The Berlin Citizen

Page 1

Berlin resident named Meriden library director

MERIDEN When officials cut the ribbon on the newly renovated and expanded Meriden Public Library building Friday morning, longtime city librarian Becky Starr will be among those in attendance. And she will have a new title: library director.

Fair preparations ramping up

One of the state’s longestrunning agricultural fairs returns to Beckley Road this fall with some additions, including a martini and whiskey tent, and a new, larger cattle barn. The 74th Berlin Fair will run from Sept. 14 to 17.

As usual, the fair, operated by the Berlin Lions, will feature live music, rides, games, plenty of food and beverage options, and much more.

“This fair is like a family reunion,” 2023 fair president Stephen Kaulinski said. “It’s great how many people who no longer live in Berlin come back and visit the fair.”

The event serves as the biggest annual fundraiser for many local groups.

“It’s neighbors helping neighbors in the different booths,” Kaulinski said.

“This is what makes Berlin unique and what it is.”

See Fair, A12

The Meriden Public Library Board of Trustees, during a special meeting Monday afternoon, voted unanimously to appoint Starr to the role.

It’s not an entirely new role for Starr, who had served as the library’s acting director since June 2022.

See Library, A12

Around Town

Field project breaks ground

The Town of Berlin announced recently that the Biscoglio Field project had broken ground. Located behind Berlin High School, the grass field inside the track is being converted into a synthetic turf surface. The town said this is a highly-anticipated project, as it will add another multi-use, year-round field to the community for both high school teams and youth organizations to utilize. Construction will continue through the fall, and the field is expected to open in the spring of 2024.

Funding for this project was provided by an Urban Act Grant from the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

See Around Town, A8

Volume 25, Number 28 Thursday, July13, 2023 www.berlincitizen.com
The74thBerlinFairwilltakeplaceSept.14to17. Nicole Zappone, The Citizen
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The Friday Night Bocce League champions at the Italian Political Independent Club in Berlin are Holly, Frank, Rolo, Elouse, Domenica, Christian, Tom, Pam and “mascot” Emily. The Citizen welcomes submissions from the community. Send photos and other items to news@theberlincitizen.com.

The IPIC Friday Night

Locals in college

Maisie Hayes, Shanna Lennehan, Jack Melville, Evan Morin and Zachary Murray were named to the spring dean's list at Eastern Connecticut State University.

Adam Bilinski, Brie Clarke, Khalil Gooden,

Dave Manafort, Justin Piskorski, Jonathan Trevathan and Casey Urga were named to the spring dean's list at Roger Williams University

Rebecca Mayer, Nina Garofalo and Kevin Brockel were named to the spring dean's list at Western New England University.

TheBerlinCitizen|theberlincitizen.com A2 Thursday,July13,2023
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Schools
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Letters to the Editor

Email letters 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. Include a phone number so The Citizen can contact you for verification. Letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday to be considered for publication the following Thursday.

Community theater returns with ‘Best of Broadway’ show

Press Release

The Theatre Guild of Berlin, Inc. is Berlin’s new community theater group. Organized in March 2023, the Theatre Guild will present its premiere production, “The

Best of Broadway – A Musical Review,” Wednesday, July 19 and Thursday, July 20 at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill St. Showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets are available for a suggested donation of $15 ($10 for seniors, students).

Cash or check only. Seating is general admission.

To purchase tickets in advance, email tgberlin.2023@ gmail.com. The box office at the church will open at 6 p.m. on performance nights.

TheBerlinCitizen|theberlincitizen.com A4 Thursday,July13,2023
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ROAD WARRIORS

Humanitarian aid efforts the topic of upcoming library talk

Press Release

Learn about Ukrainian humanitarian aid efforts happening in Connecticut Tuesday, July 18, 6:30 p.m., at the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library.

Anna Kobylarz and Zoriana Kramarenko will lead the program.

As part of the humanitarian mission of the Polish American Foundation (Community Help associate program),

Kobylarz and Kramarenko have formed the biggest Ukrainian humanitarian aid program in the state.

They will share their experiences and discuss their efforts in helping women, children and orphans in Ukraine.

Registration for the July 18 library program is requested.

Visit berlinpeck.org or call 860-828-7126.

Berlin’s seventh grade travel basketball boys team ran up a record of 27-5 during its 202223 season and captured the Connecticut Boys Travel Basketball League title. The champs are: Patrick Sullivan, Caden DeSantos, Jack Cohen, Brandon Sadowski, Liam DeSantos, Ty Puzio, Zachary Sadowski, Will Chyra, Braden Kelly and Tommy Moskites. The team was coached by Rob Cohen and assisted by Dan Sadowski and Tom Chyra. The Citizen welcomes submissions from the community.

TheBerlinCitizen|theberlincitizen.comThursday,July13,2023 A5
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Send photos and other items to news@theberlincitizen.com.

Democratic Town Committee

The Berlin Democratic Town Committee can be reached at berlindemocrats@gmail.com or via P.O. Box 93, 62 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT 06037.

Berlin GOP

Registered Berlin Republicans: Do you want to make a difference in your community? The Berlin Republican Town Committee is looking for volunteers to serve on local boards, commissions

and in elected offices. If interested, send an email to info@berlingop.org.

Preservation CT

Preservation Connecticut is a statewide nonprofit historic preservation organization, established in 1975 by a Special Act of the Connecticut General Assembly as the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. Preservation Connecticut has championed the protection of community assets all over the state. Visit preservationct.org.

Wreath-laying

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The group’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. For more information, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.

TheBerlinCitizen|theberlincitizen.com A6 Thursday,July13,2023
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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

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 or send a message to Post 68 via Facebook.

TheBerlinCitizen|theberlincitizen.comThursday,July13,2023 A7
Related (Community Center, Senior Center, Parks & Recreation, Social Services).
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Around Town

Strawberry shortcake fest

Members of the Senior Center came together to celebrate the summer with a Strawberry Shortcake Festival, held June 27.

The afternoon event started with music performed by The Willie and Jan Band, featuring Jan Scruggs and Willie Nininger, and after the show, seniors were treated to delicious strawberry shortcake with whipped topping.

Legion funds

The American Legion Post 68 Auxiliary announced recently that $90,000 had been raised to make improvements to the Post home on Porters Pass.

The Auxiliary said it’s now looking forward to hitting its goal of $100,000.

Over the last several years, the roof at American Legion Post 68 deteriorated, causing damage to the inside of the building.

For a time, a tarp was placed on the roof to prevent water from seeping in. On Nov. 20, 2022, Post 68 hosted a Community Open House to show appreciation to all who donated toward the building fund. Following that event, the local Legion said, “With the help of Berlin’s wonderful community, Post 68 has been able to replace the roof and start a facelift on the building. Although there is much more to do, Legion members wanted to express their sincere gratitude to everyone who has made the building fund a success so far.”

At the open house, Post Commander Vin Trigila said he wanted to make the building more modern and appealing to the new generation of veterans.

TheBerlinCitizen|theberlincitizen.com A8 Thursday,July13,2023
From A1
Work is underway at Berlin High School’s Biscoglio Field. The grass field inside the track is being converted into a syntheticturfsurface. Town of Berlin, Facebook
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Jan Scruggs and Willie Nininger, The Willie and Jan Band, perform at the Senior Center’s Strawberry Shortcake Festival. Berlin Senior
Center,
Facebook

Book sale

The East Berlin Library hosts an ongoing used book sale. The library, located at 80 Main St., in the fire house building, is open Monday and Thursday, 3 to 7 p.m.

Museum program

Connecticut's Summer at the Museum program enables children to receive free admission at dozens of museums across the state, including historic house museums, sites and societies, history, art and children’s museums, science centers, arboretums/botanical gardens and zoos, and others. The full list of participating museums is available at ctvisit.com. Summer at the Museum began July 1.

Drive-In movies

The 2023 summer season at the Southington Drive-In runs every Saturday through Sept. 9. Admission is $20 per carload and $5 for walk-ins, cash only. Gates open at 6 p.m, with the films beginning after sunset. Upcoming movie schedule: July 15: “Coco,” July 22: “Moana.”

GOP fundraiser

The Berlin Republican Town Committee will host a cookout fundraiser Saturday, July 29, noon to 4 p.m., at the American Legion, 154 Porters Pass. Tickets are $25 ($10 for children age 5 to 12). Tickets can be purchased the day of the cookout, but buying them in advance is encouraged. Contact Lecia Paonessa at 860828-3271.

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 serv-

ing can be put up on the wall. Contact Peter Galgano at petergalgano@comcast.net or 860-604-7258.

Rally for animals

North Haven-based Bikers Against Animal Cruelty is a nonprofit which advocates against animal cruelty and neglect, promotes responsible pet ownership and helps provide the cost of emergency care for ownerless victims of animal cruelty and neglect. BAAC’s annual fundraising rally will be held

Saturday, July 29, noon to 5 p.m., at Town Center Park, 2761 Dixwell Ave., in Hamden. The event will include food trucks, vendors and more. Admission is $5.

Tip line

In response to growing complaints of a spike in so-called street takeover events, the FBI rolled out a tip line for residents to report instances of mass gatherings in parking lots and roadways. Residents looking to report a street takeover are encour-

aged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI and select the “Connecticut Street Takeovers” option, or visit fbi.gov/cttakeovertips.

Marines sought

The Marine Corps League, Hardware City Detachment, New Britain CT is actively looking for new members.

You do not have to live in New Britain to be a member. The Hardware City Detachment meets the first Wednesday of the month, 6:30 p.m., at the Berlin VFW, 152 Massirio Dr. For more information, contact Sal V. Sena Sr. (860-614-6188, 4mermarine69@gmail.com) or Al Urso (860-747-0677, alurso@cox.net).

TheBerlinCitizen|theberlincitizen.comThursday,July13,2023 A9
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COMMENTARY: Bears abound, show them respect

It seems like just about everyone in Connecticut has a story about the time they saw a bear.

Bears show up in all kinds of places. Backyard trampolines and cupcake shops are two unusual recent sightings.

A Plainville resident had one sleeping under his deck last winter. As widely reported in the news, he made sure the bear was left alone and not disturbed.

A few years back, Southington had a bear roaming its downtown and a few weeks ago one wandered into downtown Hartford. Apparently, even busy commercial areas are not off limits. Another instance was that time a bear wandered through the automatic doors at Crazy Bruce’s liquor Store in Bristol.

Home break-ins involving bears are another example of bear-human interactions.

A bear was euthanized after it broke into a Bloomfield home recently.

A bear biting or otherwise attacking a pet or even a human are the kind of incidents that, although quite uncommon, are stark reminders that as amusing as bears may seem to us these are wild animals.

Some weigh up to 400 pounds, they’re often hungry, might have cubs to protect and are trying to survive in an ever shrinking habitat.

State statistics reveal that there were more than 10,500 bear sightings in 2022 and more than 3,600 reports of damage that year. According to a story in The Connecticut Mirror, that’s an all time high.

The legislature is looking at how to handle this situation.

WATER WORKS SCHOLARSHIP

A hunt was discussed and while that’s not currently on the table, other solutions are. The Mirror outlined the status of what the Senate passed along to the House. The proposed bill would allow farmers to get a bear hunting permit to prevent crop or livestock destruction. Intentional feeding of bears would be banned and there would be penalties.

Are any other ideas being explored by wildlife scientists? Could feeding stations in deep woods reduce bears scavenging in neighborhoods? Could some young bears be selected for neutering to reduce the population?

Six bears, a gang that appeared to be one adult and five yearlings, wandered through my yard not long ago and loitered in the neighborhood, scavenging for food in several trash bins

at nearby houses. A visit by bears always causes excitement and what occurred during this incident demonstrates some of the reasons the growing bear population is cause for concern.

One guy tried to pat a young bear as it climbed his stockade fence, the bear hissed and the man backed off. A work-from-home mom came out in the yard with her two young kids to see the bears the animals roamed just a few feet from the steps where the family stood.

Another neighbor kept raking leaves as a bear pulled bags out of a nearby trash can. I tried to get a photo of that bear and took one step too close, causing the bear to lurch towards me, hissing, and sending me running back into the house. Later, I heard how one resident tried to hand feed a bear, sticking a hand out a backdoor with food as the bear passed by.

What’s described here is not a bear problem so much as it is a human problem. Every single action taken was not smart (also known as stupid) and we knew better or should have. DEEP has done a lot to educate people on how to live with bears. It’s up to us to internalize that information.

A bear sighting sends adrenaline soaring. It is thrilling and terrifying all at once to see these magnificent animals in our midst. While dangerous humanbear encounters may require a forceful response, including killing the animal, it’s up to humans to do all they can to prevent that outcome.

As that wise Plainville resident did, we all need to step back, reduce contact and let the bears be.

Recent Berlin High School graduate Molly Szczesniak was awarded a scholarship by the Connecticut Water Works Association and the CT Section of the American Water Works Association.

Szczesniak, who plans to pursue a career in chemical engineering, was selected to receive the scholarship in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement and interest in issues affecting the state’s water resources.

Szczesniak was presented the scholarship by Kevin Schwabe and Ray Baral.

TheBerlinCitizen|theberlincitizen.com A10 Thursday,July13,2023

Connecticut’s Lowell Weicker remembered

Lowell P. Weicker Jr. was remembered Monday as a man of courage and complexity, eulogized by a governor and former U.S. senator as a politician who repeatedly risked all over principle, blessed with a confidence and compass that made him easy to admire if not hard to take.

“You’ve heard it said that Lowell Weicker was one of a kind,” Gov. Ned Lamont said. “Thank goodness. More than one would have been exhausting.”

The mourners at St. Barnabas Church in Greenwich laughed, some more knowingly than others. The pews were crowded by three generations of Weickers, their friends and Weicker’s former staffs. More softly, Lamont quickly added that “ more like him” would be welcome in contemporary politics.

“He loved the back and forth and give and take of politics, no question about it,” Lamont said. “Like them all, he loved to win. But unlike most politicians, he wasn’t afraid to lose. And that gave him a certain liberating courage. He had a Teddy Roosevelt fearlessness to me. ”

Weicker, who died last week at 92 after months of failing health, was a third-party governor and Connecticut’s last Republican senator. He was eulogized by two Democrats, Lamont and former U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd; a former Washington and Hartford staffer, Stanley A. Twardy; and two sons, Scot and Gray Weicker. Dodd said Weicker showed during Watergate that he was unwilling to fall under the thrall of party or personality.

“Many remember Lowell’s stirring moment when he scolded the White House, declaring that our fellow Americans are not enemies to be harassed but people to be loved and won a statement that is as meaningful today as it was then,” Dodd said.

The children and step children of Weicker’s three marriages were pallbearers and did readings. Tre and Sonny Weicker, sons from his second marriage, stood together while Tre read from the Book of Isaiah. Sonny, who has Down Syndrome, was one of their father’s inspirations for sponsoring the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Scot and Gray Weicker described their father as a doting grandfather, the “ pop ”

presiding over Christmas Eve gift-giving, proud of the grandson who followed his passion in scuba diving and granddaughter who organized his Senate papers at the University of Virginia.

Scot said his father and daughter, Amanda, both spoke on the National Mall for Amanda’s graduation from George Washington University. The daughter was terrified, the father not so much. “He thrived, as he loved being in front of as many people as humanly possible,” Scot said.

This was not news to the mourners, who laughed.

“It just seemed like he was going to live forever,” Gray said. “He had a disdain for water. He drank Diet Coke and bourbon not together

ate pound cake, cheesecake or rum cake for breakfast and lived to 92. Truly miraculous.”

Former Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and wife, Cathy, sat with the congressional delegation and statewide constitutional officers, all Democrats. Republicans were represented by former U.S. Rep. Chris Shays, former state Sen.

John McKinney, former Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele and at least two current office holders from Greenwich, state Sen. Ryan Fazio and First Selectman Fred Camillo.

Before and after the funeral, politicians of different parties and generations mingled, sharing gossip and stories.

Ted Kennedy Jr. recalled visiting Weicker after returning from South Africa, where he had accepted an award on behalf of his late father, U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, and Weicker, both ardent foes of apartheid.

Weicker once was arrested demonstrating outside the South African embassy in Washington.

William Nickerson, the former Republican state senator from Greenwich who cast a crucial vote in favor of the income tax, was seated not far from U.S. Rep. John Larson, a Democrat who voted against the tax as state Senate leader.

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

TheBerlinCitizen|theberlincitizen.comThursday,July13,2023 A11
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Former U.S. Senator and Connecticut Gov. Lowell Weicker’s family and clergy proceed out of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, where the politician’s funeral service was held. Shahrzad Rasekh, The Connecticut Mirror

Starr’s first order of business was overseeing the final days of preparation ahead of the reopening of the building at 105 Miller St. after a more than 18-month-long renovation and expansion project. On Monday, most of the shelving, books, computers, furniture and other materials appeared to be in place.

The next task will be welcoming patrons back to the space, after library staff worked out of a scaled down operation in the Meriden Mall for nearly a year and a half.

Starr, a Berlin resident, first began working for the city of

Meriden in 1995 as a performance/budget analyst.

Starr said she worked for former City Manager Roger Kemp and worked with all the city’s department heads at the time. “That’s how I got to know the library director at the time, Marcia Trotta,”

Starr said. “She started me on my career. ”

It began in 1998, with a public libraries class, which Starr said she loved and kept going. Trotta hired Starr part-time while she worked on her master of library science degree.

“That was my first job here. Then I worked my way up to eventually librarian four, which is what I’m at now,” Starr said. She would later become the head of Adult Reference & Collection Development. In 2020, she became public services coordinator. Two years later, Starr became acting director when former Meriden Public Library Director Clevell Roseboro II resigned to take on a new role in North Carolina.

For Starr, the transition to a leadership role was seamless. “I’ve been here long enough to know what needs to be done. I know the staff. I know the services and I know the people of Meriden,” she said.

Library Board President Thomas Welsh had nothing but praise for Starr, who he said had “done a great job” leading the library over the past year “making the numbers grow while we were in the mall.”

“She has more than proved her worth,” Welsh said.

More than 80 vendors will be onsite selling food, accessories, decor, collectibles the list goes on.

The popular HTX helicopter rides return to the Berlin Fair this year, and the Deep Purple tribute band Beyond Purple will perform. Other concerts and events are still being planned.

“The Berlin Fair is one of the most recognizable and wellattended events in the greater Hartford area,” Economic Development Director Chris Edge said. “The Berlin Lions provide an

amazing weekend of experiences to people of all ages and then use the proceeds to invest back into the community. Something we should all be proud of having here in Berlin.”

As for the new cattle barn currently under construction, it will be 250 feet long and 60 feet wide. Also, it will offer seating for spectators, something the previous, smaller barn did not.

General admission to the Berlin Fair is $15. A four-day pass is $40. There's no entrance fee for children age 11 and younger when accompanied by an adult. To learn more, visit ctberlinfair.com.

TheBerlinCitizen|theberlincitizen.com A12 Thursday,July13,2023
Fair
From A1
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Longtime Meriden Public Library employee Becky Starr was named permanent director ahead of a grand reopening Friday for the renovated and expanded facility.
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