Thursday, December 19, 2019
www.berlincitizen.com
Volume 22, Number 43
Politics put aside for charitable effort By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen
Trading politics for holiday spirit, the town’s Democratic and Republican town committees recently held a contest to raise money for the Berlin Social and Youth Services Department. “It’s just nice that we can be one of the things in town that can unite peo-
ple,” said Doug Truitt, the department’s director. Though he declined to say which team raised the most, he said together the political parties made a joint donation of $650. Funds were collected from the parties’ members. Both committees agreed ahead of time that whichever side came in second would level up See Charitable, A14
Berlin resident Christopher Durao is using the sale of his screen printed clothing, sold through his business Resilience Supply Company, to fund a support group he runs to support mental health. Photos by Sarah Smith, Sarah Noele Photography (Courtesy of Resilience Supply Company)
Veteran starts support group to promote mental health By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen
Reconnecting with his artistic roots after a deployment to Afghanistan, a local veteran is using the proceeds from the sale of his art to fund a support group to promote mental health.
"It's changed my life entirely. I've gained a sense of purpose,” said Christopher Durao, of Berlin, who has been selling screen printed shirts and designs since 2017 and launch the support group around eight months ago. “I feel like I've changed so many perspectives in life
and the way that I think about things through resilience and all the value from the community that has been given to me ...” The group, Gathering of the Rain Dwellers, first met at Elizabeth Park in West HartSee Veteran, A13
Berlin Mayor Mark Kaczynski, left, and Town Councilor JoAnn Angelico-Stetson present Social and Youth Services Director Doug Truitt with donations after a contest between the Democratic and Republican town committees raised money for the department. Image courtesy of JoAnn Angelico-Stetson
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