Meet Timmy & Nemo

Timmy is a sweet, cuddly 12-week-old. He looks all black, but in the sunlight, you’ll see his subtle stripes. He loves attention and is waiting anxiously to meet his family.

Nemo, a 6-month-old neutered male, came from a home that had too many cats. He’s a tabby color, with white. Nemo is very friendly, and mischievous, too. We really want him to go to a home with other animals.

Fill out an adoption form at fobac.org

Nappi realized he wanted to be his own boss. And half-acentury later, the business he started is still standing.

Suburban Sports opened its doors in Berlin in July 1973, and has been at its current location on Webster Square Road since 2000.

Nappi said the business is his life, and it brings him great joy to help athletes in the area. “We’ve always been focused on cycling and skiing,” said Nappi, a Berlin High School alum and lifelong athlete. “In the end, it's like, those are the things that we do the best ... and that’s where we have the most impact on the community.”

Nappi said the shop welcomes athletes of all ages and skill levels. “My mission in life from being a philosophy major; I wanted to do something that would impact people positively,” he said. “Cycling and skiing are two of the unique sports that people can do for a lifetime."

Town officials were expected to visit Suburban Sports on Wednesday, Aug. 16 to mark the shop’s 50th anniversary.

Economic Development Director Chris Edge said, “Suburban Sports' combination of cycling, skiing, and accessories for both, have made them a leader in the industry, not just in Connecticut, but throughout New England."

“Their family atmosphere and making sure that the customer is always first is the key to their success," Edge added.

Suburban Sports is located at 25 Webster Square Road, and is open Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shop also sells products online at suburbanskiandbike.com.

From A1

Tyszka said when she looked closely at one piece of art depicting the Senior Center, she noticed that what she thought were cuttings from magazines were actually photos of local seniors.

Mayor Mark Kaczynski attended the art show, and was impressed with what he saw. “I can barely draw a stick figure," the mayor joked. "This is a wonderful event, and it's nice to showcase people’s talent.”

Local landmarks immortalized as part of the My Hometown art project in- cluded the library, Hubbard Elementary School, Dairy Queen, and many others. Of course, the Berlin Fair was highlighted as well.

Economic Development Director Chris Edge said he's "looking forward to doing more things with the arts in the coming year.” nzappone@record-journal.com

The 74th Berlin Fair will run from Sept. 14 to 17, and the Kensington Garden Club will be at its booth Friday through Sunday. Stop by, say hello, and see what our members have created. The items for sale will have a predominant Halloween theme, as well as some fall arrangements. Beautiful posters will be on display highlighting the garden club’s many community projects, and information will be available about the group’s upcoming Christmas Boutique, 2024 Spring Plant Sale, and future educational programs. We look forward to seeing and talking with you at the fair.

‘Where are the monarchs?’ It’s complicated

By Joy VanderLek Special to The Citizen

“Where are the monarchs?”

It’s been a hot topic of discussion for gardeners and others this summer.

Ron Gagliardi, CT Butterfly

Association’s Outreach Educator, saw a monarch in West Haven on Aug. 3, but had not noticed any in Cheshire, where he lives, as of the first week in August.

“That was my first one this season, ” he said.

Monarch populations have been hard hit on both coasts. Myriad sources are responsible, including pesticide use, said Gagliardi.

Fragmentation and the resulting lack of host plants and nectar sites normally found in open areas and meadows are also contributing factors.

Gagliardi recalls Xerces Society’s Executive Director Scott Black’s comment on the monarch population's decline, as “death by a thousand cuts.”

“From what I’ve seen, we ’ re seeing a decline in all butterfly populations,” said Gagliardi. He also points to annual studies done by Connecticut lepidopterist Victor Masi in his hometown of Redding.

Gagliardi said there was a year when Masi did not record a single monarch.

“They’re being seen – not in big numbers, but both caterpillars and adults are being reported,” said CT Butterfly Association founder John Himmelman. That was back on July 10.

Is it possible that not seeing monarchs locally at this time is just a misperception on the part of the public?

USPS delivery is available in the towns of Berlin, Cheshire, Durham, Middletown, Middlefield, Meriden, Plantsville, Southington and Wallingford. Delivery is Tuesday-Saturday by USPS.

Long-lost ring back in family’s hands

Our Saturday Weekender edition has all the weekend inserts along with our new feature, EXTRA EXTRA, our 12-page entertainment/puzzles section.

Sunblock, hat—bring on summer!

PLUS All print subscribers who activate their free digital access will receive our daily Record-Journal Story Break emails with up to date stories, and have 24-hour access to our five-day online E-Edition available Tuesday-Saturday by 5AM.

Enjoy

GOP raffle

The Berlin Republican Town Committee’s annual raffle is underway. First and second prizes are $500 Visa Gift Cards, third prize is a $300 restaurant gift card, fourth prize is a Samsung Galaxy Go Chromebook, fifth prize are Beats earbuds, and sixth prize is a Ring video doorbell. Drawing will be held Thursday, Oct. 12, 6 p.m., at American Legion Post 68. To purchase tickets, contact Andra (milleal@ comcast.net, 860-670-5131) or Lecia (Leciajp@comcast.net, 860-209-4199).

Autism walk

The Benhaven Walk for Autism will take place Sunday, Sept. 24 at North Haven High School. The event features a 2-mile walk, music, games, food and refreshments, Touch-a-Truck, a raffle, and more. Nearly 500 walkers are expected to raise over $60,000 for Benhaven, a private, notfor-profit agency serving people of all ages and with diverse needs. To learn more about the walk, visit jbsports.com. To learn about donating or fundraising, email jody@jbsports.com or call 203-481-5933.