The Berlin Citizen

WALKING TALL

16 YEARS OF SERVICE

Dems honor Abercrombie

From the Berlin Democratic Town Committee:

The Berlin Democratic Town Committee honored longtime state representative Cathy Abercrombie during a gathering at the Italian Independent Political Club on Thursday, Nov. 17.

Abercrombie, who serves the 83rd district encompassing parts of Berlin and Meri den, did not run for reelection this year and will soon retire from the General As sembly.

"Thank you, Cathy, for nearly two decades of service to our community," said incom ing state representative Jack Fazzino, who will succeed Abercrombie. "I’ve loved your mentorship and friendship over the past year. I’m honored to follow in your foot steps, and excited to build on the founda tion you’ve built for us in the 83rd dis trict."

See Abercrombie, A7

Longtime volunteer rewarded

Citizen report

The Robert B. Dornfried Sr. Lifetime Vol unteerism Award is handed out annually to an individual "who is dedicated to a lifetime of community volunteerism, civic duty and extraordinary service given un selfishly” to the Town of Berlin. In addi tion to the recognition, award-winners are given the opportunity to select a charity of

their choice to which a donation of $500 from the Berlin Volunteer Fund will be made in their name.

The 2022 Lifetime Volunteerism Award went to Ted Swanson for his longtime sup port of Berlin baseball; and local nonprofit Boxes to Boots was the charity Swanson selected.

Volunteer, A14

NASCAR driver Ryan Preece, a Berlin native, has earned a bigpromotion.SeestoryonPage3.

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Speaker of the House Matt Ritter and state Rep. Cathy Abercrombie chat during a gathering at the Italian Independent Political Club.

Thank you

Editor:

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the people of the 30th District who have re-elected me to represent them in Hartford. Thank you for your confi dence and trust. The support and gratitude that I have re ceived while campaigning over these past months has been overwhelming. I will continue to represent all the people in Berlin and South ington and look forward to returning to session.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you, to each and every one of you for trusting me to represent you.

State Rep. Donna Veach

Grateful Editor:

During this week of Thanks giving, I'd like to take a mo ment to send a message of tremendous gratitude. Al though the election did not go the way I had hoped, it is in these moments between breaths where we grow; and as I have caught mine, I wanted to acknowledge the gratitude that emerges from that space.

Thank you to those who vot ed for me and believe that there is a better way to treat people who may hold differ ing points of view. Don't ev

er lose sight of that perspec tive. It is that optimism that reveals our better angels, which are needed more now than ever.

Thank you to those who want to make this world a better place to raise a family.

Thank you to those who be lieve a true democracy should still exist, that gov ernment is there to raise up people when they are down and to provide a hand to those who may need it.

Most of all, thank you for creating special moments during this campaign where I saw the good in people looking to create positive change.

I truly appreciate your faith in me and thank you for your votes of confidence.

Thank you.

Denise McNair Important meeting

Editor:

A current proposal exists that would permanently alter the landscape and scenic vistas of the Chamberlain Highway in South Kensing ton. The property, located at 2107 Chamberlain High way, is a 19-acre parcel which sits between the Bostrom Tree Farm and Fontanella Farm.

H2O Farms is proposing to

build two three-story (30foot) buildings that will each be approximately five acres in size. The buildings will be used to grow lettuce hydro ponically.

A project with a footprint of this size will permanently al ter the landscape and vistas of this area. The current view of open fields, rolling hills and trap rock cliffs will become marred and ob structed by these massive structures.

Secondly, these structures will yield very little to no tax revenue for our town. The operation avoids paying standard property tax, as it technically qualifies as an agricultural operation.

Lastly, the proposal is not consistent with our town’s Plan of Conservation and Development. The POCD denotes this space as an area that should be preserved for its natural beauty and geo logic/topographic features. Additionally, it proposes in vestigating this area for a possible state scenic road designation.

The Planning and Zoning commission has opted to hold a public hearing on this matter to allow for input from the community. Inter ested parties should attend this public hearing on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall or via Zoom.

Peter Zarabozo

Berlin High School Honor Roll

Berlin High School named the following students to its honor roll for the first term.

Grade 9, high honors: Leila Abdulhak, Alexan der Ahlquist, Jaeden Aichele, Isabel Andersen, Is abel Arana, Mackenzie Baker, Lilliana Bellini, Gavin Bennett, Carter Braun, Grace Buchholz, Sofia Cal abrese, Lorenzo Calafiore, Sandra Carminati, Madison Casso, Chloe Constantine, Gianna D’Are na, Lex Ding, Jed Dubuc, Grace Foster, Matthew Greenwood, Jenna Grumo, Luke Hatfield, Jack Heeps, Eleanor Henriques, Anna Hunt, Angeli na Huynh, Zackary Johnson, Sophia Kizilski, Mya Lamoureux, Ryan Lavender, Colin Lennehan, Aadil

Malik, Grace Melnyk, Joshua Miller, Matteo Modifi ca, Michelle Mosur, Patrick Mosur, Liyah Motyka, Olivia Nokes, Luke Norton, Sophia O’Brien, Krish na Patel, Gretchen Perreault, Julia Pikor, Brayden Reynolds, Cynthia Rivera, Gabriella Rivera, Daisy Ruiz, Gabriella Santoro, Sophia Savi, Dante Sisti, Meghan Snyder, Emma Toce, Spencer Toussaint, Sophia Turetska, Brendan Wagner, Alyssa Walker, Brooke Walker, Nina Welch, Isabella Wesoly, Grace Wood, Samantha Wood, Margaret Yantz, Natalie Zadroga; honors: Savanna Adamowicz, Ahmed Ali, Kaley Alkas, Aidan Arcila, Mackenzie Ayotte,

Municipal notice

All town departments will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25 in obser vance of the Thanksgiving holiday. The trash/recycling schedule for Thursday and Friday will be picked up one day later (Friday and Satur day).

Holiday Fair

A Holiday Fair will be held at the Berlin Historical Soci ety museum, 305 Main St., Kensington, Friday, Dec. 2 from 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The upstairs muse um will be decorated and open for touring. Down

stairs, visitors will find Berlin-themed items, giftboxed homemade cookies, confections, books, pottery, honey, spices, jewelry, and more. The museum also will be open Satur days, Dec. 10 and 17, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Women’s club

The Women's Club of New Britain will meet Thurs day, Dec. 1, 2 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, 830 Corbin Ave., New

Britain. The New Britain High School Madrigals will entertain. Following the pro gram, coffee, tea and cookies will be served. Guests are welcome for a $10 fee.

Art show

Gallery 66, 66 Main St., New Britain, presents Open and Shut, an exhibition of ab stract art on windows. This is the first solo show of artist Eddie Hall, of Berlin, featur ing works he created over the last two years. These works are uniquely created

using recycled windows and exhibit vibrant colors and geometric patterns. The ex hibit will be on display through Friday, Dec. 30. For more information, visit ed diehallart.com/open-andshut.

Bible School

Wellspring Church, 222 Lin coln St., Kensington, will host Vacation Bible School for children age 4 to 12, Dec. 28 and 29, from 9 a.m. to noon. The program is ti tled “A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Meaning of Christmas,” and will in clude games, crafts and ac tivities. The fee is $10 per child ($20 per family). RSVP by Sunday, Dec. 4. Email VBSChristmas@well spring.net. For more infor mation, visit wellspring.net

From

Additionally, Aric Almirola said ahead of this season that it would be his last, then backtracked and will return next year. Any way he looked at it, Preece figured SHR would eventually have open ings and being embedded within the organization made him the frontrunner.

2013, the same year he made his debut in the Xfini ty Series.

He made his Cup debut in 2015 and two years later mortgaged his house to fund two Xfinity races with Joe Gibbs Racing. The superior equipment allowed Preece to finally show his talent and he finished second in his JGR debut won the next race at Iowa Speedway.

“This is the opportunity I’ve been working for,” Preece said. “Nothing was guaran teed at the start of this year, but I felt like if I put in the time, whether it was in a race car or in a simulator, that SHR was the place for me. It’s a company built by racers, for racers, and it’s ex actly where I want to be.”

Preece clawed his way from Berlin, Connecticut, into NASCAR’s national series through the Whelen Modi fied Tour, NASCAR’s oldest division and the only openwheel series it sanctions. The 32-year-old won the modified championship in

Preece parlayed it into 17 more Xfinity races with JGR a run that included a 2018 victory at Bristol, and finally in 2019 a chance in the Cup Series with a three-year deal with JTG-Daugherty Racing.

See Preece, A9

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From

After the race, Logano tweet ed out a photo of the two racers back in their Silver City days.

Many of the families with children racing at Silver City have that same attachment to the track, where genera tions of kids from Meriden and across the state spent countless hours.

Parents have fun there too, launching their kids onto the track with a good push and working as a pit crew.

“It’s a family sport. You don’t drop your kid off for an hour and come back after prac tice,” Cordova said.

“It becomes a way of life,”

said Mary Trapp, the club’s secretary and a former racer, as her children buzzed about while getting ready to hit the track.

With a slightly tighter loop than a typical midget racing track, and families coming from across the region, she said Silver City is a perfect place for young racers to hone their reflexes and get exposure.

“Some things have changed, but the track is still here … it’s building the dream,” Trapp said.

Preece comes from a racing family. His dad and maternal grandfather were both rac ers.

“I don’t think there’s any memories I can recall that don’t have anything to do with racing,” he said. “It’s been a heck of a ride and hopefully it’s even bet ter from here on out.”

In this July 2022

out high-fives

Preece’s next race is at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, listed on the U.S.

National Register of Historic Places, on Saturday, Sept. 8.

“I’m excited about it, going to a track that has a lot of history is pretty exciting,” he said. “I feel pretty confident, I'm really happy with the re sults we’ve been having.”

photo, NASCAR driver Ryan Preece gives

as he meets youngsters attheSilverCityQuarterMidgetTrackinMeriden. Aaron Flaum, Record-Journal

Candelora reelected House Minority Leader

Press Release

Republicans elected to serve in Con necticut’s House of Representatives have selected state Rep. Vincent Can delora to serve a second term as House Minority Leader.

Candelora was the unanimous choice of more than 50 Republicans who at tended a Thursday, Nov. 10 leadership caucus at the State Capitol.

Candelora represents the 86th House District, which includes the town’s of North Branford, Durham, East Haven and Guilford.

“I remain humbled by the faith my caucus colleagues have placed in me to lead them in our shared effort to make the state a better place to live for all Connecticut residents,” said Candelora, 52. “From rehabilitating our state’s economy to addressing the affordabili

ty crisis that’s hurting so many people, there’s little doubt that all of us serving in the General Assembly will face criti cal tasks when our new terms begin.”

A graduate of the Dickinson School of Law at Penn State University, Candelo ra lives in North Branford and has three children. Outside of the legislature, Candelora helps run two family-owned businesses.

From A1

Current and former state lawmakers who feted Aber crombie for her 16 years of service to the state includ ed Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, Sen. Rick Lopes, Rep. Hilda Santiago, Rep. Michael Quinn, Rep. Jane Garibay, former Speaker of the House Chris Donovan, and former state senator Terry Gerratana.

"Representative Abercrombie served the 83rd district with honor and distinction," Berlin Democratic Town Committee chair Julie Erickson stated. "I had the plea sure of witnessing her work ethic, dedication, and compassion to the people and organizations she represented, especially with respect to Human Ser vices. I will miss her empathy, grace and intelligence, and congratulate her on the much-earned road ahead. Thank you, Cathy."

Cathy Abercrombie and BDTC Chair Julie Erickson.

Senior Health

Exercise and stress

Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., learn more about what stress is, how physical activity can help re duce stress and what exercises are best at helping to reduce it. Presented by Christine Solimini-Swift, exercise physiolo gist, GoodLife Fitness. Registration required. Call 1-855-4424373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

Awareness training

Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 2 to 3 p.m., learn how you can avoid slips, trips and falls for an overall safer environment. Presented by Lisa Murawski, exercise physiologist, GoodLife Fitness. Registration required. Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

Cedar Mountain

Cedar Mountain Commons, an independent and assisted living community located at 3 John H. Stewart Drive in Newington, will host an open house Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 3 to 7 p.m. Registration is recommended. Call 860665-7901.

The Orchards

The Orchards, an independent and assisted living commu nity located at 34 Hobart St. in Southington, will host an open house Thursday, Dec. 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. Registration is recommended. Call 860-628-5656.

Caregiver support

Do you care for someone diagnosed with dementia? Join this support group the second Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Facilitated by Patty O’Brian, CDP, de mentia specialist, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. Registration required. Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

Preece

Leaf collection

Leaves will be picked up on, or near, your trash day the week of Nov. 28 to Dec. 2. Residents wishing to have leaves picked up, must put them in biodegradable brown paper bags and leave them at the curb on their regular trash day. Keep all leaf bags well away from your automated trash con tainer. Grass clippings, yard waste and twigs cannot be mixed with leaves.

Boxes to Boots

Boxes to Boots creates care packages for military person nel serving abroad, and the Berlin-based non-profit is looking for everything from toiletries, to snacks, to books. Snack-wise, service members prefer items they can easily carry, like granola bars, small bags of cookies and crackers, and beef jerky. To learn more about Boxes to Boots, visit boxestoboots.org.

getting those Xfinity Series races with Gibbs.

“When he finally got the right opportunity, he deliv ered in a big way. Now, Ryan’s got the right opportu nity in Cup. We’re proud to have him and look forward to seeing what he can do in our race cars. ”

Preece’s first stint in Cup was unremarkable, aside from 2021 when JTG did not have a charter for his car and Preece still qualified for every race. He was in the on

ly full-time non-chartered car and JTG lacked sponsor ship for at least a dozen races.

The car was shuttered at the end of the season, which led Preece to the reserve role at SHR.

Next year he will be team mates with Harvick, Almiro la and Chase Briscoe. Har vick is the 2014 champion and both he and Briscoe made the playoffs this sea son.

Custer, the son of SHR exec utive Joe Custer, won a Cup race in his 2020 rookie sea son but his success has mostly come in the Xfinity Series. He’s a 10-time win ner in Xfinity, including a February victory in one of five starts.

He will drive a new second Xfinity Series car as team mate to Riley Herbst, who SHR is bringing back for a third consecutive season.

“Cole Custer has been a part of SHR since 2017 and we’re glad to have him stay with us, ” Stewart said. “Cole’s ex perience will be invaluable to Riley Herbst as he contin ues his development in the Xfinity Series.”

Victoria Borissov, Sydney BronkZdunowski, Miah Castro, Mah noor Choudhary, Julia Collin, Lil lian Cookson, Stephen Cullen, Paolo Cultrera, Sienna Finley, Is abella Gagnon, Aidan Garneau, Julia Hines, Sydney Hoops, Chase Horning, Thomas Kiernan, Sara Langford, Cassandra Laz zara, Elissa Martinez, Chelsea Meade, Thomas Motta, Landyn Nadeau, Alyssa Napolitano, Muizz Naru, Annette Navarrete, Jonathan Ortiz, Darren Pelletier, Andre Pion, Carmine Rio, Ariel Rivera, Isabella Salina, Michelle Sanchez, Kayden Santana, Mari ah Shea, Jayden Showerda, Vla dyslav Shpilchuk, Arden Singh, Jessica Vale da Serra, Philip

Wilkinson, Emersyn Wolski, Ma teusz Wroblewski, Phineas Ya malis.

Grade 10, high honors: Nicole Akulin, Sunita Amiri, Jayden Andrade, Brody Bannon, Gianna Barile, Faithe Barkoski-LaPosta, Anna Barnat, Philip Bogacz, Karolina Carlone, Charlotte Carlson, Madelyn Carlson, Elizabeth Cug no, Sara Cugno, Zuzanna Dabek, Luca Dellaripa, Taylor DeMaio, Natalie Dempsey, Hunter DiMau ro, Max Ding, Samantha Dunn, Phillip Dutremble, Nicholas Ebrahimi, Julia Farrand, Andrew Feldman, Lanie Ferguson, Klau dia Fidyk, Isabella Fogarty, Joseph Francalangia, Lorenzo Gil, Timothy Gorham, Nadia Goulet, Reni Guo, Anousha Hashim, Juliana Holliday, Marcus Joshi, Natalia Kmita, Kaitlyn Ko zlowski, Macie Krawciw, Fiona

Li, Juniya Lighty, Aurora Logan, Nadia Malec, Anthony Manafort, Nicholas Manzi, Raymond Mar tin, Madisen McBride, Gianna Miele, Victoria Molas, Elyse Niemiec, John O’Brien, John Pease, Julia Pelc, Bella Perugini, Dominik Picur, John Platt, Amelia Powalka, Grace Ramirez, Kate Roberti, Natalee Rockhill, Mad dox Rodriguez, Chloe Rollins, Madelynn Sadowski, Ryan Scaranuzzo, Samyra Shillingford, Conlan Simard, Daphne Smith, Kamryn Stepina, Sarah Swan son, Addison Szczesniak, Kamil Szok, Katelyn Tierney, Kayden Tirado, Zachary Ulan, Ethan Vas sar, Jatnna Vega, Victoria Vozvyshayeva, Luke Wad strup, Raeghan Watson, William Weber, Katherine Zibell; honors: Jaelyn An, Thomas An dersen, Mason Asklar, Joshua Beaudoin, Daniel Bellini, Marissa Bellizzi, Austin Boninsegna,

David Castro Guardado, Daniel Cwieka, Lindsay Dempsey, Ava Desmarais, Zoe DiMauro, Aiden Dunphy, Justin Eckrote, Nathaniel Elmani, Olivia-Anne Ferrante, Christopher Gagliardi, Athena Holloway, Haley John son, Cassidy Kemp, Sybella Lan drie, Emily Laskowski, Joseph Manafort, Giuliana Miele, Peyton Miller, Samuel Monsonis, Omar Montanez, Ian Morales, Thomas Morisse-Corsetti, Madeline Mo ta, Peyton Nadeau, Elora Nau mann, Sarah Nielsen, Adrian Or tega, Peter Poplawski, Emma Radoncic, Cyrus Revenaugh, Lu cas Revenaugh, Christian Ric citelli, Jonah Shackford, Adrian Uszynski, Kaylie Vaccaro, Max Weber, Emma Woodward.

Grade 11, high honors: Jack Baclaski, Alexa Barbagallo, Ryan Brown, Adriana Casella, Emily Collin, Adelaide Crisler, Kyle De Groff, Bois Del, Jamison Evans,

Alexa Fallon, Glenn Fearn, Sofia Gobbi, Angela Gross, Hiba Jebli, Paige Kemish, Julia Kielbowicz, Patrick Kot, Nadia Kukula, Emma Lavoie, Madelyn Lazzara, Connor Lennehan, Connor Lindsay, Cameron Malcarne, Jacob Mari on, Ryan Markey, Noah Melnyk, Jacob Miller, Kaleigh Ouellette, Matilde Pancani, Charles Pinchera, Alex Poloszczak, Bri anna Robertson, Jayleen Rosario, Jack Salerno, Santino Sisti, Joslyn Smulski, Madison Stec, Kelsey Therrien, Sophia Tierney, Alyssa Wenzel, Ashton White, Whitney White, Addison Whiteside, Mia Wilson, Isabella Yagmin, Matthew Zup; honors: Andreas Aichele, Alina Asatourian, Tyler Bergstrom, Gabriela Blanco, Elijah Burgos, Zain Choudhary, Chelsea Contr eras, Rolando Crespo, Erika Damboise, Calvin DeLude, Ma son DiMauro, River Eber hardt, Rose Fas, Matthew Gagliardi, Brandon Garrity, Riley Hoops, Christina Huynh, Adrian Karwowski, Michael Kobus, Toby Lavender, Andrea Marchio, Ryan Matan, Timothy Mrachek, Alivia Muisener, Natalia Olszewska, Alexandra Pauley, Maksymilian Poloszczak, Matthew Raynock, Adam Rice, Julia Salina, Ian Saunders, Lauren Schillo, Kayleigh Spencer, Jack Vocke, Alliana Wicik, Maya Zureiqi.

Honor Roll

From

Grade 12, high honors: Tamarah Al Mozani, Noah Arce-Caliskan, John Barnat, Ryan Bird, Dylan Brockel, Eva Chmielewski, Sean Colello, Kevin Corteville, Kelsey Day, Michael Deegan, Kailee DeMaio, Brianna DeMor ais, Ariana DiDomenico, Brielle Dumont, Elizabeth Dunn, Oksana Dyshuk, Malcolm Ferguson,

Gavin Foster, Adam Gauvin, Meredith Gendreau, Lauren Giove, Sophia Graca, Julia Greenwood, Joshua Grimm, Alivia Halkias, Derek Heckler, An drew Helm, Brenna Howes, Talia Impelluso, Jayden Jakiel, Matthew Jamrozek, Clau dia Jankovich, Grace Kelly, Abi gail Klepacki, Nicholas Koops, Emily Lamoureux, Michael Lanteri, Chloe Loehr, Katherine Lukens, Alex Machata, Luke Maguder, Ian Malespini, Olivia Marolda, Trista May, Bret May nard, Alex Miloszewski, Dominic

In Brief

Pistol Creek off-leash zone

The fenced-in area at Pistol Creek, as designated by the Town Council on July 26 as a leash-free area for dogs, is now open. The area is ap proximately 50,000 square feet, in the middle of the fairway, right in front of the handicap parking lot off Spruce Brook Road.

Please note the rules of the area as posted at the en trance to the fenced-in area. Dogs must be on a leash in all other public spaces in town. Animal Control offi cers will be issuing Written Warnings to individuals who do not have their dogs on leashes on public property.

Rotary Club

The Rotary Club of Kensing ton-Berlin meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Sliders Bar & Grill, 197 Episcopal Road. For more information about the club, contact John Ro man(jcroman2012@ aol.com) or Elaine Pavasaris (elaine@homesweethoem ct.com).

Wall of Honor

The Berlin Veterans Com mission’s “Veterans Digital Wall of Honor,” located in the main lobby rotunda of Town Hall, is dedicated to “All Who Proudly Served and Sacrificed to Protect Our Country.” Berlin residents and their immediate family, past and present, who have served or are currently serv ing in the United States mili tary can be put up on the wall. Contact Peter Galgano at petergalgano@com cast.net or 860-604-7258.

Mongillo, Michael Motta, Olivia Motta, Laura Munch, Col by Nardelli, Alexandra Nawalaniec, Sydney Nelson, Alyssa O’Leary, Gabriella Pappa, Ishani Patel, Neil Patel, Ronit Pa tel, Samuel Pelkey, Natalia Penkiewicz, Liam Peterson, Joshua Plaag, Kenna Roman, Matthew Ross, Kaya Rutkowski, Katherine Skinner, Hanna Smola, Alexzandra Spinali, Madison Starace, Klaudia Szarwacki, Mol ly Szczesniak, William Turgeon, Jameson Urrunaga, Nicolas Vi gnone, David Wadstrup, Caitlin Watson, Jenna Wenzel, Morgan Wesoly, Molly Williams, Sal Williams, Devin Young, Robert Zajkowski; honors: Tay lor Bellizzi, Sheila Boynton, Ruth Brown Kirchner, Joseph Burns, Anna Butrimas, Ryan Cata lano, Gianna Coccomo, Marcel Dabek, Kevin Daley, Camden De

Lude, Terrence Dornfried, Christi na Duong, Lindsey Eckrote, Ian Franczak, Alexander Gabor, William Gomes, Nicole Halas, Zachary Hills, Gavin Holland, Savion Knighton, Paris Lange, Thomas Lewis, Mason Memery, Marissa Modifica, Lucia MorisseCorsetti, Emma Nagel, Ethan Nelson, Brynn Nogiec, Jordan

Pare, Kevin Paventi, David Perkins, Kyle Pinto, Alexa Pren dergast, Jordan Rodriguez, Sara Rogan, Ethan Rusch, Jayden Santiago, Sydney Sharpe, Matthew Sliwka, Mason Toce, Austin Vale da Serra, Julia Wanke, Hailey Wieczorek.

Whether it is a lost ring, wallet or a Parrot named Oliver, a Classified ad can help track it down.

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Textile recycling

Berlin has partnered with AFAB Recycling LLC, a Con necticut-based textile recy cling company. Residents are encouraged to drop off their unwanted textiles (clothing and shoes) at the

In Brief Letters Policy

Transfer Station, 19 Town Farm Lane. The Transfer Sta tion is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. AFAB Recycling ac cepts clean, dry and bagged clothing and fashion acces sories (gently used, like-new

or worn) including dresses, shirts, pants, suits, coats, gloves, hats, belts, ties, scarves, wallets, purses, backpacks, totes, footwear, bedding, toys, stuffed ani mals and jewelry.

For more information, con tact Public Works at 860-8287022 or 860-828-7069.

During the more than two years that the world was dealing with the pandemic, the Beyond School Walls youth mentoring pro gram met virtually to insure the health of participants. Now in its 14th year of opera tion, Beyond School Walls is back in action and scheduling regular, in-person sessions at Comcast of Western New England’s re gional headquarters in Berlin. The pro gram, hosted and sponsored by Comcast, is structured and managed by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut. Big Brothers and Big Sisters (mentors) in the program are Comcast employees. The program’s Little Brothers and Sisters (mentees) are third, fourth and fifth grade students from Lincoln Elementary School in New Britain. Learn more about the organization at ctbigs.org.

Berlin Memorial

Berlin Memorial

Berlin Memorial

FUNERAL HOME INC. 1279090 Carolyn Smith, Owner James Casso, Director

FUNERAL

“Caring Service with a Gentle Hand” 96 MAIN STREET Phone (860) 828-4730 Kensington, CT 06037www.BerlinMemorial.netFAX (860) 829-6509

828-4730 Kensington, CT 06037www.BerlinMemorial.netFAX (860) 829-6509

828-4730 Kensington, CT 06037www.BerlinMemorial.netFAX (860) 829-6509

Volunteer

From A1

As a Robert B. Dornfried Sr. Lifetime Volunteerism Award winner, Swanson’s name joins Dick Benson, Charles Colaresi, Bill Petit, Paul Eshoo and Dave Alkas on a plaque that hangs in the Town Hall rotunda.

Dornfried dedicated many years to volunteer work in Berlin, but was most proud of his military service. A member of the Army, Dorn fried served in the Korean conflict, and was awarded a Bronze Star.

To learn more about the Lifetime Volunteerism Award, contact Diane Dorn fried at dianedj0559@ msn.com.

The 2022 Robert B. Dornfried Sr. Lifetime Volunteerism Award was bestowed upon Ted Swanson. Pictured, from left,

A time for friends, family, gratitude and togetherness

Derek Jutras 860-883-7091

Derek Jutras 860-883-7091

Cans, bottles sought by local non-profit

By Nicole Zappone The Citizen

More than 720 million bot tles and cans go unreturned for a deposit refund each year.

In the greater Middletown area, Cans 4 A Cause is looking to collect your un wanted cans and bottles to benefit local charities and other nonprofit agencies.

Jeff Myjak, who started this non-profit in 2018, is look ing to make a difference one can and bottle at a time.

“We are encouraging people that if they don’t want to re deem them, we will take them,” he said, pointing out that the goal is to give the money back to the commu nity.

The organization started in Myjak’s driveway, and cans and bottles were delivered by a dump truck.

“It got to be too big, and we had to look for warehouse space, ” Myjak said. “We fi nally found this place earlier this year.”

The process took about a year, and this past August, Cans 4 A Cause moved into the warehouse space on Walnut Street in Middle town.

Twice a week, a group of volunteers comes into the warehouse to sort through the bags and separate cans and bottles by brand.

This process makes it sim pler, Myjak says, to redeem them.

Liz Brantley balances the books for Cans 4 A Cause and helps determine where the money goes.

“I retired a year and a half ago, and I was looking for something to do,” Brantley said. “I spotted this, and be ing half a mile around the corner from my house, I de cided to help. I became ad dicted to it.”

With Brantley’s experience as an accountant and work ing with books, Myjak took advantage of her skills and made her a part of his Board of Directors.

Some organizations to ben efit include New Horizons, Warm the Children, and CT Diaper Bank.

Holiday toy drives and vet erans programs also have been helped by Cans 4 A Cause.

To

a-cause.org

Pajama Program

The Pajama Program provides new pajamas and books to children in need, many of whom are waiting to be adopted. These children live in situations such as group homes, shel ters and temporary housing facilities; and many have never enjoyed the simple comfort of having a mother or father tuck them in with warm, clean pajamas and a bedtime sto ry.

Artsplace, 1220 Waterbury Road, Cheshire, is collecting new pajamas in all sizes. Pajamas must be complete sets (top and bottom) or a nightgown. Pajamas are especially needed for the winter months. Artsplace is also collecting new chil dren’s books.

Drop off items in the marked plastic bin outside the front door, under the purple awning, through Thursday, Dec. 15. Artsplace can be reached at 203-272-2787.

More ways to move

business forward

RJ Media Group

RJ Media Group means world class marketing solutions for your local business. No one covers more customers in your area. And no one offers more ways to reach them.

Targeted Advertising in print, online and mobile platforms.

Digital Solutions including SEO, social media campaigns, retargeting, reputation management and total website development.

Direct Marketing solutions from custom mailings to email blasts.

Expert Guidance from dedicated marketing professionals. To see how RJ Media Group can make your business more successful, contact Jim Mizener at 203.317.2312 or jmizener@rjmediagroup.com.

MINUTES CLERKS

The Town of Cheshire seeks candidates to assist various Town volunteer boards, com missions & committees. Responsibilities include assisting with preparation of meeting agendas, attending meetings & typing, filing & distributing concise & accurate minutes within a designated time frame. Will work in conjunc tion with Town staff & committee Chairs. Competency with Mic rosoft Word & emailing attachments required. Most meetings are held in the evenings Mon day through Thursday. This position is parttime & pays $25 per hour with an increase to $30 per hour upon completion of a six month probationary period. Please see the Town’s web site at www.cheshirect.org for additional information. Application & cover let ter must be submitted to Human Resources Director Louis Zullo at lzullo@cheshirect.org by December 15, 2022. Current clerks should submit a letter stating their interest to contin ue. Town of Cheshire is an EEOE, M/F/D/V

HUMAN RESOURCES

ASSISTANT

The Town of Wallingford is seeking a highly motivated individual to perform a variety of confidential human resources support activities. Requires a H.S. diploma or equivalent and 3 years’ responsible office experience that includes performing human resources work. $23.68 to $28.36 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefits package. Applications may be obtained at the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page or emailed to: wlfdhr@ wallingfordct.gov by the closing date of December 9, 2022. Phone: (203) 2942080; Fax: (203) 2942084. EOE

SENIOR SANITARIAN

Seeking a responsible individual to oversee the inspection and enforcement of public and environmental health statutes, codes and regulations.

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in environmental health, biology, public health or closely related field plus 2 years’ experience in regulatory environmental public health. Must possess State of CT certifications in Food Service Inspection, Subsurface Sewage Phase I & II, and a valid CT Drivers’ license. Salary: $84,586 to $108,221 annually plus an excellent fringe benefits package. 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 December 23, 2022. Phone: (203) 2942080; Fax: (203) 2942084. EOE

WE’RE HIRING!

RJ Media Group seeks an energetic and experienced Media Advertising Sales Consultant to join our talented team of marketing experts. This position offers a competitive salary plus commission plan, 4+ weeks of paid time off per year, health and welfare benefits, 401(k), free newspaper subscription, and cell phone & mileage reimbursement.

RJ Media Group is an EOE. For details visit rjmediagroup.com/careers or email Jim Mizener, VP of Advertising, at jmizener@record-journal.com

ACCELERATED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

FREE CLEAN FILL AVAILABLE FOR COST OF TRUCKING!

PRICED PER LOAD DEPENDING ON LOCATION $100 minimum. CALL JIM 860-982-4819

ALWAYS BUYING CASH PAIDVintage Electronics, Musical Instru ments, Amps, Ham Equipment, HiFi, Radios, CB, Gui tars, Audio Equip ment, Antiques. 860-707-9350

gold,

MATERIALS

DISTRIBUTION

Screened Topsoil $25/ 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 @ 860-982-4819 for delivery

ANTIQUES - Always buying old; Toys, military, jewelry, art, watches, musical instruments, signs, arcade games, cameras, pre 1970 sports memorabil ia, plus more. One item or entire estate contents. Call 860718-5132.

BUYING ALL - Costume Jewelry, Old Watches, Gold Jewelry, Silver Jewelry, Gold & Silver Coins, Sterling Flat ware, In Any Condition. Please Call Jude M. Dichele @ (203) 8681816. FOR SALE BY OWNER -

BUYING MACHINIST TOOLBOXES - Tools & tooling, contents of machine shops, home workshops and small lathes. Call anytime 860-985-5760

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

ASSISTANT TOWN ENGINEER

Town of Cheshire seeks qualified candidates to be involved in the construction, investi gation, development, review and design of Town’s Public Works projects. 35 hr/wk. Excellent benefits. Salary range: $65,894 to $98,006; DOQ. Refer to the Town’s web site @ www.cheshirect.org for details on applying & job description.

Submissions must be received NLT close of business on 12-16-22.

Town of Cheshire is an EEOE, M/F/D/V

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. 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. Text or call Peter at 860-846-0216 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and start as soon as tomorrow morning.

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.

A B C - “A BETTER

CHOICE” - Costume Jewelry Wanted Old, New, Napier, Etc. “I Pay Top Cash For Your Grandma’s Costume Jewelry Stash” I’ll come to you, 203-4439602 Julie.

FOR SALE - Monessen unvented gas cast iron stove, 4 yrs old. Very good cond. Fully rem. cont., 28k BTU. $600. Call Tom 860-329-2358

AARON’S BUYING

Old Machinist Tools, Lathes, BenchTools, Hand Tools & more. (203) 525-0608.

GRASSY HILL AUC TIONS, - an Estate Sale, Liquidation, Attic & Basement Cleanout Company is Always Buying and providing services all over Con necticut. These are just a FEW of the things we are looking for: An tiques, Collectibles, Old/ Vintage Toys, Mu sical Instruments (Sax ophones, Trumpets, Vi olins, Flutes, Clarinets, Trombone & SO MUCH MORE) Advertising Items, Wristwatches (Broken or Not), Pocket Watches, Tools (Ma chinist, Woodworking, & MORE) Doorstops, Clocks, Oil Paintings, Old Signs, Old Pho tographs, Old Post cards, Brewery Items, Hunting & Fishing, PEZ Dispensers, Costume Jewelry, Broken Jewel ry, Gold & Silver Jewel ry, Gold & Silver Coins, Military Items, Swords & Bayonets, Helmets & Patches, Medals & Uni forms, Pocket Knives, Lighters & Pipes, Foun tain Pens, Mechanical Pencils, Fraternal Order Items, Religious Items, Industrial Items, Win chester Items, Sikorsky Items, Pratt & Whitney Items, Colt Items, Na tive American Items, Vintage Electronics, Slot Cars, Toy Trucks, Matchbox & Hot wheels, Barbie’s, Folk Art, Statues, Bronzes, Trains, Cameras, Mid Century Modern Fur niture, Straight Razors, Shaving Items, Political Items, Comic Books, Sports Cards & Auto graphs…& THE LIST GOES ON! So please give us a call at your earliest convenience.

Grassy Hill Auctions 203-868-1816 - Grassy HillAuctions.com

PREMIER ESTATE JEW ELRY - Is interested in buying your fine jewel ry, watches, coin col lections, silver flatware, and costume jewelry. Call Bill, (203) 4942496.

SEEKING ALL COL LECTIBLES - Comic books to motor bikes. All items considered. Call Gary at 203-2374124. Top dollar paidwill beat any price!

TIMELESS TREASURES

ESTATE AUCTIONSIs looking to purchase estate contents. From single items to entire estates. Clean-out ser vices available. Call Bill (203) 494-2496.

GARY WODATCH

Demolition Svs Sheds, pools, decks, garages, debris removal. Quick, courteous svc. All calls returned. Ins. #566326. Cell, 860-558-5430

GARY WODATCHHedge & tree trimming. Trim overgrown prop erties. Calls returned. #620397. 860.558.5430

POWER WASHING Is Spring Cleaning on THE OUTSIDE

FREE Estimates #569127 Call Kevin 203-440-3279

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

Specializing in roofing, siding, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, basement remodeling. Senior citizen discount Insured. Free est. 203-265-5200 HIC#0631937

IF YOU Mention

This Ad

FALL 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!

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

CLEAN & REMOVE

Furniture, applianc es, entire contents of: homes, sheds, estates, attics, basements, garages & more. *FALL YARD Clean-ups* FREE ESTIMATES. LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817

FREE ESTIMATES

Sr. Citizen Discount LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817

JT’S LANDSCAPING

LLC - FALL CleanUps, Call today, for free quote. 203-2136528. Lic. #616311.

OVER 28 YEARS EXP Stonewalls, patios, sidewalks, chimneys, pool areas, fireplaces, fire pit steps, all types of masonry work. Free est. (860) 274-4893. CLEANING

PATIOS, WALKWAYS, Stonewalls, Steps, Concrete, Repairs, Etc. Free Ests. #0648556 203.808.6886 arnoldsmasonry.com

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

GUTTERS PLUS 25+yrs. Exp. Call today for Free estimate. 203-440-3535 Ct. Reg. #578887

A & A LAWN CARE

Free est. Fall clean-ups, tree, brush & debris removal. 203.237.6638 or 203.427.3039.

RT RELOCATION

Your moving and storage specialists. Call for a free estimate. 833-668-3978.

Yalesville Construction Specializing in all phases of residential & commercial roofing. Senior citizen discount Insured Free est. 203-265-5200 HIC#0631937

GARY WODATCH - Tree Removal. All calls re turned. CT#620397

Specializing in tree removal, trimming, chipping & grinding. Call for free estimate. 203-945-1808.