www.berlincitizen.com
Volume 25, Number 49
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Contestant with local roots is making a splash on ‘The Voice’ By Robert Mayer Special to The Citizen
Fans of the popular television show, “The Voice,” may not know that one of the remaining contestants has ties to Berlin. Lila Forde, who was a fourchair turn and picked John Legend as her coach after singing a version of “Can’t find my way home,” is the son of Berlin native Sean Forde, who attended St. Paul’s Middle School before St. Thomas Aquinas in New Britain. His sister, Nuala, did the same and his parents,
Lila’s grandparents, Mairead and Emmanuel Forde, still live in town. Sean attended Northwestern University and lived in Switzerland before settling with his wife, Molly, a classically trained pianist, in Seattle. Lila studied voice at the University of Southern California School of Music and gigged around Los Angeles until her big break came. “She was playing on New Year’s Day of this year when a scout from ‘The Voice’ approached her and asked her
Lila Forde performs.
if she would be interested in trying out for the show. All she asked for was her email,” Mairead said. “In May she needed to send in a tape about her education and training and Sean and Molly
Submitted photo
did too, and they went for an interview. Next came the blind audition.”
the playoffs by featuring songs from James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt.
As of press time, Lila had made it through the knockout round, the battles and
“The competition is amazing,” Mairead said. “I don’t See Voice, A8
Humphrey once again giving back during holidays By Robert Mayer Special to The Citizen
Most Berlin residents may remember Maurice Humphrey as one of the best athlete to ever wear the Red-
SPECIAL OFFERS!!!
coats colors as a football star who went on to play for college football powerhouse Penn State University. During his career in Berlin, Humphrey scored over 1,000
Mówimy po polsku!
points in basketball and was also a star on the track. Humphrey has now become one of the single biggest philanthropists in the central Connecticut area over the
last five years, raising money, feeding the hungry and the homeless, giving children safe Halloweens and giving Christmas gifts to needy children.
His latest call to the public is asking for toy or monetary donations to help ensure that children who would not receive toys or gifts or anySee Humphrey, A7
Welcoming New Patients!!
We have 3 great holiday offers for all patients! CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT!
Invisalign
All coupons expire Dec. 31, 2023. Cannot be combined with any other offer and one coupon per patient.
50% OFF
Teeth Whitening with Invisalign Treatment
R256902_V23
$1000 OFF
$99
New Patient Special, Includes Exam, X-Rays, and Cleaning
300 New Britain Rd • Berlin, CT 06037 860-609-6167 • KatzFamilyDentalCare.com