Volume 23, Number 35
www.berlincitizen.com
Facing some issues
Preschoolers Ace Howard, Alana Rivera and Abby Vera work on their self portraits while at the Meriden YMCA Martin Gaffey Child Care Center at 66 Crown St., Wednesday, Aug. 25.
Child care centers start school year dealing with COVID, staff shortages
operations for the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA, said she is handling COVID-19 precautions, while also dealing with a shortage of staff.
By Jessica Simms Special to the Record-Journal
Valentin said some parents are apprehensive about sending children back to childcare due to the pandemic. She is also constantly asked about whether children will wear masks.
With the school year beginning, early childhood educators are facing a variety of challenges.
Dave Zajac,
Tina Valentin, director of child care
Record-Journal
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Thursday, September 2, 2021
WELCOME ABOARD
See Child care, A2
Acting Chief of Police Chris Ciuci, left, swore in Berlin's newest officers on Aug. 23, Casey Skinner and Michael Patterson. A Berlin PD social media post states: “Casey Skinner is a 24-yearold New Jersey native with a masters degree in criminal justice. She has diverse internship experience preparing for a police career and is excited to be working in Berlin. Michael Patterson is a 22-year-old Berlin native with a bachelor's degree in criminology. He joins us from the Meriden Police Department where he worked as a civilian Police Service Technician.” Skinner and Patterson are slated to start at the Connecticut Police Academy on Sept. 9.
GoNetspeed, a high-speed fiber-to-the home Internet provider, announced Monday that fiber builds in Berlin and New Britain are beginning. Approximately 4,020 of the 4,150 locations in this build are in Berlin. Residents can visit gonetspeed.com/hartfordcountymap to see where service should be available by the end of the year. See Cable, A6
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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, September 2, 2021
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Calvin Harlow IV, 3, keeps the beat during a music and movement class at the Meriden YMCA Martin Gaffey Child Care Center on Aug. 25. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal
Child care Valentin said finding staff has also been a struggle since a lot of early childhood educators have resigned.
“When you are an infant or a toddler, that’s what you’re looking for. That’s how you learn about people and how to navigate the world. I am fearful like what’s going to happen to this generation? How are we going to teach them those things?”
www.berlincitizen.com 500 S. Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450
body,” Kelleher said.
Nationwide, Kelleher said the biggest reasons people are leaving the industry is low pay and lack of benefits.
A state requirement that all early childhood educators must be vaccinated or submit a weekly COVID-19 test could be another reason people are leaving the industry, Kelleher said.
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With the lack of staff impacting child care centers in the area and nationwide, Kelleher is concerned about the impact on families. “If families can’t find quality child care at a price they can afford, then they are not going to be able to enter the workforce,” Kelleher said. “It’s going to impact their family income and it’s also going to impact the employers.”
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“Under the age of three, they are definitely not wearing masks, but three and up they are,” Valentin said. “Sometimes they are older adults who had their own “You have to remember a lot health issues or they were of these kids at three years like, ‘This isn’t for me. I can’t old, they are not always do this. I am working too wearing their masks … closely with these kids who we are serving three meals a are unvaccinated,’” Valentin day, they are playing outsaid. “There’s been a lot of side, they are napping, durfear around that.” ing all of those times they are not wearing masks.” Joanne Kelleher, director of the Early Childhood CollabValentin said she is looking orative of Southington, said to get clear masks for staff so nine of the 11 licensed cenchildren can see their facial ters in the town are trying to expressions. hire more staff. “These poor kids have never “Some of them have had seen a smile on our face,” openings for many months Valentin said. and they still can't find any-
“Children can’t be vaccinated at this point … Especially with the delta variant there’s concerns about the younger children now getting sick at a higher rate than they were earlier in the pandemic.”
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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, September 2, 2021
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VEHICLE CRASH On Aug. 23, local crews responded to an accident at the intersection of Mill Street and Webster Square Road, where a vehicle ended up in a landscaped island in front of Central Pizza. In a social media post, the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department stated, “Upon arrival crews began patient care and making the vehicles safe.” One of the vehicles involved in the crash had to have its driver door taken off “so the patient could be removed from the vehicle. Once the patient was removed, a crew from Hunter's Ambulance took over and transported the patient to an area hospital for further evaluation.”
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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, September 2, 2021
EDITORIAL: Labor Day’s no ordinary day off Celebrated on the first Monday of September, Labor Day has been a federal holiday in the United States since Congress made it so in 1894 during the second administration of President Grover Cleveland. So what is the day for?
troversial occasion to observe the dignity of labor and the contribution of the working men and women of the country, a phrase we're apt to toss off without thinking about it. Indeed, although it is Labor Day, it is an occasion upon which we generally do not work, unLabor Day seems a non-con- less we happen to be in
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things, there were very strong elements of class struggle. Not every man thought of himself as a worker; indeed, prejudices were such that some individuals tried very hard not to be labeled as 'working class.'
A lot of years have passed since those days, and for decades this nation has been blessed with general labor There was violence, periodi- peace. Even as contempocally, as workers got together rary questions abound reto claim a fairer share of the garding U.S. jobs and unions, the very universal affluent society they were a part of, and, although Amer- neglect with which today is not observed by so many of icans hate to discuss such us is, in an odd way, a cause for celebration itself.
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struggled to make personal workplaces safer. Owners of many of those factories and the presidents and stockholders of corporations were not happy at all to watch workers banding together and demanding things like the eight-hour day or the removal of unsafe machinery. That sort of demand cut into profits.
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Municipal notice Town Hall will close at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 10 for the Annual Staff Picnic. BerlinPeck Memorial Library will be open from 1 to 5 p.m.
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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, September 2, 2021
Letters to the Editor
In Brief 5K, Fun Run
Berlin first
crying and were scared.
The Run Back to School 5K and Fun Run is coming to Willard Elementary School Sunday, Sept. 26. The 5K starts and ends at the elementary school, and begins at 1:30 p.m. Awards will be presented to the top male and female runners for each grade level (kindergarten to eighth grade), and the top male and female runners in six age categories (14 to 60plus). Additionally, the event features a half-mile Fun Run where participants will cruise through bubbles and silly string, and over bubble wrap and hay bales.
Editor :
What is more upsetting is that Mayor Mark Kaczynski and state Rep. Donna Veach, who were in attendance, did not discourage the shouting.
The 5K entry fee is $25. The Fun Run fee is $15. To register, visit 3-prime.com/ willard5k. The 5K race route can be viewed there as well.
Maybe Kaczynski and his people think they can win an election by instilling fear in residents. I say we can inThis is one of the reasons still hope in residents that I am running for may- and move the town forward. or for Berlin; to bring some I don’t consider our resicivility back to this town. dents Democrats, RepubliFor four years I have been cans or Independents. I contelling residents that sider us all “Berlin.” Kaczynski and the RTC are My platform will be based dividing this town. on economic development, Berlin is better than this. a tax freeze for seniors, tax We help one another in times of crisis and cheer
It appears this rude group was encouraged by the Republican Town Committee to shout at Board of Education members and teachers. Children were
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The Central Connecticut Health District’s 6th annual Walking Competition got underway on Sept. 1 and runs through the end of the month. CCHD invites all residents and employees within the towns of Berlin, Newington, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield to engage in this friendly neighborhood competition. To sign up, visit cchd4town.walkertracker.com.
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The Board of Education’s Aug. 23 meeting was the most divisive meeting I have attended in over 30 years. It was a meeting that was controlled by a group of individuals who refused to follow the state guidelines by not wearing a mask on school property.
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While designed for youngsters, all are welcome to take part in the Fun Run, which begins at 1 p.m. Run Back to School attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for the Berlin Food Bank.
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A5
The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, September 2, 2021
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Non-political letters are limited to 300 words. Email letters to news@theberlincitizen.com. The Citizen will print only one letter per person each month. Letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday to be considered for publication the following Thursday.
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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, September 2, 2021
Motorcyclist killed in early-morning crash By Lauren Sellew Record-Journal staff
lice said in a release. Skorupski was driving a 2009 Suzuki motorcycle on Rt. 571 near the intersection with Rt. 71A just after midnight last Friday, according to police reports.
BERLIN — A New Britain man was killed after the motorcycle he was driving struck a guard rail on Rt. 571 early Friday morning, Aug. 27.
Skorupski lost control of the motorcycle, drove off the left side of the highway and struck a metal guard rail, the report said. Skorupski became separated from the motorcycle and suffered fatal injuries, the report noted. The motorcycle continued
Michael Skorupski, 35, of 29 Rackliffe Dr., New Britain, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, state po-
Schools Open house The remaining schedule for school open house visits in Berlin is as follows: Thursday, Sept. 2, Berlin High School, 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, Central Connecticut Transition Academy, 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, Willard School, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, Griswold School, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Hubbard School, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
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In Brief Chamber dinner The Midstate Chamber of Commerce, which serves businesses in Berlin, Cheshire, Meriden, Southington, Wallingford, and other Connecticut communities, will celebrate its milestone 125th Anniversary Dinner and Awards ceremony Saturday, Sept. 18, at The Aqua Turf Club in Southington. The Midstate Chamber supports business growth and re-
tention and works tirelessly to promote the advancement of commercial, industrial and community interests in the area. The Midstate Chamber offers the tools for personal and corporate success for all members, including large multi-national operations and small, home based businesses. For more information about the chamber and the upcoming awards ceremony, visit midstatechamber.com.
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Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Trooper First Class John Wilson at 860-534-1098 or at john.wilson@ct.gov. Anyone with dashcam footage that was driving in the area at the time of the collision is also asked to contact Wilson.
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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, September 2, 2021
Ritter: Lawmakers should get vaccine or tests By Mark Pazniokas © The Connecticut Mirror
State lawmakers and legislative employees should expect to meet the same standards that will be demanded this month of executive branch employees: get vaccinated against COVID-19 or get weekly tests. House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, has informed his caucus of a policy that will have limited impact until February, when the General Assembly convenes for its 2022 session.
“My belief is that the House Democratic caucus will have 100% compliance with the rule of either proof of vaccination or the weekly testing option,” Ritter said. But the policy is not exactly a directive to the legislators, who are more akin to independent contractors than employees. To the extent they have a boss, it is the constituents who elected them. “That’s something that I am discussing still with the speaker,” said House Minori-
ty Leader Vincent J. Candelora, R-North Branford. “That is exactly right — public officials are not employees.” What to do if a lawmaker refuses both vaccination and the testing opt out? he asked. They cannot be fired or barred from representing their districts. Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, who is vaccinated and believes in the efficacy of vaccinations and masks, said, “You have elected officials who have a
constitutional right to be in that building, representing their constituents.” In August, Gov. Ned Lamont ordered that all executive branch employees get at least an initial COVID vaccination by Sept. 27 or submit to weekly testing for the virus. Unless extended, his emergency executive powers expire on Sept. 30. Legislative leaders closed the Capitol to the public in March 2020, and it never fully reopened. Currently, only the first floor is open to the
House Speaker Matt Ritter Mark Pazniokas, CTMirror.org
public, meaning that voters and lobbyists are barred from the floors where the Senate and House meet and public galleries are accessed. Control of the Capitol rests with the legislature. The governor and secretary of state, whose offices are in the building, are mere tenants. Legislative employees currently are limited in their access. They work in two groups, each at the Capitol for two days, separated by a day for cleaning. Neither Ritter nor Candelora could say how many of their members are unvaccinated, but they believe it a tiny fraction of the 151 House members. “It could be up to 10, maybe,” Candelora said. Ritter said there is no formal signoff from the other three caucuses on the policy, but based on initial conversations he expects it will be policy for the entire legislature and its employees. If not, it will be the rule in the House Democratic majority. “This will be a policy for the House Democratic caucus and for both legislators and employees,” Ritter said. “If something falls apart and it’s not broader, I will mandate it for our caucus.” Senate President Pro Tem Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, could not be reached.
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This story originally appeared on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, ctmirror.org.
The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, September 2, 2021
A9
Health
Join us for a free virtual class
Spirit renewal
Caregiver support
Learn ways to renew your spirit through music, nature, self-talk and the written word Thursday, Sept. 9, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Presenter will be Paulette Schwartz, director of human centered care of Hartford HealthCare.
First Tuesday of the month, 10 to 11 a.m., facilitated by Michelle Wyman, certified dementia specialist; Second Wednesday of the month, 10 to 11 a.m., facilitated by Adrianne DeVivo, certified dementia specialist; Second Wednesday of the month, 6:30 to 8 p.m., facilitated by Patty O’Brian, CDP, certified dementia specialist; Third Monday of the month, 1 to 2:30 p.m., facilitated by Patty O’Brian, CDP, certified dementia specialist; Third Wednesday of the month, 8 to 9 p.m., facilitated by Adrianne DeVivo, certified dementia specialist; Last Monday of the month (not in May), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., facilitated by Michelle Wyman, dementia specialist.
Registration is required; call 1-855-442-4373 or visit HHCHealth.org/VirtualClasses.
Memory screenings Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is offering free virtual memory screenings that can be scheduled at a person’s convenience. These confidential screenings are not a diagnosis but can indicate if someone should follow up with a full medical exam.
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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, September 2, 2021
WE’RE BACK!
IT’S TIME TO PICK!
HISTORY COMES ALIVE
COMPETE AGAINST LOCAL PARTICIPANTS The Berlin Historical Society encourages residents to “rediscover” its museum, located at 305 Main St. The museum is open Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m., with few exceptions. There is no entrance fee. In a recent social media post, the historical society wrote. “Most who visit for the first time are astonished by all there is to see and learn about our town. One of our most popular exhibits (pictured) is a vignette about the old Leatherman, who remains a mystery to this day. In the years after the Civil War, until he died in 1889, he walked a 365-mile loop through Connecticut and New York, arriving in the same towns like clockwork … We love to tell how he became a local celebrity; with his progress reported in the newspapers and farmers’ wives leaving bread and coffee outside for him ...”
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The Chase Family Movement Disorders Center and Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging are offering a caregiver support group for individuals who care for people with movement disorders and other neurodegenerative conditions. This free support group is offered the first and third Tuesday of the month, 10 to 11 a.m. For more information, call Amanda Brill at 860-696-4653, or Jennifer McCaughey at 860-696-4623.
Memory Café Memory Café, a free socialization group for people with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment and early dementia, meets virtually Mondays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This is intended to be a welcoming place for individuals and their families with a shared experience. A dementia specialist leads the group. One-time registration is required; call 1-855-442-4373 or visit HHCHealth.org/VirtualClasses.
The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, September 2, 2021
A11
In Brief Hall of Fame ceremony The Berlin High School Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Sunday, Sept. 12 at the Aqua Turf. Entering the Hall of Fame this year are Katelyn Zarotney (Class of 2010, basketball and volleyball), Max DeLorenzo (Class of 2010, football and basketball) Ryan DiPietro (Class of 2002, baseball), and former BHS coach and educator Cliff Landry.
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of 1990), Allison Murphy Semenuk (Class of 2002), Matt Carasiti (Class of 2009), and the 1999 and 2000 state championship wrestling teams.
Aging and your eyes
For Hall of Fame induction ceremony ticket information, contact Marie Siegal at mvs7581@yahoo.com or 860-978-2499.
Golf tournament
Join our interactive class right from the comfort of your phone, computer or tablet and learn more about:
The Meriden-New BritainBerlin YMCA and Meriden Rotary Golf Tournament has The ceremony for the Hall of been rescheduled, and now will be played Monday, Fame Class of 2020 was Oct. 11 at the Wallingford called off due to the coronavirus, so it will be inducted Country Club. Proceeds will along with the Class of 2021. support Y and Rotary programs and services. For The Class of 2020 is Steve Baccaro (Class of 1947), Phil more information, visit Perretta (Class of 1961), John meridengolftournament.org Steurer (Class of 1980), Cyn- or contact Carmen Chaparro at 203-440-0260 or cchathia Gozzo Dastoli (Class of parro@meridenymca.org. 1990), Robert Manzo (Class
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Health Facebook group A Facebook group specifically for caregivers of older adults, including those with dementia, is available, facilitated by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. Concerns might include behavior changes, transition of care to assisted living, home healthcare, community services or end-of-life plan-
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For more information, call 877-424-4641 or search “Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging Support Group” on Facebook and request to join.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call 1.855.HHC.HERE (1.855.442.4373) or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses After you register, you’ll receive an email with easy instructions on joining the virtual class.
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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, September 2, 2021
Longtime journalist, Berlin High alum remembered by family and colleagues By Mary Ellen Godin Record-Journal staff
Glenn Richter was a satirist who never shied away from a controversy, even audaciously suggesting once that Meriden’s Daffodil Festival be moved to June and renamed the Reigning Cats and Dogs Festival. Richter’s acerbic wit and keen eye took on local politics, the obsolescence of Latin and the absurdity of the IRS. He also documented his experiences growing up during the Cold War in his award-winning Sunday columns in the Record-Journal. Richter, 72, died last week at MidState Medical Center from COVID-19 while battling cancer, his family said. Since his death, there have been many online tributes to Richter. Close friends and co-workers recalled his humor, thoughtfulness and intelligence. His brother, William Richter, described him as “mischievous with a twinkle.”
Glenn Richter
Glenn Richter, then senior copy editor/columnist for the Record-Journal, begins a Meriden tour by way of Mini Cooper for Jane Wood, left, and children Alex, 17, Nick, 15, and Amy, 20. The group was visiting from Meriden, England, on July 28, 2011. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal)
Tomaselli recalled Richter’s love for history, especially the early Cold War era he grew up in and readers appreciated his columns about life in the 50s and 60s. Although a conservative, Richter wasn’t afraid to break with party politics if he felt it was warranted.
“He had a deep sense of responsibility,” he said. “He was anxious to be at work trying to advance the interests of the newspaper ... He appreciated people. Even as a child, he observed more and remembered more than anybody I know.”
“He was a conservative who immediately felt President Trump did not fit into his definition of a conservative or a Republican,” Tomaselli said. “I admired that he was not afraid to harshly criticize a Republican president.”
Richter enjoyed mechanical engineering and had proven himself a gifted writer at an early age, said longtime friend Pam Michael. He studied architecture at Cooper Union in New York before moving to Berkley, California, and Georgia, where he drove a delivery truck. He returned to Connecticut and joined the Record-Journal staff in the mid-1980s.
Tomaselli, who started at the newspaper around the same time as Richter. “Although he had health problems the past couple of years, he never lost his love for journalism and loved contributing to the RJ with his column, editorials, and other work for the editorial page. He was part of the fabric of the newsroom for 35 years and will be missed as a colleague and as a friend.”
Editorial page editor Jeffery Kurz praised Richter’s intelligence and talent. The Record-Journal copy desk as seen in November, 1992.
Russia, even reaching out to people in Meriden, England, who later came to the city for a tour.
Richter made friends easily At the Record-Journal he at home and on his travels to worked on the copy desk
and the Sunday newspaper. After he retired from fulltime work he joined the editorial page staff, but the public knew him best for his weekly column on the cover
of Sunday’s Perspective section. “Glenn's colleagues enjoyed his unique, subtle, acerbic sense of humor,” said Record-Journal Editor Ralph
“I loved working with Glenn,” Kurz said. “I admired his writing and his sense of humor and relied on his considerable skills as an editor. He was also a great perSee Richter, A13
The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, September 2, 2021
A13
Richter From A12
son, gently witty and always ready to help. It was bolstering to know that I had one of the smartest people around working at my side.”
Quiet charm
Richter would often view downtown from his perch outside the employee entrance at 11 Crown St., where he held court with other smokers and nonsmokers.
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William Richter pleaded his innocence, their father demanded to know “who would carve someone else’s initials into a cabinet?” Glenn Richter had a quiet charm that drew people in, William Richter said, and recalled that he never had a girlfriend who didn’t like his
Pam Michael recalled Richter recently confessed that as a child, he had carved his brother’s initials into the family’s wooden television cabinet. When Diakun, JohnJohn Diakun, M.S.M.S.
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“He had a way of connecting with people, a drive in him,” William Richter said. “He didn’t always do it verbally. He wasn’t partisan. He loved everybody. His imperfection was perfect.”
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He also began one column praising the glittering and philanthropic Dolly Parton by informing readers he once spent a night in a Tennessee hotel near Dollywood.
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Richter’s columns were perennial award winners for humor and thoughtfulness. In one he took the IRS to task for its thousands of forms, writing April was the cruelest month “not because of the weather but because Uncle Sam wants his money, on the 15th, or else, and if you haven't started working on your taxes yet, you could wind up in a Waste Land of hurt.”
“Lying there in the dark, I took in the full horror of what was happening — my imagination filling the darkness of the deep with more fear and foreboding than any endless loop of file footage or any flashy display of TV graphics could have supplied,” he wrote. “Having seen ‘Run Silent, Run Deep’ and other movies about the Silent Service must have filled in plenty of blanks. Complicating matters was the fact that this was the height of the Cold
Glenn Richter talks with a Record-Journal photographer while watching demolition take place in downtown Meriden on May 24, 2005. File photo
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Richter was a New Britain native, son of the late George and Angeline Richter. He graduated from Berlin High School in 1966 and attended Cooper Union and Central Connecticut State University. In addition to his brother, William Richter, he leaves his sister, Kathleen Misterka, and several nieces and nephews.
A recent Memorial Day tribute began with a young Richter building a radio with “glowing tubes” and listening to reports about the sinking of the USS Thresher submarine.
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“Connecticut has lost its most erudite newspaper columnist,” stated Smith and his wife, Jacqueline R. Smith, a former editor at the Record-Journal. “Glenn Richter was quite simply the best. He also was the best word editor we ever worked with and a magnificent human being.”
Glenn Richter
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Former Record-Journal Executive Editor James H. Smith promoted Richter from copy editor to assistant managing editor in 1992 and for years the two Baby Boomers faced off against each other in columns on the Perspective page, Richter on the right, and Smith on the left. Despite their weekly ideological battles in print, the two men swapped childhood tales, and became close friends.
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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, September 2, 2021
Lead testing rates in children have dropped since the start of pandemic precautions necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Health officials are raising concern about a dramatic drop in testing for lead exposure that resulted from the
“Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is difficult to accurately count the number of incidents of lead poisoning,
whether due to doctor’s reluctance to send kids for testing, parents’ reluctance to go get their kids tested, drawing stations being closed to the public, and other factors,” said Rodney Delgado, environmental health sanitarian at the Meriden Health and Human Services Department. Nationally, lead testing rates for children have dropped since the beginning of the pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that half a million fewer children in reporting jurisdictions were See Lead, A16
A photo taken by Rodney Delgado, an environmental health sanitarian, shows lead paint present in a Meriden residence. Courtesy Meriden Department of Health and Human Services
To learn more please go to ACES.org
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By Jareliz Diaz Record-Journal staff
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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, September 2, 2021
A15
In Brief CNA program Hartford HealthCare Senior Services is accepting applications for a grant-funded six-week program for those seeking a career as a certified nursing assistant. The grant funds tuition, books, scrubs, testing and the Connecticut Certified Nurses Aide Exam. Sessions begin Monday, Sept. 27. Applicants must have their high school diploma, be 18 or older and have their own transportation. Classroom education and labs take place in Southington and clinical training is in Newington and Southington. For more information and to receive an application packet, call 860-4069050 or email CNAtraining@ hhchealth.org.
Join us for a free virtual class
2nd Annual Timber Cup The Town of Berlin is hosting the Second Annual Timber Cup Benefit Golf Tournament Sunday, Sept. 12. The tournament tees off at noon at Timberlin Golf Course. The Timber Cup benefits Berlin Social and Youth Services, which supports the community with food assistance, hardship assistance, youth programming, and in other various ways. Visit berlinct.gov for more information, or contact John Mascia (jmascia@ berlinct.gov) or Jaymee Miller (jmiller@berlinct,gov).
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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, September 2, 2021
Lead From A14
tested for lead exposure during the first five months of 2020 than during the same period in 2019. In Meriden, there were 359 inspections related to lead exposure between July 2020 and July 2021. The city’s Department of Health and Human Services has 14 open
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cases that require abatement and 31 cases that don’t require abatement. In that time period, Meriden had 66 known cases of children who tested positive for lead, Delgado said. Before the 1970s, lead was commonly used in paint. In 1978 lead-based paints were banned for residential use, after it was discovered that lead posed a health risk for children. Latino, Black and other minority communities are generally considered at higher risk because they tend to occupy older buildings. “Children who live in households at or below the federal poverty level and those who live in housing built before 1978 are at the greatest risk of lead exposure. Also, communities of color are at a higher risk of lead exposure because they may not have access to safe, affordable housing or face discrimination when trying to find a safe, healthy place to live,” the CDC states. The risk to children is significant, said Jennifer Haile, director of the Hartford Lead
Rodney Delgado, an environmental health sanitarian, demonstrates an XRF analyzer at his residence in Meriden. Delgado uses the analyzer to determine if lead is present on the exterior and interior of homes. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal
Treatment center. “Lead poisoning causes effects on the developing brain, can affect IQ, attention and hyperactivity problems. It can affect growth, speech delay,” she said. “It affects almost all of the child.”
Connecticut requires lead testing for children twice when they’re between 9 and 36 months old. If a doctor discovers risk factors for lead poisoning additional lead tests can be done.
“Make sure your child has the mandatory screenings for lead poisoning. It is in Connecticut at lower levels, and identifying when you have been exposed so we
See Testing, A17
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It’s important for children to be tested for lead poisoning, Haile said, because the earlier it’s detected the better chance of stopping exposure.
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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
There is no safe lead level. Lower levels require intervention and higher levels can be deadly. Lead poisoning occurs when lead paint dust is inhaled or paint chips or contaminated soil are swallowed. Lead can build up in the body within months or years. Families with children that test positive for elevated blood levels can self-refer to the Hartford Lead Treatment Center or the Yale Lead Treatment Center.
Rick Macri, of RSR properties, has purchased mostly foreclosed real estate in Meriden for the past 20 years. He says from his experience, lead doesn’t seem to be a big problem in Meriden, but every home purchased is checked for lead. If lead is found, an independent contractor is hired for abatement. “We typically assume in the older houses everything contains lead, to be on the safe side. If it’s older, it contains lead, that way there is no question at all,” Macri said.
If you think your child has come in contact with lead paint or dust, contact the child’s primary care provider. jdiaz@record-journal.com 203-317-2386 Twitter: @jarelizz
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Older homes Asked how prevalent lead poisoning is in Meriden, Delgado responded, “Meriden is a very old town, with many buildings/structures built prior to 1978. With this, the risk of lead poisoning is present. Once the leadbased paint is disturbed, becomes defective, or deteriorated, this increases the risk of lead poisoning.”
eas that may pose a risk.
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Data show that among children under six years of age with a confirmed blood test in 2017, Hispanics were 1.4 times more likely to have moderate or greater levels of lead poisoning than nonHispanics. The disparity has decreased in recent years but persists.
by a federally certified company is required. For lead dust risk, wet wiping/mopping and wet cleaning of all surfaces such as floors, window wells, window sills, counters, and tables will help limit the risk. Also, limit a child’s access to any ar-
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The state Department of Public Health keeps track of lead testing levels in children that municipal health departments have access to.
putting the surface into an intact state can reduce the risk. It would also help to replace old doors, windows, and other home components that may be older with new products. When replacing, if old paint containing lead is disturbed, abatement
Let us help you find the perfect place to eat.
Whether it’s a celebration, date night, or just grabbing a bite to eat, this list of local restaurants is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Find great local eats - MenusCT.com Adelphia Café 476 Washington Avenue North Haven, CT 06473 203-535-0149 Family owned/operated. Former proprietors of the Neptune Diner in Wallingford. Extensive menu for all tastes. Breakfasts, luncheons and special dinners. All baking on premises.
Colony Diner
611 N Colony Road Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 269-9507 colonydiner.com Wallingford’s place to go for oldfashioned breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Proudly serving up delicious and hearty meals daily. Voted Best Diner 4 years running by Record Journal. Open seven days. Breakfast served all day.
Athena II Diner
320 Washington Ave, North Haven, CT 06473 203.239.0663 www.athena2diner.com Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Serving breakfast, lunch, & dinner. Accept Q Cards. Serving North Haven for 30 years. Daily specials and full liquor available.
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From A16
The city’s Health and Human Services Department reports that the risk of lead poisoning can be reduced by the following: Painting over defective paint that may contain lead. If the paint is chipping, flaking or cracked, two solid coats of paint and
A17
208923
Testing
Thursday, September 2, 2021
A18
The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, September 2, 2021
Legal Notices & Classifieds
Reach over 310,000 readers. Call us today 203-238-1953
RJ MEDIA GROUP | Record-Journal | myrecordjournal.com | HOMEBASE Digital | Berlin Citizen | Cheshire Citizen | North Haven Citizen | Plainville Citizen | Southington Citizen | Town Times | The Post Autos Wanted
Help Wanted
Apartments For Rent
Wanted To Buy
Wanted To Buy
SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS
WALLINGFORD - Newly A-1 LOOKING - For Old GRASSY HILL AUCCostume & Sterling remodeled 1st fl., 1 BR TIONS, - an Estate Jewelry Box Lots & apt., no smkg/no pets, Sale, Liquidation, Attic Other Doodads.”I Pay call 203-901-2123. Needed for Southington/ & Basement Cleanout Top Cash For Your Meriden/Berlin/Rocky Company is Always Grandma’s Costume Buying and providing Lawn and Garden Hill - Must be 21yrs or Jewelry Stash” Julie services all over Conolder and possess a driv203-443-9602. necticut. These are just er’s license for at least a FEW of the things AARON’S BUYING 3yrs – Paid training to we are looking for: AnOld Machinist Tools, acquire CDL license and tiques, Collectibles, Lathes, BenchTools, Old/ Vintage Toys, Muendorsements available – CASH PAID For any Hand Tools & more. sical Instruments (SaxThe opportunity to bring Toyota any condition, ophones, Trumpets, Vi(203) 525-0608. running or not, crashed your children to work, No olins, Flutes, Clarinets, Childcare$$ Contact okay. Will take other Trombone & SO MUCH ALWAYS BUYING Sheila at New Britain makes and models. MORE) Advertising CASH PAID Transportation (860) 828Items, Wristwatches (203) 600-4431. Vintage Electronics, MATERIALS (Broken or Not), Pocket 0511 ext. 221 or visit us Musical InstruDISTRIBUTION Watches, Tools (Maat, 257 Woodlawn Rd., ments, Amps, Ham TOP CASH PAID Screened Topsoil $25/ chinist, Woodworking, Berlin, CT Equipment, HiFi, & MORE) Doorstops, For Junk or unwanted per yd; Sand-$15 per Radios, CB, GuiClocks, Oil Paintings, yd; Millings-$10 per yd; vehicles, Toyota’s etc. tars, Audio EquipOld Signs, Old PhoScreened Millings $30 Please call Mike @ 203ment, Antiques. tographs, Old Postper yd; Clean Fill $8 860-707-9350 284-8562 8am-5pm. cards, Brewery Items, per yd: $100 minimum Hunting & Fishing, PEZ delivery. No pickup truck Dispensers, Costume Advertise with us. ALWAYS BUYING OLD service. Minimum 16 yd Jewelry, Broken JewelHelp Wanted TOOLS - Wanted old, 203-317-2312 ry, Gold & Silver Jewelpickup at our yard. Call used, and antique ry, Gold & Silver Coins, Jim @ 860-982-4819 for woodworking hand Military Items, Swords delivery tools. Machinist, NORTHWEST & Bayonets, Helmets & woodworking, enPatches, Medals & UniPREMIUM CHILDREN’S graving, workbench forms, Pocket Knives, hand tools and tool SCREENED Lighters & Pipes, FounCENTER chests. Fair and TOPSOIL tain Pens, Mechanical Cromwell. Pre-School friendly offers made Pencils, Fraternal Order $25/yard delivered, Two’s PT Teacher, 2:30in your home. Please Items, Religious Items, Seeking Employment 3 yd, $100 min. delivery call with confidence 5:00, Monday through Industrial Items, WinCory (860) 322-4367. Call Jim 860-982-4819 Friday, & Pre-School chester Items, Sikorsky CNA - Looking for priFour’s Assistant Teacher, Items, Pratt & Whitney vate duty, live-in or out, . Top Soil . Compost . Items, Colt Items, Naemergency service is Full-time. Must have ANTIQUES - Always . Wood Chips . tive American Items, available. Good refer- FOR SALE. Catering to buying old; Toys, credits in ECE/ELEM. ED Vintage Electronics, ences. (475) 414-0490. military, jewelry, art, or be a matriculated stusmall deliveries. Call Bob Slot Cars, Toy Trucks, watches, musical dent in ED. Call Suzanne, (203) 415-0723 Matchbox & Hotinstruments, signs, Lots and Acreage 860-635-3485 or email wheels, Barbie’s, Folk arcade games, Art, Statues, Bronzes, suzrutner@aol.com cameras, pre 1970 SAINT LAWRENCE CEM- Miscellaneous For Sale Trains, Cameras, Mid sports memorabilETERY - Plots four toCentury Modern Furia, plus more. One gether for sale, call Do- 4 BURNER GRILL - $125 PT AND FT - Positions niture, Straight Razors, o.b.o. 2 burner grill, $75 item or entire estate lores, (321) 848-2903. available for medical Shaving Items, Political o.b.o. Kitchen Hutch, contents. Call 860billing office - flexible Items, Comic Books, $125 o.b.o. Med sz 718-5132. schedules available Furniture Sports Cards & Autofridge, $125 o.b.o. AluM-F. Heavy phone volgraphs…& THE LIST minum ext. ladder, $90 BUYING ume. Data entry. Send KITCHEN SET - 4 chairs, MACHINIST GOES ON! So please o.b.o. (475) 255-8181. $125 o.b.o. Call (860) resumes to fax 203TOOLBOXES - Tools give us a call at your 628-8953. 439-2087. & tooling, contents of 4 FULL BOXES - Brand earliest convenience. machine shops, home new, cypress green Grassy Hill Auctions workshops and small color, 4” vinyl siding, 24 203-868-1816 - Grassy lathes. Call anytime pieces per box, each Help Wanted HillAuctions.com 860-985-5760 piece 24’ long + 1 box of trim & accessories. New price over $4,000, best offer. Call Jeff, (203) 235-2951.
GROW YOUR BUSINESS
Looking for a friend?
Need to Earn Income ASAP? Earn up to $1,200 mo. + Tips!
FREE - Cart for lawn tractor. 30”x48”x12” Deep. Good Condition but needs new wheels. Call 203-631-7207.
The perfect and easiest part time job - Newspaper Delivery Routes Available - Earn up to $600.00 every Two weeks +Tips (Depending on area)
Routes available in the following towns:
Wood Fuel Heating Equipment TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS 203-238-2149
MIDDLETOWN, CROMWELL, OLD SAYBROOK, MERIDEN, PLAINVILLE, NEW BRITAIN, WATERBURY Must be 18 or older. Must have valid drivers license, reliable vehicle and be available early mornings. Make extra cash before you go to work making early morning newspaper deliveries using your own vehicle. NO experience necessary. Must able to deliver early mornings, 7 days a week. MUST be dependable, and be able to read a route list with specific delivery instructions. We will demonstrate the route to you. Routes average 1.5 to 3 hours daily. No collections required.
Wanted To Buy
Text or call Peter at 860-846-0216 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and start as soon as tomorrow morning.
237783
Not Temp Work. Retirees, Stay at Home Mom’s, and Veterans are also welcome to apply. Make extra cash to pay rent, mortgage, bills, save money, or a great vacation.
1,2,3 Items or an Estate $$$ CASH $$$ Todd Shamock Estate Sale Service Costume Jewelry, Antiques, Dolls, Toys, Paintings,Meriden Items 203-494-1695
Find litters of critters in Classifieds.
CONNECT WITH US SOCIALLY FACEBOOK.COM/ RECORDJOURNAL NEWSPAPER TWITTER.COM/ RECORD_JOURNAL INSTAGRAM.COM/ RECORDJOURNAL
WANTED Individual firearms, collections & estates including military & related items.Federally licensed firearms dealer. Gunsmith, appraisals, Richard Pleines, (860) 663-2214.
GROW YOUR BUSINESS Advertise with us. 203-235-1661
The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, September 2, 2021
Businesses & Services Attics and Basements Cleaned GARY WODATCH
Home Improvements
Junk Removal
Junk Removal
Demolition Svs Sheds, pools, decks, garages, debris removal. Quick, courteous svc. All calls returned. Ins. #566326. Cell, 860-558-5430
Carpentry CARPENTRY
Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping Water Damage Repairs. Free Est. Ins. MC & Visa. Call Bill (203) 901-2136. CT. Reg. # 0647093
Electrical Services TEC ELECTRICAL
Service LLC All Phases of Electrical Work. 24 hr. Emergency Service. Small Jobs Welcome. 203.237.2122
Gutters
Specializing in roofing, siding, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, basement remodeling. Senior citizen discount Insured. Free est. 203-265-5200 HIC#0631937
House Cleaning PRISTINE CLEANING & LAWN CARE - House Cleaning, lawn mowing, hedges trimmed, fall cleanups. Free est. 7 days a week. Call 860.853.0278.
CALL OR TEXT 203.605.2189. Senior, Vet, 1st Responder Disc. Serving CT. We haul your trash not your cash!
Looking for a friend?
Find litters of critters in Classifieds.
Landscaping GARY WODATCH Hedge & tree trimming. Trim overgrown properties. Calls returned. #620397.860-558-5430
203-238-1953
Get Listed. Get Calls. Get Results. Landscaping
A&R CLEANOUT SERVICE - Partial or total cleanouts of homes, garages, basements, If they’re dirty! For gutbusinesses. We Clean homes top to bottom ter cleaning, Call Kevin and do demolition work (203) 440-3279 Fully ins. also. Free estimates. CT# 569127 No job to small or large. 203-281-6387 or 203623-0166.
FACEBOOK.COM/ RECORDJOURNAL NEWSPAPER TWITTER.COM/ RECORD_JOURNAL INSTAGRAM.COM/ RECORDJOURNAL
ROOFING, SIDING, & STORM DAMAGE
100% Financing Avail. GAF MASTER ELITE LA-RICH ROOFING LLC 860-747-4427 860-622-9800
D & G PAVING
Over 25 yrs exp. Paving, Seal Coating, Concrete, Reg#1312085, 203-237-6058
Plumbing
CLEAN & REMOVE 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
IF YOU Mention This Ad SPRING Yard Clean-Ups Brush, branches, leaves, storm 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
GEORGE J MACK & SONS - Servicing the Meriden area since 1922. Toilet, faucet, sink & drain repairs. Water heater replacements. 15% Sr citizen disc. 203-238-2820.
OVER 28 YEARS EXP Stonewalls, patios, sidewalks, chimneys, pool areas, fireplaces, fire pit steps, all types of masonry work. Free est. (860) 274-4893.
#1 PAINTER’S EDGE MOBILE WASH Chemicals safe for house & plants. House wash + roof cleaning. 25 yrs. exp. Sr Disc. #0656136 Ins. 860.538.5520
HOME DOCTOR - 48 yrs exp. Odd jobs & remodeling, former US Navy, 15 yrs, #640689, 203.427.7828.
Home Improvements
POWER WASHING RT RELOCATION Your moving and storage specialists. Call for a free estimate. 833-668-3978.
Looking for a friend? Find litters of critters in Classifieds.
Power Washing
Moving and Storage
Call Monday thru Friday 8:30AM - 5PM
Roofing
#1 PAINTER’S EDGE 15% off Houses.Decks. Sheetrock.Popcorn Repair. Wallpaper reMasonry moval. 25 yrs exp. Free est. Sr. disc. #0656136. ALEX MASONRY - 30 yrs. Ins. 860.538.5520 exp. Patios, Ret. Walls, Steps, Brick, Stone, Skylights. Flashing. Chimneys. #580443. Financing Available. Paving 203-232-0257 or 203#0649808 203.510.3830. 596-0652 lmconstructionct.com
Handyperson
GUODACE CONSTRUCTION - Kitchens, Bathrooms, Additions, Windows, Siding, Roofs. Licensed and Insured. 203-213-1530.
Painting Wallpapering
JT’S LANDSCAPING LLC - Spring CleanUps, we specialize in weeding all types of beds, mulching, top soil work, pruning, hedges & trees, & all your landscape needs. Residential & commercial. Lic. #616311. Call today, 203 213-6528.
Junk Removal
GUTTERS DON’T WORK
GUTTERS PLUS 25+yrs. Exp. Call today for Free estimate. 203-440-3535 Ct. Reg. #578887
Let Us BEAR Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT
A19
Is Spring Cleaning on THE OUTSIDE FREE Estimates #569127 Call Kevin 203-440-3279
Yalesville Construction Specializing in all phases of residential & commercial roofing. Senior citizen discount Insured Free est. 203-265-5200 HIC#0631937
Tree Services GARY WODATCH - Tree Removal. All calls returned. CT#620397 Quick courteous service. 860-558-5430.
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Thursday, September 2, 2021
The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
REACH MORE V TERS All Berlin & Plainville Politicians call
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Elevate Your Campaign 244488v2