Suburban Sports celebrates 50 years

By Nicole Zappone The Citizen

Like many young people, Keith Nappi graduated from college not knowing what he wanted to do next. He'd studied philosophy and music; subjects that don’t point to a definitive next step. So, Nappi took a company job. But it didn't work out.

With this announcement, Connecticut became the seventh state to institute free school meals, with Massachusetts joining the ranks as number eight on Aug. 10.

To make the program possible, Connecticut allocated $16 million from funding the state received under the America Rescue Plan Act. During the pandemic, both breakfast and lunch were free for students in Connecticut thanks to federal funding, but this ended when the pandemic program expired.

“There is no curriculum brilliant enough to compensate for a hungry stomach or a distracted mind,” Russell-Tucker said at a press conference. “Our students’ physical, mental, social and emotional health and wellness are foundational to learning. Therefore, providing healthy

See Schools, A2

Schools

From A1 meals without financial stigmas is a strategic investment in fueling students’ growth and educational outcomes.”

This expansion means the participation of approximately 114 districts and the eligibility of an estimated 177,243 students for free breakfast. For lunches, the state estimates that 128 districts are eligible for funding to serve 13,197 qualifying students who will now receive free rather than reduced-fee meals.

“We have to make sure kids are ready to learn, and that starts first thing in the day, a good meal, a good breakfast, no stigma,” Lamont said at the press conference.

In Connecticut, nearly 400,000 people are food insecure. This number includes 90,000 children, according to Connecticut Foodshare, a food bank which works to feed individuals and families across the state.

“People often think there’s no problem with hunger in Connecticut,” President and CEO of Connecticut Foodshare Jason Jakubowski said.

“That’s 100% not true. We serve the whole state, all 169 towns. There is at least one food insecure family in each one, no matter whether it’s an urban city, the wealthy suburbs, or a rural town.”

Making free meals accessible for all students helps level the playing field, and Southington’s School Nutrition Director Nya Welinsky has seen firsthand the impact this can have on students. “There’s a feeling of equity that the students have mentioned to me, ” Welinsky said. “It’s more equitable, and it’sa wonderful way to start the day well-nourished.”

For families experiencing financial strain, Welinsky emphasized the importance of the free and reduced-price meal application.

“It’s more than a meal application in many ways,” Welinsky said. “We really encourage families to fill it out. With the information they provide, families can end up re- ceiving fee waivers for different things in schools.”

None of this would be possible without the support of the legislature to help get kids the food they need, Jason Jakubowski explained.

“We’re lucky here in Connecticut that our delegate to the legislature is very supportive of programs that help kids get the food they need,” Jakubowski said. “It’s a big leap in the right direction. We’re hopeful that in the next year or two we will see universal free lunches in Connecticut.” rwachman@record-journal.com

Jakubowski added that he hopes future federal action will help other states make this goal possible as well.

“The U.S. Congress absolutely should have free school breakfasts and free school breakfasts for every child no matter where in the country they live,” Jakubowski said.

To access the free and reduced-price meal application for your town, visit your school district’s food services website.

Monthly meeting

The Berlin Democratic Town Committee’s monthly meeting will be held Thursday, Aug. 17, 7 p.m., at the Italian Independent Political Club, 16 Harding St. Prior to the meeting, there will be a meet and greet at 6:30 p.m.; Democratic constituents are encouraged to attend to learn about important town issues and how to get involved. 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.

Berlin DTC

The upcoming municipal elections provide an opportunity to elect leaders who will listen. Help the Berlin Democratic Town Committee with that mission, and make Berlin an even better place to live and work. 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.

Commissioners wanted

Established in 2002, the Commission for Persons with Disabilities is charged with serving as an advisory board to the Town of Berlin for the enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act and assisting the community with meeting its responsibilities for residents with disabilities. The Commission for Persons with Disabilities meets on a bimonthly basis.

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.

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.

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.

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6-month 5.15

1-year 5.30

2-year 5.05

Takeover 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).

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1073 Farmington Ave Ste 201 Berlin, CT 06037-2244

860-357-5160 or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 08/11/2023. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest

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. 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 thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.

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).

Tai Chi classes

Tai Chi classes take place at the Center of Higher Living, 130 Webster Square Road, Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend this ongoing class in classic Chinese Tai Chi and Qigong.

Enhance balance, harmony and stress relief, while promoting health, spirit, mind and body. For more information, call 860-268-8314.

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 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. 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.

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.

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