says that he is looking into the possibility of applying for the grant.

Valentin Karate received a grant from the City of Meriden last year which allowed them to rebrand their summer camp.

“We changed it from just a karate camp to a sports camp. And we do dance, gymnastics, martial arts, indoor games, and we have ninja warrior courses,” Valentin said. “We also have arts and crafts.”

The Summer Enrichment Program will award two-year grants of up to $150,000 in funds to eligible programs.

According to their website, camps can apply to either an Expansion Grant which is up to $50,000 in funding, or an Innovation Grant which is between $50,000 and $150,000 in funding. The awards will be announced by the state on May 1.

Rey Rodriguez, 7, of Meriden, flops down a slipand-slide during Carnival Week at Cuno Camp in Meriden on July 14, 2022.

Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

LEGAL NOTICE

BERLIN HOUSING AUTHORITY, 250 KENSINGTON ROAD, KENSINGTON, CT 06037

Pre-applications for the Elderly/Disabled waiting list for Percival Heights will be accepted from April 1, 2023 to May 1, 2023.  Must be either 62 years old or disabled with a max gross annual income of $62,600 (1 person) $71,550 (2 person).  Contact (860) 828-4500 for an application.  Completed pre-application must be post marked NO

LATER than May 1, 2023.

A lottery will be drawn after 30 days.  R260171

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.

IMPOUNDED - Large Black & White Cat, vicinity Kensington Rd./ Norton Rd. Call Berlin Animal Control 860-828-7055.

LEGAL NOTICE

WORTHINGTON FIRE DISTRICT COLLECTOR’S QUARTERLY WATER/SEWER COLLECTION NOTICE

TO THE CUSTOMERS OF THE WORTHINGTON FIRE DISTRICT, BERLIN, CT:

Water/Sewer bills have been mailed to all residents of the Worthington Fire District. All persons liable to pay Water/Sewer Fees in to the Worthington Fire District of the Town of Berlin, CT, are hereby notified that payments for the APRIL 2023 Water/Sewer Billing Cycle are due and payable in full on or before May 1, 2023. SAID CHARGES SHALL BECOME DELINQUENT IF NOT PAID/POSTMARKED ON OR BEFORE MONDAY, MAY 1, 2023.

Interest at the rate of 1.5% per month shall be charged from April 1, 2023 if not paid on or before Monday, May 1, 2023, subject to a minimum interest charge of $2.00.

ANY AND ALL UNPAID BACK CHARGES MUST BE PAID IN FULL BEFORE PAYMENT MAY BE MADE ON THE APRIL 2023 WATER/ SEWER FEES.

FAILURE TO RECEIVE A BILL DOES NOT RELIEVE ONE FROM LIABILITY. Any person who is liable for these charges and who does not receive a bill(s) should contact the Worthington Fire District Office at once, by phone at 860-828-5630.

Lynn J. Ferrelli OFFICE HOURS:

Tax Collector

Mon – Thurs: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm

Worthington Fire District Friday: 7:30 am – 12:30 pm 1400 Berlin Turnpike, www.wfdwater.com Berlin, CT 06037

WORTHINGTON FIRE DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER R259715

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT)

The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for EMT. Must possess a H.S. diploma or G.E.D., plus one (1) year of recent experience as an EMT Must be 18 years old and be a Connecticut or National Registry Certified EMT with CPR Certification and a valid State of Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license. Starting wage $779.00 (weekly), plus an excellent fringe benefits 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 may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone (203) 294-2080. The closing date will be the date of the 50th application or resume is received or April 14, 2023, whichever occurs first. EOE

OFFICE ASSISTANTPart- time. Apply in person to Century Tool, 260 Canal St., Milldale, CT 06467. 860-6216748.

PUBLIC WORKS MAINTAINERS

Town of Cheshire seeks qualified candidates for open FT positions. Must possess CDL to be considered. Current rate: $31.74/hr. Excellent benefits package. For more information on how to apply, see Town web site at www. cheshirect.org. Deadline to apply: 4/17/23. EEOE, M/F/D/V.

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

1, 2, 3 CASH FOR YOUR ANTIQUES & JEWELRY - Call Todd Shamock at 203-494-1695.

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

ALWAYS TOP CASHFor Your Grandma’s Costume Jewelry Stash. I’ll Come to You. Julie, 203-443-9602.

Looking

Find litters of critters in Classifieds.

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.

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 . Top Soil . Compost . . Wood Chips . FOR SALE. Catering to small deliveries. Call Bob (203) 415-0723

TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS 203-238-2149

MADAM ALEXANDER DOLLS - Merrythought Teddy Bear Collection. Call Dennis, 203 6417333.

ANTIQUES WANTEDComic 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.

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

PREMIER ESTATE JEW-

ELRY - Is interested in buying your fine jewelry, watches, coin collections, silver flatware, and costume jewelry. Call Bill, (203) 4942496.

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.

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, Native American Items, Vintage Electronics, Slot Cars, Toy Trucks, Matchbox & Hotwheels, Barbie’s, Folk Art, Statues, Bronzes, Trains, Cameras, Mid Century Modern Furniture, Straight Razors, Shaving Items, Political Items, Comic Books, Sports Cards & Autographs…& 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.

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

BY OWNER - 488B Radmere Rd., Cheshire: 2 BRs, 1.5 BA. Finished bsm’t. $235,000 obo. 860.839.3707 or 860.655-8983.

150 TAG SALES

In one location under the Festival Tent on Saturday, April 22, 2023, 9AM to 2PM Hubbard Park, 999 W. Main Street, Meriden, CT

THE MERIDEN DAFFODIL

GARY WODATCHDemolition Svs Sheds, pools, decks, garages, debris removal. Quick, courteous svc. All calls returned. Ins. #566326. Cell, 860-558-5430

CARPENTRY

Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping

Water Damage Repairs.

Free Est. Ins. MC & Visa.

Call Bill (203) 901-2136. CT. Reg. # 0647093

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.

Let Us BEAR Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT #1 CHEAP Sm. Yard Mowing. Spring Clean-Up. Light Hauling. Sr. & Veteran disc. 203.600.3836. Mike’s Helping Hands.

GARY WODATCH

JM Lawn Care Comm. & Res. Lawn Mowing, Spring Cleanup, Hedge Trimming, Tree Service, Mulch, any color. 860.796.8168

SPRING SPECIALSWhole House up to 5 rms. $269. 6’ sofa, $109. CarpetCare Solutions, 203.427.5165.

DECKS & PORCHES

Give some new life to your old decks and porches. We can repair or replace stairs, deck boards, railings. We also construct new decks. HIC#647093 Insured. Call Bill for a free estimate, (203) 901-2136.

ED’S JUNK REMOVAL (203) 494-1526

Fully ins. Free Estimate. Call Ed, we will take it to the dump for you!

Hedge & tree trimming. Trim overgrown properties. Calls returned. #620397. 860.558.5430

JT’S LANDSCAPING LLC - Spring CleanUps, we specialize in weeding all types of beds, mulching, top soil work, pruning hedges & shrubs, & all your landscape needs. Residential & commercial. Lic. #616311. Call today for free estimate, 203-213-6528.

PATIOS, WALKWAYS, Stonewalls, Steps, Concrete, Repairs, Etc. Free Ests. #0648556 203.808.6886 arnoldsmasonry.com

A pressureless house washing system can save you money, ask how! The Power-Washing Kings. House & roof washing, decks, patios, etc. Others Wash We Clean! 860.839.1000 thepowerwashing kings.com

POWER WASHING Is Spring Cleaning on THE OUTSIDE

FREE Estimates #569127 Call Kevin 203-440-3279

GUTTERS DON’T WORK

If they’re dirty! For gutter cleaning, Call Kevin (203) 440-3279 Fully ins. CT# 569127

JUNK REMOVAL

Hot Tub Removal, Furniture, appliances, entire contents of: homes, sheds, estates, attics, basements, garages & more.

*SPRING YARD Clean-ups* FREE ESTIMATES. LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817 860-575-8218

IF YOU Mention This Ad SPRINGYard Clean-Ups Brush, branches, s torm damage

**JUNK REMOVAL**

Appl’s, Furniture, Junk, Debris, etc WE CAN REMOVE ANYTHING

Entire house to 1 item removed!

FREE ESTIMATES

Sr. Citizen Discount

LIC & INS.

DUMPSTER RENTALS

203-535-9817 860-575-8218

ALEX EUROPEAN MASONRY - 30 yrs. exp. Patios, ret. walls, steps, brick, stone, chimneys. Lic#580443. 203-2320257 or 203-596-0652

W. BOOBER MASONRY -

Over 35 Years Experience

All Types of Masonry CT License #626708 (203) 235-4139

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

OVER 28 YEARS EXP

Stonewalls, patios, sidewalks, chimneys, pool areas, fireplaces, fire pit steps, all types of masonry work. Free est. (860) 274-4893.

RT RELOCATION

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

Roof Repair or Replacement, Chimney Repair, Skylight Replacement. Free est. CT #0651199 (860) 877-3006

GARY WODATCH - Tree

Removal. All calls returned. CT# 620397. Quick courteous service. 860-558-5430.

Specializing in tree removal, chipping & grinding. Call for free estimate. 203-945-1808.