Around Town

Menswear on Mill Street

Michael Perno celebrated the opening of his new business, Giovanni Louise Custom Menswear, with a June 23 ribbon-cuttiing ceremony attended by town officials.

Located at 116A Mill St., Giovanni Louise offers custom suits, tailoring services and personalized styling.

”When we started this business just over a year ago, we had no clients, no showroom, a few fabric books, and one manufacturer,” Perno stated in a social media post. “Fast forward to today – we’ve worked with over one hundred clients, opened a showroom/lounge, stock endless fabric options, and work with the best manufacturers across the globe. It’s been such an exciting ride so far, none of which would be possible without our

New family members

amazing clients. A heartfelt thank you to all of our clients, friends, family, and supporters. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to bring your visions to life and be a part of your style journey!”

Giovanni Louise Custom Menswear is open Monday through Friday by appointment only, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To contact the shop, call 860803-8821 or email michael@ giovannilouise.com.

The Berlin Police Department added to its ranks recently, as new hires Mary Claffey and Cole Wendehack were sworn in at Town Hall.

"Officer Claffey joins us as a lateral police officer from Cheshire PD and will start on patrol after a short Field Training period. Officer Wendehack will begin his training at POST, where he will complete a six-month academy," the Berlin PD stated on social media. "Please welcome the new additions to our BPD family!"

Hunter’s Ambulance management informed municipal leaders in its service area that it has a contingency plan should the paramedics and EMTs vote to strike.

“We are in a deadlock with Hartford HealthCare over its (mandatory overtime) policy, wages and safety,” said Peter Zera, an EMT and representative of the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics Local 294. “We’re just preparing our members for what to expect should we have to go down that road. We’re still bargaining. They (HHC) have the power to stop this.”

Hunter’s Ambulance services Meriden, Berlin, Middletown and Middlefield and provides mutual aid to Wallingford, Portland and Cromwell. The ambulance service recently negotiated a contract with the town of Southington after its Town Council voted not to extend its contract with American Medical Response.

“Hunter’s Ambulance remains committed to reaching an agreement on a contract with the union,” Hunter’s President Gary Havican said in a statement. “We provided the union with an offer on June 15 that addressed all open issues and provides market-leading wages. Since then, the union has not accepted the offer or presented a formal counterproposal.

“While hopeful that the union will respond to our offer, and that service will not be disrupted. Hunter’s Ambulance will continue operations through contingency planning if a work stoppage should occur, ” according to the statement.

Local 294 said last week that negotiations with Hartford HealthCare had yet to adequately address concerns over short staffing, wages and safety risks. The safety concerns center on radio communications in downtown Meriden, where service is spotty and calls for additional resources from dispatch can’t always be heard, union representatives said.

Hartford HealthCare bought Hunter’s Ambulance nearly three years ago and upgraded its communication capability. But according to Zera, paramedics and EMTs can hear Glastonbury calls clearly, but downtown Meriden remains problematic.

Land Trust

The Berlin Land Trust remains committed to its mission of conserving open spaces and preserving the town's natural resources. Through partnerships and community initiatives, the group strives to create a sustainable environment for future generations.

For more information, visit berlinlandtrust.org.

Renters rebate

State law provides a reimbursement program for Connecticut renters who are elderly or totally disabled, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits.

Persons renting an apartment or room or living in cooperative housing, or a mobile home may be eligible for this program. Applications are accepted through Oct. 1. Visit portal.ct.gov/ OPM.

Leash ordinance

In December of 2021, the Town of Berlin passed a new leash ordinance that requires dogs to be always on leashes on public property. This includes all town parks and public sidewalks. Beginning May 1, Animal Control Officers were set to begin issuing Written Infractions. The fine for violation of this ordinance is $100. For more information regarding the leash ordinance, refer to the municipal website.

Lineworkers

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.

Boxes to Boots

Berlin-based nonprofit 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.

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.

Volunteer award

The Robert B. Dornfried Sr. Lifetime Volunteerism

Award is bestowed upon a resident “who is dedicated to a lifetime of community volunteerism, civic duty and extraordinary service.” Visit berlinvolunteerfund.com.

Community alerts

Sign up to receive emergency alerts and community notifications on berlinct.gov.

Options are: Emergency Alerts (weather related closings, fire, flood, etc.); Town

Updates (town-wide nonemergency 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).

Legion Post 68

American Legion Post 68 has been serving Berlin veterans since 1947. For more information, email Post Commander Vin Trigila at v_trig@yahoo.com.

Queso Queso For A Cause Cause

Queso Queso For A Cause Cause

Queso Queso For A Cause Cause

TUESDAY, JULY 11TH 5 PM - 8 PM

893 North Colony Rd. Wallingford, CT

TUESDAY, JULY 11TH 5 PM - 8 PM

TUESDAY, JULY 11TH 5 PM - 8 PM

893 North Colony Rd. Wallingford, CT

893 North Colony Rd. Wallingford, CT

Visit the Wallingford Pancheros location on Tuesday, July 11th between 5 PM & 8 PM to support the Latino Communities Reporting Lab! Simply present this flyer inrestaurant at purchasing and Pancheros will donate 30% of your sale during this time to the organization!

Visit the Wallingford Pancheros location on Tuesday, July 11th between 5 PM & 8 PM to support the Latino Communities Reporting Lab! Simply present this flyer inrestaurant at purchasing and Pancheros will donate 30% of your sale during this time to the organization!

Visit the Wallingford Pancheros location on Tuesday, July 11th between 5 PM & 8 PM to support the Latino Communities Reporting Lab! Simply mention this ad in-restaurant at purchasing, and Pancheros will DONATE 30% OF YOUR SALE to the organization during this time!

Visit the Wallingford Pancheros location on Tuesday, July 11th between 5 PM & 8 PM to support the Latino Communities Reporting Lab! Simply present this flyer inrestaurant at purchasing and Pancheros will donate 30% of your sale during this time to the organization!

SCOW School of Music’s Mariachi Los Laureles will play between 7:00 - 8:00 PM

SCOW School of Music’s Mariachi Los Laureles will play between 7:00 - 8:00 PM

SCOW School of Music’s Mariachi Los Laureles will play between 7:00 - 8:00 PM

SCOW School of Music’s Mariachi Los Laureles will play between

Veleas said he uses cliches and phrases from coaches he has worked with over the years, including Berlin High’s Al Pelligrinelli and Jim Day, "because they demanded excellence.”

Veleas recalled, “Coach P used to carry his clipboard and knock on it and ask the kids, ‘You know what that is? That’s opportunity. Be ready when you get your opportunity.’"

Veleas is friends with former Central Connecticut State University men's basketball coach Howie Dickenman, who was a longtime assistant to Jim Calhoun at UConn.

"We talk quite a bit,” Veleas said of Dickenman. “He is a compassionate man, but ultra-competitive, and it means a lot when he comes to our games. When he was at UConn, he was living in Manchester, and he had a party every summer. So, I got to meet Geno (Auriemma) when he was just starting. I remember sitting and talking to him about coaching. Yeah, it’s two different sports, but it’s coaching theory, and we were on the same page about fundamentals and the fancy stuff isn’t needed if you can handle the basics."

Veleas also was able to pick the brain of CCSU coaching legend Bill Detrick.

“We were talking about coaching, and I said, ‘Well, it helps to have good players, too.’ And he said, ‘That’s true, but it’s even worse when you lose with good players though.’”

Veleas' teams at BHS have never not made the state tournament, and have played for the state title 12 times.

During his long tenure, Veleas has coached a few father-son duos, as well as his own son and grandson. Two guys he coached, Jesse Carl- son and Matt Carasiti, played in the majors, and many others were drafted, including Sean Johnson, Marc Carosielli, Scott Gentile, David Swanson, Jason Maule, Ryan DiPietro and Anthony Marzi.

“He has had so many successes on the field," BHS di- rector of athletics Dave Francalangia said of Veleas, "but the successes in life, kids coming back, reaching out to him, that’s what is most meaningful to Coach.”

While he has not said how long he plans to coach, for now, Veleas still enjoys heading to the field. “Our team this year did a great job, they were a little inexperienced, but they never quit and gave everything they had,” he said. “They drove me nuts at times, but they improved so much as the year went on and I really enjoyed coaching them."