The Berlin Citizen

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Redcoats rout Rockville, reach Class M final

By Ellis Santoro Special to the Record-Journal

BERLIN While the day didn’t start off promising, Berlin’s early mis takes proved to be a fluke.

The top-seeded and unbeaten Red coats routed No. 4 Rockville 42-7 in a Class M semifinal matchup on a cold and cloudy Sunday afternoon at Sage Park.

The Redcoats, now 12-0, advance to Saturday’s Class M championship game. They’ll face No. 2 Notre Dame-West Haven (9-3) at either Rentschler Field or Central Con necticut State University at a time to be announced.

Sunday’s game started with a long kickoff return that put the Redcoats at the 50 yard line. After a quick first down, sophomore running back

SANTA CAME TO TOWN

Kyle Melville caught a screen pass and ran it 25 yards, but fumbled and Rockville recovered.

After the Berlin defense forced a punt, Melville fumbled again on the first play of the drive. This time, it was recovered by the Redcoats.

Two fumbles on two touches and that would be the end of that. Two plays later, Melville got the ball and ran it 34 yards before the ball left his

hands again, this time in celebra tion in the end zone for the game’s first score.

“At first, I think I was trying to do too much; I made a few too many cuts,” Melville said. “My line was blocking their tails off and it led to my success. I always say there’s no such thing as a good running back without a great offensive line.”

See Football, A13

The Berlin Parks & Recreation Department kicked off the holiday season by hosting a “Visit with Santa” Nov. 28 and 29 at the Community Center. Preschoolers, first- and second-graders were invited to have their picture taken with St. Nick and to tell him what they’d like for Christmas.

Attendees were asked to bring a donation for the food pantry, and each youngster received a goodie bag and a small toy.

More photos on Page 2.

Nicole Zappone, The Citizen

Therapist dedicated to holistic healing

By Nicole Zappone The Citizen

Mind, Body & Soul LLC can be de scribed as one-stop healing shop. The business, which opened re cently at 1176 Farmington Ave., of fers an array of services counsel ing, nutrition, therapy, yoga, Reiki energy healing and welcomes people of all ages and with various symptoms and diagnoses.

“The idea is to bring to life all the treatment planning and work I’ve been doing with clients for the past 20 years,” Mind, Body & Soul owner Melissa Kelly said.

Nicole

Mind, Body & Soul LLC owner and licensed marriage and family therapist Melissa Kelly.

Zappone, The Citizen See Healing, A16

VFW auxiliary

The Auxiliary of Berlin VFW Post 10732 will meet Tues day, Dec. 13, 6 p.m., at the post home on Massirio Drive. To take part in a cook ie exchange, make four dozen and place into baggies of four. All are wel come.

The Berlin VFW will host a

Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 11 from noon to 2 p.m. Auxiliary members will provide appetizers and desserts.

Historical museum

The Berlin Historical Soci ety museum, 305 Main St., Kensington, is decorated for the holidays. The museum

Schools

In Brief

will be open Satur days, Dec. 10 and 17, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Boxes to Boots

Boxes to Boots creates care packages for military per sonnel serving abroad, and the Berlin-based non-prof it 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 boxesto boots.org.

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.

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.

Honor roll

The following local students were named to the Mercy High School honor roll: Grade 11, high honors: Alana Talamona and Amelia Andruskiewicz; Grade 11, honors: Kathryn Frutchey; Grade 12, honors: Abigale DeVivo.

Registration

Saint Paul School is accepting applications for the 2023-2024 academic year. Saint Paul’s, which serves students of all faiths and backgrounds in Pre-K3 through Grade 8, is accredited by the New England Associ ation of Schools and Colleges.

To learn more about Saint Paul’s, or to schedule a tour or download an application, visit ourschool.stpaulkensington.org or con tact admissions@stpaulkensington.org.

Special education

A booklet that explains Special Education in Berlin schools is available at the Board of Education offices and on the district web site, berlinschools.org. Written by school of ficials, the guide describes how educators identify students with special needs, collab orate with parents and other professionals, and provide for their programming needs.

James Simons, Fire Adminis trator for the Town of Berlin, re ports the following incidents for the week of November 27:

November 27: 100 block of O’Connell Drive: Fire alarm Companies 1, 3 and 4.

November 28: 100 block of Webster Square Road Natural gas leak Companies 1, 2, 3 and 4

November 28: High Road: Fire alarm Companies 2, 3 and 4

Fire Department Responses

November 28: 300 block of Berlin Turnpike: Fire alarm Companies 1, 2 and 3

November 29: High Road near Route 571: Brush Fire Compa nies 2, 3 and 4

November 29: 400 block of Norton Road: Fire Alarm Companies 2, 3 and 4

November 29: High Road and Hickory Hill Road: Motor vehicle accident Company 2 and 4

November 30: 1100 block of Berlin Turnpike: Utility pole fire Companies 3 and 4

November 30: Woodbine Court: Tree on house Company 3

November 30: 300 block of Berlin Turnpike: Wire on fire Companies 2 and 3

November 30: 200 block of Berlin Turnpike: Fire alarm Company 3

December 1: Sherri Lane: Fire alarm Companies 2, 3 and 4

December 1: Sherri Lane: Fire alarm Companies 1, 2, 3 and 4

December 1: Sherri Lane: Fire alarm Companies 1, 2, 3 and 4

December 1: 1400 block of Berlin Turnpike: Motor vehicle accident Companies 1, 2 and 3

December 1: 100 block of New Britain Road: Odor of

smoke Companies 1, 2, 3 and 4

December 2: 100 block of White Oak Drive: Fire alarmCompanies 1, 2 and 3

December 2: Sherry Lane: Fire alarm Companies 1, 2 3 and 4

December 2: Mutual Aid ren dered to Cromwell Fire Depart ment Company 3

December 2: Langdon Court: Assist EMS Company 2

December 2: Main Street: As sist EMS Company 2

December 3: Glen Street: As sist EMS Company 2

Fire Company Designations: 1. East Berlin 2. Kensington 3. Berlin 4. South Kensington

The story of Chanukah is still so important

By Rabbi Alana Wasserman

On the evening of Dec. 18, corresponding to the He brew calendar date of 25 Kislev 5783, Jewish people around the world will cele brate the first night of Chanukah. We will light the first candle of our Chanukiah (a ninebranched candelabra, also known as a Chanukah menorah), play dreidel, and eat latkes (potato pan cakes fried in oil).

Most importantly, we will retell the story of Chanukah.

While the holiday of Chanukah is a fun, light hearted celebration, the sto ry of Chanukah is much more serious. It is about fighting for religious free dom in the face of persecu tion. It is a story whose mes sage rings true for us today.

In the second century BCE, Israel was ruled by King An tiochus, leader of the Seleu cids. It was their mission to force all the Jewish people to Hellenize, thereby renounc ing their own faith. If they did not convert, they faced death.

The Seleucid army was large, with massive weapon ry. Yet, that did not stop a small band of Jews from forming their own army. Led by Judah the Maccabee (which means “hammer” the tiny Maccabee army, with its limited amount of weapons and manpower, miraculously defeated the Seleucid army.

After they won the Mac cabean Revolt, the Jewish people returned to the Tem ple, only to find that it had been defiled by the Seleucid army. While cleaning the Temple, they discovered that there was not enough oil to light the menorah. There was only enough oil to last for one day, but another miracle happened lasted for eight days. That is why, at Chanukah, we

light a nine-branched meno rah (one helper candle, called a “shamash,” and eight candles to represent the eight days).

Letters Policy

Email letters to news@ theberlincitizen.com. Letters are limited to 300 words. The Citizen will print only one letter per person each month. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters must be signed and names will appear in print. Include

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reminder for all of us to keep fighting against hate, no matter the odds. When ever we witness prejudice, we must stand up and speak out, even if no one else does. Brierley, Johnson Florist 87 High Rd. 860-223-5492 Corner 71A and 372 (Farmington Ave)

Chanukah

From A5

prayers. Celebrating our holidays is the best way to combat hate. By participating in Jewish life, we are not allowing fear and hate to dictate our future. Teach ing others about our holidays and traditions will help as well.

This year may the light of the Chanukiah extinguish the darkness of hate. Happy Chanukah!

35 N. Main St in Southington.

Rabbi Alana Wasserman leads Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation, located at

In a recent social media post, the Berlin Police Department stated: "We'd like to thank Berlin resident Lisa Salamon for painting these beautiful rocks for us! They are so special andwearesothankfulthatyousharedthemwithus."

Berlin PD, Facebook

Updated ‘red flag’ law used largely for suicide threats

By Dave Altimari, Andrew Brown and José Luis Martínez The Connecticut Mirror

A recent change in Con necticut’s “red flag” law which allows police to seize weapons from someone who is considered a risk to them selves or others has led to a sharp increase in the num ber of warrants issued, and documents show police are now using it more often to deal with threats of suicide.

But some police chiefs say their departments dealt with these cases more efficiently before the change and that the new law is placing extra burdens on their investiga tions.

Legislators, believing that the 1998 law was underused, expanded the “red flag” law this year. The streamlined process, which went into ef fect June 1, allows family and certain professionals to apply directly to the courts for the order, rather than having to first go through police, to restrict a person’s access to firearms.

In the first five months of 2022, courts issued 96 risk

protection warrants through the old, more cumbersome process that took time to im plement and automatically returned guns to a person one year after they were seized.

Between June 1, when the new law went into effect, and Nov. 3, there were 418 risk protection warrants ap proved by Superior Court judges, according to data ob tained by the CT Mirror.

Police chiefs say they plan to meet with legislators in Jan uary to suggest "tweaking" the law, according to Cheshire Police Chief Neil Dryfe, who also is the cur rent president of the Con

necticut Police Chiefs Asso ciation.

"One of our agenda items for the next legislative session is to meet with the Judiciary Committee to discuss the practical application of the new statute," Dryfe said.

"We are overwhelmingly sup portive of the intent of the law. But we're having some difficulties in applying it practically on the street by the working police officers who end up having to do these investigations," he said.

The effectiveness of the newly streamlined law is in its speed: It places a person's name in a national comput

er database immediately af ter a judge orders an investi gation into a complaint that a person is a danger to themselves or others, flag ging them in background checks as ineligible to pur chase firearms while their name remains in the database at least until a hearing is held, required within two weeks.

Dryfe said that change in the law means police now seek risk protection orders, or

RPOs, even when they know someone doesn't have a gun permit or owns guns.

"Before (June 1), you'd go to somebody's house, and if they were suicidal, you sent them to the hospital and asked them or their family members are there any guns in the house," Dryfe said.

"Then you’d see if they had any guns registered to them or if they had a pistol permit,

See ’Red flag’, A8

and if they didn't, you were done."

But now, Drfye said, even if police are aware the person has no guns or a valid gun permit, they must still go to a judge and get a risk protec tion order, which automati cally enters their name into the National Instant Crimi nal Background Check Sys tem (NICS).

"So even if somebody doesn't have guns, now you

have to do the risk protec tion order so that they can be put into NICS and be pre cluded from from getting a pistol permit at that point," Dryfe said. “If you have rea sonable cause to send some body to the hospital for a mental health evaluation be cause you feel that they are a danger to themselves or oth ers, then you have probable cause to apply for the risk protection order for that same reason, and that's what I think is happening.”

But not all Connecticut po lice departments are inter preting the law the same way.

How the law changed

Connecticut was one of the first states to pass a red flag law, following a mass shoot ing inside the Connecticut Lottery’s offices in Newing ton in 1998. The shooter, Matthew Beck, was a dis

gruntled lottery employee who was placed on leave af ter making threats against some of his supervisors. Beck had a gun permit and owned the 9 mm gun used in the shooting despite a his tory of mental health issues. He killed four people before killing himself.

The original law allowed of ficers to ask a judge to take away someone ’ s weapons when they posed an “ extreme risk.” Police would get a warrant from a judge and seize the guns.

Lawmakers said there were other holes in the original law besides the requirement that guns be held no more than one year, so last ses sion, they decided to make more changes. The new law gives family members or medical professionals the ability to initiate the process of taking away someone's weapons. It eliminated the requirement that police offi cers need to prove that there are no other "reasonable al ternatives" to taking away someone's weapons. And it eliminated a judge's discre tion in deciding whether to

take someone's weapons away in cases where there is probable cause that the per son is in possession of a gun and is a threat to themselves or others.

A "good faith" affidavit from family members or loved ones stating that the person poses an imminent risk re quires a judge's order for an investigation, which police must conduct within a day, if reasonable. The beginning of an investigation also requires the person's name to be en tered in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS, immediate ly which should flag them in background checks as in eligible to purchase a firearm. If police in the course of their investigation find probable cause that the person poses an imminent risk, they must tell the court. Then, if the judge issues the protective order which keeps the person's name on the NICS and there is probable cause that the per son possesses weapons, the judge must also issue a risk warrant to seize the weapons.

See ’Red flag’, A11

Cheshire Police Chief Neil Dryfe, current president of the Connecticut Police ChiefsAssociation. File photo

STEP BACK IN TIME

In Brief

Alert system

Sign up to receive emer gency alerts and commu nity notifications at berlinct.gov. Sign-up op tions include: Emergency Alerts (weather-related closings, fire, flood, etc.);

Town Updates (non-emer gency communications, announcements, elections, etc.); Public Works (con struction updates, trash, utilities, etc.); Community Related (Community Cen ter, Senior Center, Parks & Recreation, etc.).

In a recent social media post, the Berlin Historical Society wrote: “Thank you to all who visited the museum for our Annual Holiday Fair. Your support and compliments are greatly appreciated! We were thrilled by the number of first time visitors who toured the museum displays and left feeling amazed by all they saw. As we often say, when you learn more about the people and industries that shaped our town, you can't help but love it more. There is still time to visit before we close for the season. We will be open the next two Saturdays (Dec. 10 and 17), 1 to 4 p.m., so you still have time to shop downstairs and view displays upstairs.” Berlin Historical Society, Facebook

The Orchards

The Orchards, an indepen dent and assisted liv ing community located at 34 Hobart St. in Southington, will host an open house Thursday, Dec. 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. Registration is recom mended. Call 860-628-5656.

Caregiver support

Join this dementia caregiver group the second Wednes day of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Facilitated by Patty O’Brian, CDP, dementia spe cialist, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Ag ing. Registration required. Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/ VirtualClasses.

Virtual meet-up

Chat with other dementia caregivers the third Monday of the month (Dec. 19) from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Facilitated by a Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging Dementia Specialist. Registration re quired. Call 1-855-4424373 or go to Hartford HealthCare.org/VirtualClass es.

Senior Health GO MOBILE

Arbor Rose

Arbor Rose at Jerome Home, an independent and assisted living community located at 975 Corbin Ave. in New Britain, will host an open house Monday, Dec. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. Registra tion is recommended. Call 860-229-3707.

Online support

Do you care for someone di agnosed with dementia? Join this online support group the last Monday of the month (Dec. 26) from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Topics include: communication techniques, benefits of activities, stages of the disease, family dy namics and safety issues.

Facilitated by Michelle Wyman, dementia specialist, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. Registra tion required. Call 1-855442-4373 or go to Hartford HealthCare.org/VirtualClass es.

From

Now someone whose guns were seized can petition the court, after 180 days, to have them returned and prove to the court that they are no longer a risk to get them back. There is no longer a time limit on how long the state can hold the seized weapons.

A safeguard in suicide cases

Police are increasingly using the new law in cases where there is a threat of suicide.

“Anecdotally, from across the state, we've had some homi cidal threats, like somebody says they're going to kill somebody else. But I would say probably in excess of 90% of the orders are suicide

threats where a person is say ing they are going to harm themselves," Dryfe said.

A review of the 28 RPOs is sued at Middlesex Judicial District court since June 1 shows that in 24 of those cases, the police were re sponding to a possible sui cide. In 18 of those cases, there were no weapons in volved, according to police affidavits.

University of Connecticut police at Storrs have ob tained 12 risk protection or ders from September to ear ly November after respond ing to calls of students threatening to kill them selves, according to police affidavits filed in Rockville Superior Court.

UConn spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz said most of their cases have been stu dents who experienced men

tal health challenges that re quired immediate interven tion and for which they were transported by ambulance to off-campus care. "Our inter pretation of the public act’s provisions led us to enact the risk protection order request processes as an additional attempt to safeguard their health and well being," Reitz said.

She said UConn police have acted "based on what the

department believes is re quired under the public act."

"We have not received feed back from the Connecticut Judicial Department or Rockville Superior Court that suggests they have concerns about the numbers of cases originating from UCPD or questions on our interpreta tion of the statute," she said.

“The expansion of applying for a protective order was developed as a way to possi

bly prevent mass shootings, but it has always been an important tool for prevent ing suicides,” said Jeremy Stein, executive director of CT Against Gun Violence. Stein said research has shown nationally that for ev ery 10 protective orders is sued, one life is saved.

A longer version of this story was originally posted at ct mirror.org, the website of The Connecticut Mirror.

Obituaries

Paul J Miano

KENSINGTON- Paul J. Miano, 75, of Kensington, CT, passed away on Monday, November 21, 2022, with his loving family by his side. He was born on February 9, 1947, in Middletown, CT and was the son of the late Paul S. Miano and Frances (Rubera) Miano. He was a 1965 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Middletown.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife Phyllis (Panasewich) Miano & his two sons and daughter-inlaws - Steven and Christy Miano, and Nicholas and Jennifer Miano all residing in Berlin, CT. He is also survived by his brother Richard Miano and his wife Connie and three sisters Maria Pasquale and her husband Danny, Angela Gallitto and her husband Sal, and Lucille DiMartino and her husband Fredall residing in Middletown. He also leaves behind five loving grandchildren - Alexa, Steven, Makayla, Trevor and Tessa Miano and several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Paul, following in his father’s footsteps, started his career with First National Stores in Connecticut (currently Stop & Shop). In 1975 with his mother and siblings opened up a family owned business - Country Farms Produce (grocery store) located in Berlin, CT, which they owned and

operated for 32 years. Paul also served as a Eucharistic Minister, was awarded the Saint Joseph Archdiocesan Medal of Appreciation, and was actively involved as a member of Saint Paul’s Church in Kensington, CT. One of his greatest achievements was to serve the Berlin Community for nearly 50 years. He genuinely cherished the many lifelong friendships made along the way. Calling Hours will be held at the Berlin Memorial Funeral Home (96 Main Street, Kensington, CT) on Monday, December 12, 2022 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral service for Paul will be on Tuesday, December, 13, 2022 from 10:00 - 11:00 am at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 am at Saint Paul’s Church (485 Alling Street, Kensington, CT).

Burial will follow at Maple Cemetery, Berlin, CT.

Children’s fund

The Berlin Children’s Fund, managed by community volun teers in conjunction with the Department of Social and Youth Services, provides financial assistance to local fami lies that cannot afford the full cost of a two-week camping experience. Donations may be sent to: The Berlin Children’s Fund, Berlin Town Hall, 240 Kensington Road, Room 12, Kensington, CT 06037.

From

Melville finished with 171 total yards on 14 touches. In addition, he had two pass deflections and an intercep tion in the end zone as time ran down in the fourth quar ter.

After the opening score, Rockville quickly punted again. Berlin took over and Melville made three runs for a total of 25 yards to help set up a 2-yard touchdown run by Elijah Santos.

The next drive was similar as Melville made 32- and 18yard runs before Josh Clement ran it in for a 10yard touchdown to put Berlin up 21-0.

The Redcoats punted and turned the ball over on downs on their next two drives before the half.

Rockville, meanwhile, strug gled to put together any sort of positive yardage. The Rams punted on their first five drives and regis tered just one first down. Their quarterback, Brady Ramsdell, started 1-for-8 for 15 yards.

Ramsdell was routinely pres sured as Berlin had seven to tal sacks. Each of Rockville’s first two drives ended with a sack on third down to force the punt.

“Our defensive coordinator dialed up some blitzes and we went out of our norm. We don’t do a ton of blitzing, but we did today and it worked,” said Berlin head coach Joe Aresimowicz. “When you get that type of help from your defense, you’re in for a good day.”

On Rockville’s sixth and final drive of the first half, Berlin made two sacks one by Clement; one by Mason Memery to set up a fourth-and-33. On what would have counted as Rockville’s sixth straight punt, Berlin committed a roughing the kicker penalty to give an automatic first down. Ramsdell followed with four straight comple tions, the last one being a 35yard-deep ball to Joseph Christian to the Berlin 11. On the next play, Christian caught a pass in the corner of the end zone, but a Berlin defender pushed him out of bounds before his feet land ed.

On the next play, with just 10 seconds left, Christian caught another pass at the 5, but was tackled before get ting out of bounds to stop the clock. Rockville had no remaining timeouts and time ran out. Rockville’s best chance to get back into the

game before the break went for naught.

Rockville received the ball to start the second half, but went three-and-out and punted. A few plays into the ensuiing Berlin drive, Toby Lavender, who missed six weeks with an injury, took just his second carry of the game and ran 45 yards to the Rockville 5. Quarterback Lorenzo Miele eventually ran a 2-yard sneak for the touchdown and a 28-0 lead.

The Rams followed by scor ing their only points of the game. Ramsdell fired a pass over the middle to Christian, who caught it, broke a tackle and ran 34 yards for the touchdown to make the score 28-7.

Berlin answered with anoth er long drive, capped off with a second Miele QB sneak on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Miele finished with seven completions on 10 attempts for 84 yards. While he didn’t throw any passing touch downs, he ran for two.

With time winding down in the fourth quarter, Mason DiMauro added a 75-yard touchdown run to put the score at 42-7, where it stayed.

Berlin has a chance for an undefeated season and a Class M championship, the first under Aresimowicz since he took over in 2016.

“[This season] is all about the kids; they’re the ones that did it,” Aresimowicz said. “[Our seniors] took charge in the offseason; they held the others accountable.”

Berlin will face Notre DameWest Haven on Dec. 10 in a

good old 1 seed vs 2 seed matchup. The Green Knights beat Jonathan Law 28-14 in their all-SCC semifinal.

“Notre Dame is a very good team, but we’re going to come out and punch them in the face,” Melville said af ter the win. “I’m feeling great. This is a great win. Putting up 42 on the board, there couldn’t be a better feeling.”

The Berlin Redcoats and Rockville Rams shake hands after Berlin’s 42-7 Class M semifinal victory Sunday at Sage Park. Ellis Santoro, Special to the Record-Journal

In Brief

Recovery initiative

In response to the national opioid epidemic, the Central Connecticut Health District, serving the towns of Berlin, Newington, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield, debuted its “How Can We Help?” initiative. The campaign employs a dual approach, seeking to assist both individuals suf fering from opioid use disorder and family/friends of loved ones suffering from opioid use disorder. For more information, visit ccthd.org.

SEE YOU SOON

In order to continue delivery to your home or business, we need to have each resident or business let us know that, by filling out our on-line requester form at myrecordjournal. com/berlin-requester Or, you can call us at 203-634-3933 and we can mail you a postage paid postcard to fill out and return. Without the necessary requester information, delivery of your Berlin Citizen to your home or business, will end.

HELP US HELP YOU, CONTINUE RECEIVING “YOUR” LOCAL WEEKLY. R237811

Berlin’s annual tree lighting, coordinated by the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department, was held Nov. 26. In a social media post, the department stated: “This year, children were able to make snow globes before Santa arrived to light the tree. Santa arrived in a festively decorated fire truck and then used the ladder truck to reach the top of the tree to work his magic. Once the tree was lit, children and families were able to have their picture taken with Santa in his sleigh. We would like to thank everyone that came out to make this event a success once again.”

BVFD, Facebook

In Brief

Garden club

Organized in 1955, the Kensington Garden Club operates exclusively on a nonprofit basis for charita ble and educational pur poses, and for the well-be ing of the community. The club promotes civic beau ty, encourages improve ment of public spaces, raises awareness of envi ronmental concerns and advances the art of floral design and horticulture. New members are wel come. Contact the group via kensingtongarden club.net or Facebook.

Queen Ann Nzinga Center

The Queen Ann Nzinga Center, Inc., which pro vides arts enrichment ac tivities for children age 5 to 17, is accepting new participants. The center promotes posi tive youth development among children of all races and abilities primar ily in the greater Plainville, Berlin, Bristol and New Britain area. For more in formation, visit QANC.org.

“To reach your optimum mental health, you need to address issues with your mind, trauma, childhood, body, fitness and spirituality, whatever that means for you, ” said Kelly. “My dream was to have a place where we could do that all in one place.”

A licensed marriage and family therapist, Kelly has been in practice since 2004. Before moving into its 2,000plus square-foot Berlin loca tion this fall, Mind, Body & Soul was located in a smaller space on the Silas Deane Highway.

A mother of two, Kelly has lived in Berlin for 17 years. She founded Mind, Body & Soul in 2007 and has dedi cated herself full-time to the enterprise since 2011.

Kelly graduated from East ern Connecticut State Uni versity with a degree in psy chology and earned a mas ter’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Con necticut State University.

From there, she took a posi tion at the Children’s Home of Cromwell.

“I’ve wanted to do this since I was 19. I was in college, go ing through some stuff, and I

was on the treadmill one day, and I had this moment. I was like, ‘I need to have a strong mind, body, and soul to be healthy,’” Kelly said. “I really believe in this philoso phy. And we all come from a nonjudgmental, really caring place, and we really want to help the community, and we want to be a place for heal

Derek Jutras 860-883-7091

Mind, Body & Soul LLC staff member Stacy King describes herself as a “reallife coach and strategist.”

Caroline Johnson, a life coach and cancer advocate at Mind, Body & Soul LLC.

Mind, Body & Soul LLC celebrated its move to 1176 Farmington Ave. with a ribboncuttingceremonyonThursday,Oct.13.

Photos by Nicole Zappone

In Brief

Rotary Club

The Rotary Club of KensingtonBerlin meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Sliders Bar & Grill, 197 Episcopal Road. For more information, contact John Ro man (jcroman2012@aol.com) or Elaine Pavasaris (elaine@home sweethoemct.com).

Annual honor

The Robert B. Dornfried Sr. Lifetime Volunteerism Award is bestowed up on a Berlin resident "who is dedicat ed to a lifetime of community volun teerism, civic duty and extraordinary service." For more information, visit berlinvolunteerfund.com.

Volunteer opportunities

Volunteer opportunities are avail able throughout the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain’s four-town service area Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and South ington. Volunteer opportunities can be found at cfgnb.org.

Wall of Honor

The Berlin Veterans Commission’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 resi dents and their immediate family,

Healing

From A16

ing, and I’m honored to help people and help them un burden themselves.”

Stacy King works alongside Kelly at Mind, Body & Soul, which celebrated its ribboncutting on Oct. 13.

“I call myself the real-life coach and strategist,” King said. “I want to help young girls, mostly girls, that maybe come from trauma or have low self-esteem or don’t have the confidence that they need to go out and do things, or on the sports team. So I like those younger kids. But we’re paid profes sional best friends; that’s what a life coach is. And we’re going to move you for ward to whatever it is you need.”

The Mind, Body & Soul staff also includes marriage and family therapists Priyal Bo mova and Nicole Tierney; counselor and yoga instruc tor Melissa Urrunaga; nutri tionist and yoga instruc tor Ellissa Woods; and Caro line Johnson, a life coach and cancer advocate.

For more information about the business, visit mbs-ther apy.com, or call 860-7166246.

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.

past and present, who have served or are currently serving in the Unit ed States military can be put up on the wall. Contact Peter Galgano at petergalgano@comcast.net or 860604-7258.

Textile recycling

Berlin has partnered with AFAB Re cycling LLC, a Connecticut-based textile recycling company. Residents are encouraged to drop off their un wanted textiles (clothing and shoes) at the Transfer Station, 19 Town Farm Lane. The Transfer Station is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. AFAB Recycling accepts clean,

dry and bagged clothing and fashion accessories (gently used, like-new or worn) including dresses, shirts, pants, suits, coats, gloves, hats, belts, ties, scarves, wallets, purses, back packs, totes, footwear, bedding, toys, stuffed animals and jewelry. For more information, contact Public Works at 860-828-7022 or 860-8287069.

Coffee with a Cop

The Berlin Police Department will host a Coffee with a Cop event Wednesday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Berlin-Peck Memorial Li brary. The public is invited for coffee and conversation.

Welcome to On The Menu.

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

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.

PREMIUM SCREENED

TOPSOIL

$25/yard delivered, 3 yd, $100 min. delivery Call Jim 860-982-4819

TORO 11 HP - 32” cut, riding mower, very good condition, $350 o.b.o. (203) 213-5204 for details.

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.

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

TOP CASH PAID

For Junk or unwanted vehicles, Toyota’s etc. Please call Mike @ 203284-8562 8am-5pm.

TOP CASH PAID For any Toyota any condition, running or not, crashed okay. Will take other makes and models. (203) 600-4431. 1,2,3

FREE - 32” TV (not smart); 4 shuffle board sticks. Call 860-3012862.

TREE LENGTH

FIREWOOD

CALL FOR DETAILS 203-238-2149

COSTUME & FINE ES TATE JEWELRY WANT ED - New, Old, Napier, QVC, Gold, Silver, etc.

“I Pay Top Cash For Your Grandma’s Cos tume Jewelry Stash”. I’ll come to you. 36 yrs exp. Julie Rees-Gor neault, 203-443-9602.

860-982-4819

AN

- Call Todd Shamock, 203-4941695.

AARON’S BUYING

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

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

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.

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, oy Trucks, Matchbox & Hot wheels, Barbie’s, Folk Art, Statues, Bronzes, rains, 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

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.

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

CONTROL ROOM OPERATIONS

/

DISPATCHING

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS

The Town of Wallingford Electric Division is seeking qualified candidates for the position of System Operator/Dispatcher for a municipal electric utility serving 25,000 customers. Coordinates electric system switching and places equipment in and out of service during routine and emergency operations. Requires HS diploma/GED with 2 years experience in the operation of Distribution SCADA equipment and/or switchboards used in the distribution of electricity or other qualifying experience in a related field. Experience and train ing may be substituted on a year for year basis. Must maintain valid system operation certification from Connecticut Valley Exchange (CONVEX) or other approved agency or be able to obtain the same within 90 days of hire. Must possess and maintain a valid State of CT

Driver’s License. $34.63 - $41.15 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefits package to include a defined benefit pension plan. Apply to: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492.

Application materials can be emailed to wlfdhr@wallingfordct. gov . Application forms will be mailed upon request by calling the Department of Human Resources, (203) 2942080 or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Fax #: (203) 294-2084. Closing date will be December 29, 2022. EOE.

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

GARY WODATCH

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

CARPENTRY Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping Water Damage Repairs. Free Est. Ins. MC & Visa.

GUTTERS DON’T WORK

If they’re dirty! For gutter cleaning, Call Kevin (203) 440-3279 Fully ins. CT# 569127

Let Us BEAR Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT

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

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

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

GARY WODATCH - Tree Removal. All calls re turned. CT#620397 Quick courteous ser vice. 860-558-5430.

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.

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

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! 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.

BRADLEY’S PAINTING203.715.0771. 30 years in the business. Watch our video at bradleys housepainting.com

ALEX MASONRY - 30 yrs. exp. Patios, Ret. Walls, Steps, Brick, Stone, Chimneys. #580443. 203-232-0257 or 203596-0652

Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding. gutter.chimney flashing. Office:203.754.3071 Cell:203.510.3830 Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452