Thursday, April 9, 2020
www.berlincitizen.com
Volume 22, Number 6
Board of Finance sends budgets to Town Council At a teleconference meeting last week, the Board of Finance approved a $46 million Board of Education
budget and a $45 million government budget to go before the Town Council for a vote. Board of Finance Chairman Sam Lomaglio said that as it
is now, “the town is in financially perfect shape.” Lomaglio added that this year the town should be announcing a zero mill increase as well. The board
could finalize a zero mill increase today, Thursday, April 9. “It was time for a zero mill increase, especially with everything that’s been going
on,” Lomaglio said. “This still gives the Board of Education a 2.3 percent budget increase.” See Budgets, A11
Officials warn of check scams
Virtual classes help YMCA members stay active at home
By Lauren Sellew Record-Journal staff
By Jessica Simms Special to the Record-Journal
Residents are cautioned to be on the lookout for scams involving claims of stimulus checks from the federal government.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, local YMCAs and recreation departments have been hosting virtual classes in order to keep members engaged and supported.
After the announcement of the $2 trillion federal economic stimulus package, the state attorney general and Department of Consumer Protection began receiving reports of “bad actors looking to steal Americans’ personal information and money,” according to a statement. “Scam artists will use this public health emergency and much-needed relief as a way to profit off of the public’s fears and vulnerabilities ...” Attorney General William Tong said in
the statement. He advised residents to do research if they receive a phone call, text message or email from someone claiming to be from the federal government. State police said they have not received any complaints. “Hopefully people heed the warning,” Meriden Police Sgt. Darrin McKay said. “It’s no different than a phishing scam.” See Scams, A13
One of the newsletters is aimed at senior citizens. It features daily exercises. “We also have been reaching out to our senior members and giving them workouts, recipes and tips,” Goodman added.
“The building may be closed, but we are still very busy serving the community,” said Joan Goodman, membership and marketing director of the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA.
The Y’s theater group has been hosting online trivia and bingo nights. Other staff has read stories for children online. “This promotes wellness in other ways,” Goodman said.
The local YMCA continues to send a daily newsletter to the Y community, including links to daily workouts, health tips and recipes. Online, there are videos by Y staff that will help kids sharpen basketball or gymnastics skills.
The Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA has also adapted to the COVID-19 outbreak. “So what we did when we realized that our members were going to be isolated and kept apart from each other, we put together a
bunch of Facebook groups and through those groups we are doing live classes and there’s links to different videos,” said John Philips, director of health and well-being. “It’s pretty cool because people recognize each other from all walks of life and age groups and talk to each other.” The Meriden Parks and Recreation Department has also been hosting virtual classes. “So I have been trying to do a virtual exercise class everyday Monday through Friday at 10 a.m,” said Recreation Coordinator Kathy Matula. “Everyday at 1 p.m., an interactive children’s activity. I have been calling it Break Time.” See Classes, A11
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By Everett Bishop The Citizen