The Berlin Citizen

Author returns to his roots

in ‘Say My Name’

By Robert Mayer Special to The Citizen

When Berlin native Joe Clifford wrote and published his first book “Junkie Love,” and it was a success, he didn’t know where his path in life would go from there. After all, he was coming off a 10year battle with addiction which had left him homeless. Now, he had his own place and a bit of money.

Memorial golf outing

NASCAR driver Preece pulls into local tavern

By Robert Mayer Special to The Citizen

The line "a rising tide lifts all boats," made famous in a speech by John F. Kennedy, is associated with the idea that improvements in the general economy benefit all participants in that economy. To that point, the arrival of the popular Hop Haus restaurant on

Farmington Avenue doesn't appear to be harming business at nearby eateries. According to Craig Lentini, owner of Tavern on The Trax, the arrival of Hop Haus has been a net positive. “We’ve been here so long, and we have so many regulars, that I don’t think anything will change that," Lentini said.

See Preece, A6

It was a fork-in-the-road moment, and he decided to just keep on writing.

By the end of 2023, Clifford will have published his 20th book. The prolific author has been married for 12 years, and he and his wife, Justine, are raising their children Holden, 12, and Jack, 8, in San Francisco.

See Clifford, A9

Around Town

Timberlin Golf Club hosted the annual Bob Stein Grandparent-Grandchild Outing on Wednesday, July 12, and once again, the weather was just fine. “It was another beautiful day Bob gave us,” head pro Marc Bayram stated.

“Every year since his passing we have had great weather,” Bayram pointed out, “and it wouldn’t shock me if Bob had something to do with that.”

A well-known figure at

Timberlin, Bob Stein came up with the concept of the grandparent-grandchild outing and did much to promote the familythemed, 9-hole event. Stein died in 2011.

“[I]n conjunction with the Timberlin Senior Golf Association, we run the event in his honor,” said Bayram.

“Bob was extremely passionate about this event and wanted it to continue long after he was gone.”

This year, the inter-generational golf outing drew 36 participants.

See Around Town, A12

NASCAR driver Ryan Preece mingled with fans at Tavern on The Trax last week.

Photo by Lori Loosemore, Anchored in Sunflower Smiles Photography

Berlin High School Honor Roll

Fourth quarter honor roll: Grade 9, high honors: Leila Abdulhak, Alexander Ahlquist, Jaeden Aichele, Kaley Alkas, Isabel Arana, Aidan Arcila, Mackenzie Ayotte, Mackenzie Baker, Lilliana Bellini, Carter Braun, Grace Buchholz, Sofia Calabrese, Lorenzo Calafiore, Sandra Carminati, Lillian Cookson, Gianna D’Arena, Rocco DeGrandi, Lex Ding, Daylene Gambardella, Matthew Greenwood, Jenna Grumo, Addison Guarino, Eleanor Henriques, Anna Hunt, Angelina Huynh, Zackary Johnson, Sophia Kizilski, Ryan Lavender, Aadil Malik, Grace Melnyk, Joshua Miller, Michelle Mosur, Patrick Mosur, Liyah Motyka, Muizz Naru, Luke Norton, Sophia O’Brien, Jonathan Ortiz, Gretchen Perreault, Julia Pikor, Brayden Reynolds, Ariel Rivera, Gabriella Rivera, Kayden Santana, Gabriella Santoro, Sophia Savi, Meghan Snyder, Emma Toce, Sophia Turetska, Brendan Wagner, Alyssa Walker, Brooke Walker, Nina Welch, Isabella Wesoly, Grace Wood, Mateusz Wroblewski, Natalie Zadroga; honors: Savanna Adamowicz, Mariam Akberzai, Ahmed Ali, Baasil Ali, Isabel Andersen, William Balicki, Sydney Bronk-Zdunowski, Suneyha Brownlee, Madison Casso, Julia Collin, Chloe Constantine, Hannah Corbett, Stephen Cullen, Jed Dubuc, Sienna Finley, Isabella Gagnon, Aidan Garneau, Cameron Garneau, Julia Grabek, Luke Hatfield, Jack Heeps, Diana Jurcaba, Mya Lamoureux, Mark Lanteri, Austin Lauria, Joseph LaVallee, Cassandra Lazzara, Caroline Massirio, Thomas Motta, Khai Nguyen, Cynthia Rivera, Daisy Ruiz, Isabella Salina, Jasmine Salmon, Jayden Showerda, Dante Sisti, Liana Spinali, Spencer Toussaint, David Tzetzo, Jessica Vale da Serra, Philip Wilkinson, Samantha Wood, Maggie Yantz.

Grade 10, high honors: Dora Accarpio, Sunita Amiri, Jayden Andrade, Brody Bannon, Gianna Barile, Anna Barnat, Joshua Beaudoin, Philip Bogacz, Karolina Carlone, Charlotte Carlson, Madelyn Carlson, Sara Cugno, Daniel Cwieka, Alessandro D’Arena, Zuzanna Dabek, Taylor DeMaio, Lindsay Dempsey, Natalie Dempsey, Ava Desmarais, Max Ding, Aiden Dunphy, Nicholas Ebrahimi, Julia Farrand, Andrew Feldman, Lanie Ferguson, OliviaAnne Ferrante, Klaudia Fidyk, Elizabeth Fitzsimmons, Isabella Fogarty, Joseph Francalangia, Lorenzo Gil, Cristian Gonzalez Ramos, Nadia Goulet, Reni Guo, Anousha

Hashim, Juliana Holliday, Brookelyn Johnson, Haley Johnson, Marcus Joshi, Natalia Kmita, Kaitlyn Kozlowski, Macie Krawciw, Emily Laskowski, Fiona Li, Juniya

Lighty, Nadia Malec, Anthony Manafort, Nicholas Manzi, Madisen McBride, Gianna Miele, Giuliana Miele, Victoria Molas, Omar Montanez, Elyse Niemiec, John

O’Brien, Olivia Parciak, Benjamin Parisi, John Pease, Julia Pelc, Bella Perugini, Dominik Picur, John Platt, Amelia Powalka, Grace Ramirez, Christian Riccitelli, Kate Roberti, Natalee Rockhill, Chloe Rollins, Madelynn Sadowski, Ryan Scaranuzzo, Daphne Smith, Sarah Swanson, Addison

Szczesniak, Katelyn Tierney, Zachary Ulan, Jatnna Vega, Victoria Vozvyshayeva, Luke Wadstrup, Amy Wall, Max Weber, William

Weber, Cole Webster, Katherine

Zibell; honors: Michael Abayomi, Nicole Akulin, Thomas Andersen, Faithe Barkoski-LaPosta, Marissa

Bellizzi, Tara Bingham, Kayron

Bobbs, Austin Boninsegna, Renece Brown, David Castro

Guardado, Grace Catalano, Kiera

Colello, Matthew Dalek, Zoe DiMauro, Samantha Dunn, Nathaniel Elmani, Samantha Hartan, Izabella Jamrozek, Owen Krawciw, Sybella Landrie, Aurora Logan, Joseph Manafort, Raymond Martin, Taylor Martin, Victoria Mosur, Madeline Mota, Cole Nadeau, Peyton Nadeau, Elora Naumann, Owen Pike, Emma Radoncic, Maddox Rodriguez, Ariana Rosario, Hiram Sepulveda, Jonah Shackford, Samyra Shillingford, Conlan Simard, Kamryn Stepina, Kamil Szok, Kayden Tirado, Kaylie Vaccaro, Kailany Valle, Ethan Vassar, Raeghan Watson, Zakary Zisa.

Grade 11, high honors: Alina Asatourian, Alexa Barbagallo, Ryan Brown, Adriana Casella, Emily Collin, Chelsea Contreras, Adelaide Crisler, Erika Damboise, Kyle DeGroff, Genesis Del Bois, Jamison Evans, Alexa Fallon, Rose Fas, Glenn Fearn, Brandon Garrity, Sofia Gobbi, Angela Gross, Riley Hoops, Hiba Jebli, Paige Kemish, Julia Kielbowicz, Patrick Kot, Nadia Kukula, Emma Lavoie, Madelyn Lazzara, Connor Lennehan, Connor Lindsay, Deanaize Mack, Cameron Malcarne, Jacob Marion, Bailey Michaud, Jacob Miller, Kaleigh Ouellette, Matilde Pancani, Alexandra Pauley, Charles Pinchera, Alex Poloszczak, Brianna Robertson, Jack Salerno, Ian Saunders, Hannah Smith, Joslyn Smulski, Madison Stec, Kelsey

Therrien, Alyssa Wenzel, Ashton White, Whitney White, Addison Whiteside, Alliana Wicik, Mia Wilson, Isabella Yagmin; honors: Andreas Aichele, Madelyn Andros, Mason Arborio, Jack Baclaski, Gabriela Blanco, Nathen Brini, Gavin Carrubba, Evan Chant, Mason DiMauro, Emma Ellison, Matthew Gagliardi, Kailee Giesbrandt, Sara Guzzardi, Adrian Karwowski, Toby Lavender, Justin LoPresto, Ryan Markey, Lily Matassa, Katherine Morris, Alivia Muisener, Morgan Napolitano, Natalia Olszewska, Julia Palmese, Diya Patel, Jessica Petit, Maksymilian Poloszczak, Adam Rice, Ella Rice, David Richter, Catrina Sirois, Santino Sisti, Sophia Tierney, Elizabeth Yeske, Ethan Young, Matthew Zup.

Grade 12, high honors:Noah Arce-Caliskan, Oleksii Balatsko, Dylan Brockel, Eva Chmielewski, Katrina Chorzepa, Kevin Corteville, Kevin Daley, Kelsey Day, Ariana DiDomenico, Terrence Dornfried, Brielle Dumont, Elizabeth Dunn, Oksana Dyshuk, Gavin Foster, Samuel Franczak, Julia Greenwood, Joshua Grimm, Alivia Halkias, Andrew Helm, Talia Impelluso, Matthew Jamrozek, Grace Kelly, Isabella Kmita, Emily Lamoureux, Michael Lanteri, Chloe Loehr, Katherine Lukens, Alex Machata, Ian Malespini, Olivia Marolda, Trista May, Alex Miloszewski, Marissa Modifica, Michael Motta, Olivia Motta, Laura Munch, Emma Nagel, Alexandra Nawalaniec, Ethan Nelson, Sydney Nelson, Alyssa O’Leary, Gabriella Pappa, Ishani Patel, Ronit Patel, Joshua Plaag, Matthew Ross, Ethan Rusch, Madison Starace, Klaudia Szarwacki, Molly Szczesniak, William Turgeon, Caleb Uliasz, Nicolas Vignone, Jenna Wenzel, Morgan Wesoly, Molly Williams, Donovan Yeung, Devin Young; honors:John Barnat, Taylor Bellizzi, Ryan Bird, Ruth Brown Kirchner, Sean Colello, Marcel Dabek, Michael Deegan, Brianna DeMorais, Lindsey Eckrote, Ian Franczak, Alexander Gabor, Meredith Gendreau, Lauren Giove, Abigail Klepacki, Bret Maynard, Reagan McGowan, Lorenzo Miele, Dominic Mongillo, Lucia Morisse-Corsetti, Samantha Negrao, Brynn Nogiec, Neil Patel, Kevin Paventi, David Perkins, Alexa Prendergast, Mitchell Rivers, Sara Rogan, Kenna Roman, Kaya Rutkowski, Savanna Serafin, Hanna Smola, Alexzandra Spinali, Jameson Urrunaga.

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Please call for an appointment. You deserve it!

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. HELP

Boosting mental health care for teens in CT

By Katy Golvala The Connecticut Mirror

A $1.2 million federal grant will improve access to behavioral health services for teens in the northwest corner of Connecticut, addressing one of the area’s most critical health care needs.

Funds will primarily go towards creating a network of care that will increase capacity of existing providers, as well as bring in new providers to help support excess demand.

“We’re at full capacity in terms of serving the adolescents that we already are,” said Leonardo Ghio, project director at the Northwest Hills Council of Governments, or NHCOG, the regional planning body that coordinates services across 21 towns in the northwest corner. The organization is spearheading the four-year initiative through the establishment of the Northwest Hills Community Health Network of Connecticut.

Ghio said he hopes more providers means that teens will be able to access care proactively, instead of only in response to a crisis.

NHCOG won the grant through the Rural Health Network Development grant program administered by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. They will collaborate with local providers, including the McCall Behavioral Health Network, Community Health and Wellness Center of Greater Torrington and Greenwoods Counseling & Referrals. The latter two provide school-based mental health services.

The federal government administered only 44 grants through the program.

“It was very competitive,” said Ghio. “The federal government’s really putting a big spotlight on mental health and adolescent behavioral health, so I think it was helpful that we aligned with their strategic plans.”

Ghio said NHCOG and the other organizations already work together closely and it likely helped that they were able to demonstrate existing partnerships.

The funds will also go towards improving access for teens 13 to 18 through measures like vouchers for transportation and internet services, depending on whether children are receiving care in-person or via telehealth.

Greenwoods Counseling & Referrals will also lead a program whereby providers of all types can refer kids in need of behavioral services. Greenwoods will then take charge of connecting those teens to providers, whether they were referred by a hospital, EMS provider, community health center, or school.

“It’s going to be a no-wrongdoor approach,” said Ghio.

Fighting the stigma

The program will also focus on addressing the stigma against mental health care often found in rural communities. “It’s just the nature of the rural community,” said Ghio, who grew up in Warren and now resides in New

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Milford. “There’s one: ‘We pull ourselves up by our bootstraps.’ And there’s two: ‘We don’t see those problems here.”

Across the state, Killingly endured a high-profile battle over the local school board’s decision in 2022 to turn down a grant-funded mental health clinic at the high school. This past April, after a yearlong saga that involved parents, administrators and state officials, the town’s Board of Education approved a new memorandum of understanding for a mental health provider to come into the school.

Ghio said he experienced some pushback from the area’s first selectmen when he first started discussing the need for more behavioral health care among teens roughly 18 months ago.

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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 more information, visit berlinlandtrust.org.

Renters rebate

State law provides a reimbursement program for Connecticut renters who are el-

derly 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. Visit portal.ct.gov/ OPM.

Boxes to Boots

Berlin-based nonprofit Boxes to Boots, 28 Chamberlain Highway, sends packages to members of the U.S. military serving overseas. To learn more about the organizations, visit boxestoboots.org.

Remembering veterans of the ‘Forgotten War’

From the Berlin Veterans Commission:

The Korean War was fought between North Korea and South Korea from 1950 to 1953.

The war began on June 25, 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea following clashes along the border and rebellions in South Korea.

On June 27, 1950, the United States officially entered the Korean War.

The U.S. and allied countries supported the Republic of Korea (commonly called South Korea) in repelling an invasion from the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (commonly called North Korea).

North Korea was supported by China and the Soviet Union.

In the United States, the battles were controversial because of the large number of soldiers killed for terrain with no strategic or tactical value.

According to U.S. sources, Chinese losses were far greater than our own.

The first battle was described in the work “Pork Chop Hill: The American Fighting Man in Action, Korea, Spring 1953,” by S.L.A. Marshall, from which the film “Pork Chop Hill” was drawn.

The Battle of Pork Chop Hill was significant because it enabled the United States to prevent North Korea from harnessing the hill.

On June 6 and 7, 1952, the 279th Infantry Regiment seized the six northern hills, while the 180th Infantry ad-

vanced on the six southern ones.

Company I of the 180th took Pork Chop Hill after a onehour firefight and immediately fortified the position. Battles continued throughout Korea, and at dawn on April 18, 1953, an additional U.S. rifle company (Company A, 17th Infantry) climbed Pork Chop Hill to reinforce the 2nd Battalion companies.

Together, the three companies spent the bulk of the day clearing the trenches and bunkers of enemy combatants and securing the hilltop.

The battle ended that afternoon on Pork Chop Hill, and three months later, on July 27, 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed.

Welcome home, Korean War veterans!

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From drought to deluge, a hard year to farm

By Mark Pazniokas The Connecticut Mirror

Just weeks ago, drought required Kevin Bassette to irrigate rows of lettuce, radishes, kale, Chinese cabbage and pickling cucumbers his family grows in Glastonbury on the Connecticut River’s fertile floodplain. He didn’t complain. Given a choice of drought or deluge, Bassette would opt for drought. “I prefer bone dry,” he said. “You can always add water. You can’t take it away.”

On Monday, his family hosted Gov. Ned Lamont by silty flood waters that spilled from the river, forming a vast pond. Still visible were parallel rows of drowned vegetables. On the far side, waters lapped at the edge of waist-high sweet corn plants, some ready for picking.

The governor led a contingent of state and federal officials who described last week’s torrential rains as a consequence of climate change that has complicated Connecticut agriculture with one extreme after another.

“In February, we had 50-degree weather. And the next day we had minus-10-degree weather,” said Bryan P. Hurlburt, the commissioner of agriculture. “In May, we had subfreezing for many hours across the state. And in June, we had droughts. And in July, we have floods.”

“What the hell is going on here?” Lamont said, noting the local flooding comes after Canadian wildfires have affected air quality in a broad swath of the U.S. Water still oozed from the ground where Lamont and Hurlburt addressed reporters with U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, state lawmakers, representatives of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Small Business Administration and agriculture advocates.

For the second time in three months, they were outlining

plans for seeking federal relief, as well as offering state grants available to plan for how to make communities more resilient to climate change. Hurlburt said he has yet to get through a growing season without coordinating an application for federal agricultural assistance due to weather losses.

The untimely frost in May caused estimated losses of $8.45 million, with 1,077 impacted acres of crops including apples, peaches, grapes, blueberries, strawberries and Christmas trees, as well as honeybee queens. Hurlburt said his “back of the envelope estimate” is that the recent flooding affected about 2,000 acres, double the the frost losses.

Agriculture generates $4 billion annually for the Connecticut economy and employs 22,000, mostly at small farms like the one Lamont visited Monday, Hurlburt said.

Killam & Bassette Farmstead is off Water Road, the scenic byway that leads to the river and America’s oldest continuously operated ferry. Closed until the flooding subsides, the ferry normally offers a four-minute ride connecting Glastonbury with historic farm lands in Rocky Hill and Wethersfield.

Most of the recent agricultural damage came in the Connecticut River Valley, where centuries of flooding have deposited silt, replenishing the land.

As floodplain, the land survives for agriculture without pressures from commercial or residential development. Much of it lies in the busy I91 corridor.

Larson lives in the northern end of East Hartford, a densely settled community best known as home of an industrial giant, Pratt & Whitney. But his neighbor is D.J. Burnham, the latest gen-

eration of farmers to till about 200 acres of land, mostly on floodplain across the town line in South Windsor.

“His family has been farming the same piece of property along the Connecticut River since the 1640s,” Lar-

son said. “They lost more than 160 acres to flooding. I can see it outside of my window, where I’ve been their neighbor for 44 years.”

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

Do

Need a Trust?

According to the 2023 Wills and Estate Planning Survey by Caring.com, only 34 percent of Americans have an estate plan. The primary reasons respondents gave for not participating in estate planning are procrastination, believing they need more assets, and not knowing how to make an estate plan.

An estate plan is a comprehensive set of legal documents and strategies that organizes assets for a person’s death or disability. Trusts are legal arrangements used in estate planning, alongside wills and advance directives.

A trust allows one person, the trustee, to manage funds and assets for one or multiple beneficiaries. Trusts can be revocable or irrevocable. Revocable trusts allow the grantor – the person creating and funding the trust – to change it during their lifetime. With an irrevocable trust, the grantor cannot make modifications. Assets no longer belong to the grantor. Such trusts can help someone qualify for government benefits, reduce their taxable estate, and transfer wealth.

A primary benefit of trusts is that they allow individuals to bypass probate, which can be time-consuming and costly. The court excludes property placed in trust from a probated estate.

According to some sources, probate costs can consume 5-10 percent of an estate’s value. The process can also take months to years to conclude, burdening family members.

Transferring assets outside probate via a trust also maintains privacy. Trusts stay outside probate and remain confidential.

"But what has happened is their opening has brought more people to the area and brought more people here,” Lentini added.

"We are also open later than they are, and the kitchen is open later, so we can take care of people with our latenight menu.”

Tavern on The Trax pulled in a large crowd on its own Thursday, July 13 when it welcomed NASCAR driver Ryan Preece to the bar/ restaurant. A Berlin resident, Preece came with his car and merchandise trailer, signed autographs and talked to fans.

“We had more than 100 people here and they were faces I had not seen before. So hopefully they will become

new customers,” Lentini said. “They were from 5 years old to I couldn’t guess the oldest."

This is Preece's first year with Stewart-Haas Racing. On Monday, he landed in 24th place in New Hampshire.

Lentini and Tavern on The Trax go way back with Preece, and his family. "Ryan started coming here after working on his car when he was racing locally and now he’s on the biggest tour in the world," Lentini said. "When he was racing trucks, we were on the hood. And today when he raced in New Hampshire, Tavern on The Trax was on the rear quarter panel. You don’t get much better advertising than that on a national television broadcast.”

Preece has three Top 10 finishes this season and is currently 26th in driver points. “When he comes here, he’s just Ryan," Lentini said. "He is a low-key, down-to-earth kid. When he comes here he talks a little about racing,

but he talks about all the stuff that young guys talk about. It is still weird for me

to see him signing autographs, but he is just a good kid and easy to root for.”

As for Tavern on The Trax, Lentini said “Things are good.” He said the establishment is moving forward with plans to open a second floor. The new space will feature pool tables and darts, and will be available for private events.

“I hope everybody does good," Lentini said, referring to the Farmington Avenue business community. “I do not wish bad luck on anybody, because I know hard it is.”

NASCAR driver Ryan Preece.

Photo by Lori Loosemore, Anchored in Sunflower Smiles Photography

Consider supporting important mission

Press Release

Berlin’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities is seeking members.

Established in 2002, the group is charged with serving as an advisory board to the town for the enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act and assisting the town with meeting its responsibilities for residents with disabilities.

The five-member Commission for Persons with Disabilities has, in recent months, been unable to meet on a consistent basis due to absences and other scheduling conflicts.

“We have an important mission, but as of late, have been hampered by a couple of factors,” Jaymee Miller, Berlin’s Social and Youth Services Director, explained. “In the past few months, due to a lack of quorum, we have not been able to meet and carry out our charge.”

The commission’s responsibilities include: “fostering understanding, respect and in-

volvement of persons with disabilities within town; encouraging participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of community life; continuously studying and analyzing the needs of persons with disabilities; receiving and referring complaints of discrimination to the proper agency having jurisdiction in a particular matter, and disseminating information regarding events and activities for persons with disabilities.”

Current plans under discussion by members of the group are a display of books and other resources available to the public detailing the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a review of Berlin’s current compliance in such matters, accessible handicapped parking space in town, and other ways that public outreach on the subject can be expanded.

The Commission for Persons with Disabilities meets on a bi-monthly basis. There are no meetings in July or August.

Berlin DTC: Get involved

Press Release

Want to get involved and help change your community for the better? Join the Berlin Democratic Town Committee.

The upcoming municipal elections provide an opportunity to help elect leaders who will listen. Help the BDTC with that mission today to help make Berlin an even better place to live and work. The Berlin Democratic Town Committee's monthly meeting will be held

Thursday, July 20 at the Italian Independent Political Club, 16 Harding St. The meeting will begin with a meet and greet at 6:30 p.m. Berlin Democrats are encouraged to attend to learn about important town issues and how to get involved. The actual meeting will begin at 7.

For more information about the Berlin DTC, individuals should contact the group at berlindemocrats@gmail.com or P.O. Box 93, 62 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT 06037.

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.

SUDOKU

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 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.

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 or send a message to Post 68 via Facebook.

Aside from writing, Clifford enjoys golf and is a member of the musical group The Wandering Jews, playing alongside members of Smashmouth and The Hold Steady. The band has an album coming out titled “A Better Machine.”

This week, Clifford was back on his old stomping grounds for a sold-out event at Berlin-Peck Memorial Library.

A member of the Berlin High School Class of 1988, Clifford was in town to discuss his latest, and most successful book to date, “Say My Name.” The work of fiction takes place in a town reminiscent of Berlin and includes characters based on real people local readers may recognize. “So, I asked everyone whose names I used in the book, their permission,” Clifford said at his library talk. “There are twins in the book that are based on Anne and Allison Hodgson, who I graduated with, and I asked them if I could use their names in the book. One said sure and the other said ‘that’s creepy. ’ So the twins turned into Annabelle and Ava Rogers.”

Clifford said he owes a lot to his old friends Jim Case, Ron Lamontagne and the late

Jack Lotko, who he mentions in the book. “Say My Name" is dedicated to Lotko, and his mother was in attendance at the library event.

“Say My Name" is described as "a true-crime story about a crime that never happened ... On the heels of a divorce, a midlist mystery writer returns to his hometown in Central CT and is dragged back into a decades-old, unsolved case involving former missing classmates to expose the horrific secrets of a quaint, idyllic New England town. Fusing the modern domestic psychological thriller with popular unsolved mysteries ("Girl on the Train" meets "In Cold Blood"), this meta blend of true crime and fiction plays with expectations and perspective before its mindblowing conclusion.”

“It’s interesting when you get guys and girls you grew up with coming up to you and saying, ‘I never knew this happened,’ and I have to then tell them it didn’t,” the author said. “That's where the blurred lines come in between true crime and fiction, where fiction meets reality.”

Clifford said he gets nostalgic coming back to Berlin.

“I hated it here,” he said with a laugh. “I knew everything. It was holding me back and it was terrible. There was nothing to do and I couldn’t wait to get out. Now I come

back, and I see Berlin Pride flags, and the Dairy Queen is still there. And while it has changed, there is so much that has stayed the same. Everything that I remember as bad is now good. I have nothing but good things to say about it and I think about coming back and maybe raising the family here, but there are no talks in the works yet."

Author Joe Clifford takes a selfie during his recent talk at Berlin-Peck Memorial Library. The Berlin High School alum was in town to discuss his latest book, “Say My Name.”

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: July 22: “Moana”; July 29: “Elvis.”

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 serving 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 encouraged 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).

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. For over

four decades, Preservation Connecticut has championed the protection of community assets all over the state. For more information, 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 on how to volunteer locally or sponsor a wreath, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Around Town

From A1

“I can tell you this – those kids had a lot of smiles, they were really enjoying themselves,” said John Rao, who now spearheads the grandparent-grandchild outing. He and Stein were neighbors, and friends.

Patriot’s Pen

The 2023 Patriot’s Pen essaywriting contest winners from McGee Middle School were announced recently: first place, Owen C. Holland; second place, Michelle Liu;

third place, Catherine Lake. The writers were presented with a check and a certificate by Berlin VFW Post 10732's Anthony Gagliardi and Brad Parsons. Patriot’s Pen, a nationwide, VFWsponsored program, gives sixth, seventh and eighth grade students the opportunity to express their opinion on a patriotic theme and improve their writing skills, while competing for awards and prizes. Amanda Zybrands is the McGee teacher coordinator for the contest.

The annual Bob Stein Grandparent-Grandchild Outing was held at Timberlin last week. “Golf is a game you can play no matter what age you are,” head pro Marc Bayram stated. “Bringing the grandchildren together with their grandparents to play golf is truly something special.”

Club leadership

The Kensington Garden Club installed its new officer slate recently during a luncheon at Timberlin Golf Club. The officers are: president Elaine Erwin Matulis, co-VP Carol Courtney, co-VP

Cyndi McKinnon, director/ past president Peggy Lajoie, treasurer Diane Roncaioli, corresponding secretary Donna Desimone, recording secretary Carol Welz. The Kensington Garden Club

See Around Town, A13

#1827309 pkern@kernmtg.com

The Kensington Garden Club installed its new slate of officers recently. "Congratulations to our new officers," the club stated in a news release. "We look forward to meeting again in September!"

Around Town

From A12

promotes civic beauty throughout Berlin, raises awareness of environmental concerns and also promotes the advancement of the art of floral design and horticulture.

Berlin All-Stars come up short

Wallingford’s 11U All-Star softball team took the state title in its age division by defeating Berlin 7-2 on July 11 to cap a two-game sweep of the best-of-three championship series at Milford Little League’s Brewster Field. Sparked by three runs in the top of the first inning, Wallingford led wire to wire.

Health

From A3

sition of a parent who had a child that was experiencing behavioral health issues, ” he said.

After Ghio’s parents got divorced when he was in elementary school, he began acting out. His mother found him a therapist, but Ghio remembers having to drive 35 min-

utes from his house to see his provider. He feels lucky that his mom even had a vehicle, which allowed him to access the care he needed. “Ultimately, it hits home for me to offer this network and the services that we will,” he said.

This story originally appeared on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, ctmirror.org.

Berlin did close to within 3-2 by the end of the fourth inning, but Wallingford refortified its lead with two runs in the fifth and iced it with two more in the sixth. Winning pitcher Caitlyn Hale closed it out with a 1-2-3 last of the sixth, including two strikeouts. It was the second state crown in as many summers for coach Carl Tetreault’s Wallingford all-star team, which went all the way last year in the 10U bracket.

“Our girls didn’t give up, had experience and we knew we could do it if we stuck to our game plan,” Tetreault said.

“Berlin has a sensational team. They are well coached and played an amazing game. ”

183 NEWTON STREET - This well built 4 bedroom 2 1/2 BA residence is located in the heart of Kensington.With its

construction,entertaining floor plan and spacious rooms, this home offers a perfect blend of functionality and utility. Over 2200 sf on the upper floors plus 600 sf of additional heated space in the lower level walkout. Private grounds with paver patio and multi tiered deck. $399,999

630 FOUR ROD ROAD - Meticulously maintained 4 bedroom, 3 full bath New England Cape nestled on beautifully manicured grounds. This move-in ready residence offers a perfect blend of elegance & comfort,making it an ideal haven for those seeking a serene lifestyle. Over 2100sf of living space spanning 3 floors. Gorgeous grounds and convenient location. $395,000

2009 Chamberlain Highway - SOUTH KENSINGTON!-Welcome to your dream gentleman’s farm! This custom-built in 1987 Garrison Colonial nestled on 9+acres of sprawling land, offers endless possibilities for those seeking a tranquil country lifestyle. INCLUDES EXTRA LOT. Great for farming or raising small animals $495,000

DRIVERS - Needed immediately, part-time, 24’ box truck to deliver fresh produce to several grocery stores. Position includes loading and unloading truck, and warehousing.

Power and hand jack operation needed (will train). Valid driver’s license and clean driving record, CDL desired but not required. Must be friendly to customers and co-workers.

Please respond in person between 9:00 and 3:00 at Norton Brothers Fruit Farm, 466 Academy Road, Cheshire.

KENSINGTON FIRE DISTRICT POSITION AVAILABLE PART TIME

Provides technical and administrative assistance in the billing, collecting and crediting of taxes, water/sewer charges and assessments, as well as any related billings and charges. Works under the immediate supervision of the Tax Collector and the Assistant Tax Collector. Collects money. Posts Tax Receipts and Water and Sewer receipts. Records payments and/or delinquent payments. Operates office appliances such as calculators, etc. May answer questions and deals with the public. Performs other related duties as required.

HANDLEBARS - Carlini Gangster Apes, 18 in., with brake line, cables. $400. 203-836-7923.

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.

MAINTAINER II

The Town of Wallingford is seeking qualified applicants for Maintainer II. Applicants must possess 2 years’ experience as a laborer in construction work involving the operation and care of trucks and other mechanical equipment, or two (2) years training in one of the skilled trades and one (1) year of experience in construction operations, or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Must possess and maintain a valid (CDL) Class B to operate equipment of which a copy must be provided with your application. Wages: $23.73 - $27.82 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package that includes medical insurance and pension plan. A complete job announcement and application may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@ wallingfordct.gov by the closing date of July 31, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

Requirements and Qualifications: Knowledge of standard bookkeeping practices. Good business math skills. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with superiors, coworkers and the general public. Must be a graduate of high school or technical secondary school business program with bookkeeping courses and three years of experience in bookkeeping; or any combination of training and experience which provides a demonstrated ability to perform the duties of the position. Certification as a Municipal Tax Collector or the ability to become certified is desired. Must have flexibility for hours worked. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Please send resumes to: Kensington Fire District PO Box 2 Kensington CT 06037

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

WALLINGFORD

Is seeking candidates for a part-time Municipal Bid Writer/ Project Manager. Ten years experience in one or more of the following areas: Architectural/Drafting (State of CT license a plus), Engineering (State of CT license a plus), Construction Project Management; State of CT driver’ license and transportation; $30 per hour. Please visit our website @ www.wallingford.k12.ct.us to complete our on-line application as soon as possible. EOE

Screened Topsoil $30/ per yd; 2.5” screened gravel, $18 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-

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

$30/yard delivered, 3 yd, $100 min. delivery Call Jim 860-982-4819

.

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

FREE - Vintage dress patterns, Simplicity and MCCall, in a range of sizes, 1960s thru 1990s. 860.828.6311.

TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS 203-238-2149

1,

3 CASH FOR YOUR ANTIQUES & JEWELRY

LOOKING FOR:

1-st piece inspector, QC manager, Shop manager, programmer, Swiss screw machine setup and operator.

Contact: gary@bnaerospace. com or at 860-665-0134

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.

- 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

WANTED Individual firearms, collections & estates including military & related items.Federally licensed firearms dealer. Gunsmith, appraisals, Richard Pleines, (860) 663-2214.

PUPPIES - MORKIE, BICHON SHIH TZU, YORKIE CHIHUAHUAS

First shots and worming. Call 603.630.2258.

2,

CARPENTRY

Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping Water Damage Repairs. Free Est. Ins. MC & Visa. Call Bill (203) 901-2136. CT. Reg. # 0647093

DECKS &

GOOD RATES BEST SERVICE

Fully ins. Free Estimate. Call Ed, We’ll take it to the dump for you!

SPRING CLEANUPS JUNK REMOVAL Tree Removal, Fence Work & more! No job too

POWER WASHING Is Spring Cleaning on THE OUTSIDE FREE Estimates #569127 Call Kevin 203-440-3279

TEC ELECTRICAL Service LLC All Phases of Electrical Work. 24 hr. Emergency Service. Small Jobs Welcome. 203.237.2122

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

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

LUNO MASONRY - We deal in all types of masonry, stonewalls, walkways, patios, decks. Refs. avail. Free ests. Lic. HIC0643330 & Ins. Call 203.770.9273.

#1 PAINTER’S EDGE Ext. & Int. Painting. Sheetrock.Popcorn Repair. Wallpaper Remv’l. Decks. 25 yrs exp. Free est. Sr. disc. #0656136. Ins. 860.538.5520

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

GUTTERS DON’T WORK If they’re dirty! For gutter cleaning, Call Kevin (203) 440-3279 Fully ins. CT# 569127

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.

OVER 35 YRS EXP Stonewalls, patios, sidewalks, chimneys, pool areas, fireplaces, fire pit steps. Free est. 860.274.4893.

W. BOOBER MASONRYOver 35 Years Experience All Types of Masonry CT License #626708 (203) 235-4139

#1 PAINTER’S EDGE MOBILE WASH Chemicals safe for house & plants. House wash, roof cleaning, decks. 25 yrs. exp. Sr Disc. #0656136 Ins. 860.538.5520

Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding. gutter.chimney flashing. Office:203.754.3071

Cell:203.510.3830

Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452

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

HOME DOCTOR - 48 yrs exp. Odd jobs & remodeling, former US Navy, 15 yrs, #640689, 203.427.7828.