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-
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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
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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
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A2 Thursday, December 7, 2023
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860-948-0510 P.O. Box 311231 • Newington, CT 204827-P1 • 5155-SM1 • 39764-S3 • HIC #0625232 The Berlin Citizen (ISSN 1525-1780, USPS 017-666) is published weekly by Record-Journal, 500 S. Broad Street, Meriden, CT 06450. Periodicals postage paid at Meriden, CT and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to: Record-Journal 500 S. Broad Street, Meriden, CT 06450
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Jeffrey T. Jolly, CFP ® is a Private Wealth Advisor and Sr. Vice President with Root, Borajkiewicz, Lucarelli Wealth Advisors, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. in North Haven, CT. He specializes in feebased financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 18 years. To contact him, (203) 407-8188 ext. 330 or visit his office located at 250 State St, E-1 North Haven, CT 06473.
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ages 27–77. Millennial respondents have $25,000 or more in investable assets, and Gen X and boomer respondents have $100,000 or more. The sample is weighted on region and by generation on age, gender, race/ethnicity, assets, and income based on the Federal Reserve 2021 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (SHED). To ensure sufficient response sizes for additional analysis, Ameriprise oversampled investors who identify as millennials. For further information and details about the study, including verification of data that may not be published as part of this report, please contact Ameriprise Financial or go to ameriprise.com/millennials.)
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overall financial plan. When you treat cash gifts separately, you shortchange other By Jeff Jolly priorities such as retirement. What will it cost you to diAccording to a recent study published by Ameriprise Fi- vert savings from your retirement plan? With a complete nancial, individuals in their list of financial priorities, 30s and 40s have received you can see how much you significant financial help from family and expect addi- need to save to reach them all. tional assistance in the future. And over a quarter of Consider alternate apthose surveyed said they re- proaches to helping your ceived $25,000 or more. kids. There may be ways to help your kids other than by It’s admirable to see that dipping into savings. Enparents want to go to such courage them to take finangreat lengths to help their cial responsibility when they children achieve financial success. Yet parents need to can do so. Your collegebound son or daughter may be mindful that they don’t inadvertently diminish their be able to take out student loans at a low interest rate, own success in doing so. As which will reduce or elimia financial advisor, here’s nate the amount you need to the advice I offer parents who want to give their adult contribute for tuition. Instead of writing a check to children a financial head help your child buy a car or start without harming their house, you might co-sign on own financial future: a loan to help them lock in a Prioritize saving for your lower-interest rate or more own retirement. It takes favorable repayment terms. many years to accumulate Have conversations about the savings you need to remoney. Your willingness to tire comfortably. Your chiltalk about your finances is a dren are likely just starting valuable example for your their careers, while your time remaining in the work- adult children. So too is your force may be limited to 5, 10 attention to your retirement savings. I encourage parents or 15 years. Putting yourself to invite their adult children first isn’t a selfish move. It’s to attend a financial planabout being wise with your money. If you make it a pri- ning session with a financial advisor. It’s a time to address ority to have enough saved money concerns and explore when you retire, your kids how actions today can affect won’t have to worry about providing you with financial your future finances. support later in life. (The 2023 research was creatBe strategic with your finan- ed by Ameriprise Financial Inc. and conducted online by cial gifts. Like other moneArtemis Strategy Group from tary goals, it’s important to January 19 to February 14, add gifts of cash to your 2023 among 3,518 Americans
The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, December 7, 2023
A3
Curtain opens on ‘Nutcracker’ this weekend By Robert Mayer Special to The Citizen
In May of 2023, three friends - Chris Cote , Mary Greene, and Patricia Cote - formed the Theatre Guild of Berlin, Inc. The Guild’s second production is rapidly approaching . The company will present “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 10, at the Berlin High School Auditorium at 1 p.m. with the cooperation of the Berlin Park and Recreations Department and in association with Dance Legacy LLC. Auditions were held in June, and rehearsals began in August. With a company of over 75 — 60 children and more than a dozen adults — the group has been busy rehearsing three to five days per week for the past four months. Since they don’t have their own location, Jeff Pajor and the Kensington A portion of the cast for the upcoming production of “The Nutcracker,” from the Theatre Guild of Berlin, poses for a Volunteer Fire Department, photo after a recent rehearsal. Submitted photo Deborah Dennis and the Berlin Park and Recreation Department, and Hope Dipietro of Dance Legacy, LLC, TREE SERVICE have been donating rehearsal space. Call Dave Cyr
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A4 Thursday, December 7, 2023
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Small business loans target diverse owners By Erica E. Phillips © The Connecticut Mirror
Inside a new commercial building, off Farmington Avenue in Berlin’s Kensington section, Beatriz Torres surveyed the scene as her plans for Studio 10 Hair & Nail Salon’s new location came to life. Along the back wall, shampoo bowls; a row of nail stations on the opposite wall; and an island of cabinets down the middle, where eight stylists will cut and color hair before large circular mirrors ringed with LED lights. Torres was visiting the space earlier this week to “see how everything looks” and to pitch in with the installation. She grabbed a screwdriver and started attaching matte black hardware to freshly unwrapped cabinets, declaring, “We got our first handle on!” The stylist-turned-business owner hopes that relocating Studio 10 from its current lo-
cation, in a sleepier strip of storefronts about a mile away, to the new development adjacent to Berlin’s train station will raise the profile of the business — while allowing her to expand and upgrade the services she offers. In order to pull off the new look for her business, Torres sought a low-interest loan for $40,000 from the state’s Small Business Boost Fund. The program, launched last year, aims to provide low-interest loans of up to $500,000 to Connecticut businesses with 100 or fewer employees and annual revenues of less than $8 million. It’s targeting businesses located in economically disadvantaged areas, as well as businesses owned by veterans, women and people of color. Applicants need to have been in operation for at least a year before seeking funds through the program. The Department of Econom-
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Jamelyn Carrera plays with Beatriz Torres’ hair as they pause for a moment while setting up the new location of Torres' beauty salon, Studio 10 in Berlin. Shahrzad Rasekh, CT Mirror
ic and Community Development, which oversees the program, reported so far about two-thirds of the 336 businesses approved for loans have “diverse ownership” — including at least one woman, person of color, veteran or member of the LGBTQ community. The department also said that businesses located in 12 of the
state’s most distressed municipalities have received over $12 million of the $43 million distributed, or roughly 28%. According to data reviewed by The Connecticut Mirror, over 200 of the owners approved for Boost Fund loans so far are white, including 84 of the 137 woman-owned
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businesses. DECD Commissioner Alexandra Daum said she thinks the program is “doing a decent job” of reaching entrepreneurs who might not otherwise be able to obtain capital investment. “They could just be first time entrepreneurs. They could be someone who had a bad credit score from something way in their past. So there's a lot of reasons that someone might be a good candidate for Boost and someone that we're trying to approach,” she said. Still, she said, “I think there’s definitely room for improvement.” The program’s goal was to have more than half of its recipients meet the department’s definition of diverse ownership, but Daum acknowledged that's a broad definition. “We're exceeding the only hard and fast rule that we [set] but we're not going to stop there or rest on our laurels,” Daum said. “I'd love to be doing better on all these categories, the sky's the limit.” In order to reach business owners who might qualify, See Loans, A6
The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, December 7, 2023
A5
Check out these local tree farms this season Looking for the perfect Christmas tree? Whether you prefer a precut one or want to take a saw out into a field yourself, there are options for everyone in our area that wants to head to a farm for their tree.
a.m. – 4 p.m. Precut and cut your own trees up to 8 feet tall start at $70 and increase based on size. Cash, check and credit cards accepted. Taxes, bailing and shaking of the tree is included in the price. Wreaths are also available. Connecticut Alpaca & Tree Farm : 235 Talmadge Road, Cheshire, Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dumas Tree Farm: 190 Little Lane, Durham. Open seasonally beginning the day after Thanksgiving. Monday – Wednesday: Closed. Thursday and Friday: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 9
Kogut’s Hemlock Hill Tree Farm, Inc: 304 Parker Ave., Meriden, opened Nov. 24. They are closed Monday and
Nutcracker
rehearsed at Dance Legacy as well.
From A3
“I’ve been doing this for roughly 45 years,” Cote said, “and I can’t remember a show with so many intricate moving parts. The kids have been just great. We have participants as young as three years old and as old as, well, let’s just say 60-plus. And a dedicated group of volunteers who have worked tirelessly for the past five
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday throughout the process, the principle roles rehearsed. Monday and Tuesday evenings, they added the adult performers. On Friday afternoon, one group rehearsed at Dance Legacy and on Saturday afternoon a plethora of groups
Tuesday. Open on Wednesday, noon – 5 p.m.; Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. They offer a variety of precut trees, wreaths, roping, centerpieces, cemetery boxes, custom wreaths and a Charlie Brown “for kids only” area trees. They accept cash, credit card and check. Karabin Farms: 894 Andrews St., Southington. They are open for Christmas tree-cutting on Saturdays and Sundays before 4 p.m. Cut-yourown trees are $90 plus tax.
months.” As of Dec. 1, the group had already sold more than 500 tickets online and fully expect to sell out the one Sunday performance.
They have a variety of trees, tree care products, removal bags and long strem tree water funnels. Herzig Family Tree Farm: 310 Maiden Lane, Durham. They are open Saturdays and Sundays until sold out, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cut-your-own trees ar $70. They also offer wreaths, decorated wreaths, tree stands, tree disposal bags, farmmade ornaments, and hot cocoa.
The Berlin High School Athletic Hall of Fame has announced its 2024 inductees.
The 2011, ‘12 and ‘13 Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference state championship girls golf teams also will be honored.
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The BHS Athletic HOF banquet dinner will take place at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville on April 14, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. For admission prices and additional information visit bhshalloffame.org in January.
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The honorees are Amy Bordonaro Collins (Class of 2003, basketball, golf and volleyball); Sean Johnston (Class of 1988, baseball); Brittany Labbadia (Class of 2012, softball, volleyball); Alexys Vazquez (Class of 2010, basketball); and Catherine Voelpel (Class of 2013, indoor and outdoor track and
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They will bale your tree for you and offer rope to tie your tree to the car. Wreaths, roping, Christmas tree stands, locally made decorated products and their own pure maple syrup, made on the farm, will also be available.
Miller Tree Farm: 328 Tri Mountain Road, Durham.
“The reception from not only the participants, their parents, the community, our supporters and advertisers has been nothing short of overwhelming. This will truly be a community event.” Cote added.
Berlin High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Cut-your-own trees are $70, and they accept cash and check.
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A6 Thursday, December 7, 2023
The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
In Brief Tai Chi classes Tai Chi classes take place at the Center of Higher Living, 130 Webster Square Road, Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend this ongoing class in classic Chinese Tai Chi and Qigong. Enhance balance, harmony and stress relief, while promoting health, spirit, mind and body. For more information, call 860-2688314.
Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreathlaying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The group’s mission — Remember, Honor, Teach — is carried out in part each year by coordinating
wreath-laying ceremonies in December at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Loans From A4
Boxes to Boots: Operation Cares
DECD ran a marketing campaign that included print, digital and radio advertisements. They also met with business groups and chambers of commerce around the state, and went door-todoor at businesses in 15 towns.
Boxes to Boots is getting ready for their Nov. 18 Operation Cares event. This year’s goal is to send 1,200 care packages to our military overseas. To help offset mailing expenses, Boxes to Boots is offering a new sponsorship category this year “Sponsor a Box.” We are asking for a donation of $20 per box. In return, a personalized postcard with your name on it will be placed into one of the care packages.
The Boost Fund is a revamped and updated version of Small Business Express, a grant and lending program the state administered for roughly a decade. For the new program, DECD outsourced administration of the loans to an outside agency, New York-based National Development Council. NDC then selected several community development financial institutions, or CDFIs, to provide advisory services to each loan recipient.
Visit https://boxestoboots.org/donate and click on the Sponsor A Box Order Form link to process and pay for your order.
The state put up half the program’s initial funding, $75 million, and another $75 million came from private partners including Citizens Bank, M&T Bank and First
Republic Bank. DECD aims to have all $150 million distributed within five years. The funds will be replenished as businesses pay back their loans, DECD leaders said, allowing the program to continue beyond that initial five-year timeframe. The program’s 4.5% interest rate was set last year before the U.S. central bank approved a series of hikes to the federal funds rate, which now stands at 5.33%. Boost Fund loans will remain at 4.5%. That’s low in today’s market, Daum said, “and it’s fixed, so there’s not a question mark as to whether it’s going to change over the course of the loan.” Hayley Segar, founder of Milford-based swimwear company onewith, obtained a $200,000 loan from the Boost Fund, which she put toward restocking inventory after her brand went viral online. An adviser Segar works with at the Connecticut Small Business Development Center suggested she apply for the loan. “That $200,000 allowed us to top up on inventory in a big way,” Segar said. For entrepreneurs like Segar,
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Segar said the Boost Fund’s “fair terms” and low interest were critical in helping her keep up with customer demand and growth. For Torres, the loan represents Studio 10's next chapter. She bought the business in January 2021, after working there as a stylist through the height of the pandemic. “I was scared, but I decided to take the jump, and almost three years later, here we are,” Torres said. She said she’s still stressed, not quite ready to be excited about moving. “I just hope that it'll be worth it in the long run — that that location where we're going to be is going to get more foot traffic and we're going to be able to expand even more.” This story originally appeared on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, www.ctmirror.org.
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From A1
thing in the area will receive something this Christmas. All new, unwrapped toy donations can be dropped off at Edge Fitness in Manchester and West Hartford, Dynamic Human Performance on Murphy Road in Hartford, Bill’s Pizza on Farmington Avenue in Kensington, or Xsalonce Hair Lounge on Farmington Avenue in Berlin. Humphrey has been doing this Kids4Life Christmas Toy Drive for the last four years and has given thousands of toys to children in need. Back in April of 2020, the then-36 year old Humphrey received a phone call from a friend going through a difficult time. The single mother of four, who works a job in which she’s paid under the table, asked Humphrey if he’d be able to help her financially, especially when it came to buying the necessities. He knew right away he wanted to help, but Humphrey wanted to take it a step further. “I’d seen a lot of my friends doing challenges on Facebook and Instagram — the push-up challenge or whatever challenge it was,” Humphrey said. “Maybe I can do something a little similar.”
“When I put it on my Facebook, it caught fire,” Humphrey said. In the first three weeks of the challenge, he helped more than 60 families in Connecticut after raising nearly $2,500 for groceries. His efforts started to spread on social media, reaching beyond his direct network. He was featured on WTNH
That first year, he helped over 1,000 families and felt so satisfied that he was able to set a good example for his two year old son, M.J., and six year old daughter, Ariyana. It was supposed to be a onetime thing but it continues to go and grow. Humphrey now puts on several events a year through two different organizations he’s founded, along with a production company he started in February of 2022 called Motv Network LLC. The Twenty Dollar Challenge still collects donations year-round and not only feeds families in need but Humphrey has also moved on to feeding the homeless. He still gets phone calls and e-mails asking for help with food but he also seeks them out where they are.
la. He gets help from his Berlin High School Class of 2002 classmate Craig Bukowski, who owns Safari Golf. Humphrey arranges to have friends, at least 10 or so, park their cars around the outside of the Safari Golf parking lot and open their trunks with goodies for the trick or treaters dressed in their best costumes. Included with the free candy, all the trick or treaters get a free round of mini-golf at Safari Golf, thanks to the Bukowski family. And Humphrey’s challenge isn’t just helping families with a one-time delivery. For those who need it, he is willing to continue to provide Maurice Humphrey (center), with son M.J. and daughter groceries once a month. “I’m just trying to help anyone that is in need right now in my area,” Humphrey said. “People just helping people. That’s what it has to be about. We have to get back to that point where we’re just helping each other out.”
Humphrey provides Thanksgiving dinners, fully cooked by himself and his girlfriend, Marlena. The preparation for the Thanksgiving dinners begins right after Halloween.
The toy drive will also feature a Playstation5 raffle.
Halloween has turned out to be a big night for the Kids4Life Foundation, also under Humphrey’s umbrel-
“It’s hard because I feel like I’m going all the time,” he commented. “I can’t stop because I see the looks on
Humphrey, who thought he would do this once during COVID, says that he just can’t stop.
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their faces when I give them groceries, dinners or the kids a toy. You could pay me a million dollars and it wouldn’t be more valuable than seeing the smiles on their faces.” Now that it has been four years, he is hoping to turn the Foundation into a 501c3 charity and make everything
formal, hopefully at the start of the new year. “It’s time.” Those interested in getting involved can contact Humphrey via email at mauricehumphreyjr@gmail.com or rpmayer11@gmail.com. You can look for his page on Facebook — Maurice Humphrey Sr. or K4L Kids for Life.
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That was the beginning of the Twenty Dollar Challenge. He asked people online through his Facebook pages and others, to donate so he could buy groceries for people in need. He saw how many people were in trouble because of COVID and all of the shutdowns.
Channel 8 news and on ESPN radio’s “The Rob Dibble Show” with Ben Darnel.
A7
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A8 Thursday, December 7, 2023
The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
THE GIFT OF READING
The Berlin Lions Club purchased a leveled reading book for every fourth grader at Hubbard Elementary School in Berlin. Pictured are the grade four students holding their book along with their teachers, Principal Al Souza and Lion Paul Cavaliere. The students appreciated their books so much that they wrote the Lions Club four thank you notes. END-OF-THE-YEAR HOLIDAY SPECIALS!
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From A1
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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, December 7, 2023
A9
Facing defeat, Lamont withdraws regs phasing out new gas car sales By Mark Pazniokas and Jan Ellen Spiegel © The Connecticut Mirror
states’ progress towards establishing the necessary electric infrastructure.
A majority of the legislature’s Regulation Review Committee was poised to vote Tuesday to kill regulations prohibiting new gasoline-powered vehicle sales by 2035, forcing advocates and the administration of Gov. Ned Lamont to open talks on a new plan for passage by the full General Assembly in 2024.
“This might give people comfort,” Ritter said.
“The choice open to us is let them be killed or pull them,” Dach said. “We will pull them.”
Without committing to a specific proposal, Dach said the administration supports the legislative efforts to keep Connecticut moving towards zero-emission vehicles. He was unsure if Lamont would attend the news conference. Ritter said the administration’s withdrawal of the regulations give legislators flexibility. If the regulations were disapproved by the committee, the legislature only could vote to overturn the panel, not revise the regulations.
The car regulations would have essentially updated existing emissions levels by requiring that all new vehicles sold in the state must have zero emissions beginning in 2035. The other is for medium and heavy duty vehicles — trucks. Beginning in 2035, 40% to 75% of new vehicle sales, depending on the class of vehicle, must be zero emissions.
to its inception in 1970, states have been able to choose one of two sets of emissions regulations for
Both follow the standards set by California, which the Connecticut legislature approved two decades ago for cars. Under rules of the federal Clean Air Act going back
See Gas cars, A11
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Neither action affects existing vehicles, the sale of used vehicles, or prohibits zeroemission vehicles that are not electric. It also allows plug-in hybrid cars that have gasoline backups.
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On the committee’s agenda Tuesday were two sets of
regulations that would implement revisions to the California clean air standards followed by 17 states, including Connecticut and many neighbors.
Paul Stern, CT Mirror
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House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, said one possibility was emulating New Mexico and Colorado, states that endorsed a transition to zero-emission vehicles, but included a commitment before then to assess their
“This is what we’ve been saying right along: The EPA regulations are just more realistic,” Klarides-Ditria said. Of the California goal of 100% by 2035, she said, “We all want to move in that direction, but it’s too aggressive.”
An EV on its charger.
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Lamont and legislators will hold a press conference Tuesday to outline an alternative: Have the General Assembly pass a bill keeping Connecticut in line with the timetable established by California and adopted by New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey and other states to phase out new sales of most gas-powered vehicles.
A shift to the EPA goals would be welcome, said Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, RSeymour, a member of Regulation Review Committee and opponent of the proposed regulations.
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“I was very hopeful we could get ‘rejection without prejudice’ so we could carry on the discussions,” said Rep. Lucy Dathan, D-New Canaan, the committee cochair, after briefing Dach. “It’s disappointing.”
In April, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed federal emission standards requiring that 67% of new light-duty vehicles and 25% of new heavy-duty trucks sold in the United States are electric or otherwise powered by zero-emission engines by 2032.
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Jonathan Dach, the governor’s chief of staff, said Monday that the administration reluctantly made the decision to withdraw the regulations after being told that opponents on the bipartisan committee had the votes to kill them and not merely reject them without prejudice, an action that would allow a later attempt at passage.
Colorado adopted the California standards that progressively limit new gas-car sales with a major proviso: It would follow California only through 2032, then it would live by the lower federal clean air standards, the other option available to states.
A10 Thursday, December 7, 2023
The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
In Brief First Christmas Tree Walk
with family and friends, as the Lions Club transform the Fairgrounds into a Magical The Berlin Lions will be hos- Winter Wonderland. View ing its 1st Annual Christmas the tree displays sponsored Tree Walk at the Berlin Lions by local businesses, organizations and friends. Fairgrounds on Dec. 8-10 from 5-9 p.m. There is no fee to enter This is a great opportunity to while local charities will be at the entrance accepting stroll the walkways of the voluntary donations: Friday, brilliantly lit Fairgrounds Dec. 8 – Boxes to Boots; Sat-
urday, Dec. 9 – Berlin Food Bank accepting non- perishable food donations; Sunday Dec. 10 –Salvation Army.
at 2 p.m. This holiday spectacular will take place at Portland High School, 95 High St., Portland.
Santa will be at the event each day from 6 – 8 p.m. for picture taking and to meet with all the little good boys and girls. The Lions will provide complimentary snacks and hot beverages.
Join us for a festive afternoon of music as our 90 voice chorus and 10-piece orchestra proudly perform a variety of holiday favorites to kick off this joyous season.
Wall of Honor
Members hail from 30 towns in Connecticut and from all walks of life.
The Berlin Veterans Commission’s “Veterans Digital Wall of Honor,” located in Town Hall, is dedicated to “All Who Proudly Served and Sacrificed to Protect Our Country.”
Samuel Tucker, our Music Director, has arranged a beautiful program that highlights the wide ranging talents of this chorus. The voices are rich in satiny harmony.
Berlin residents and their immediate family, past and present, who have served or are currently serving can be put up on the wall.
Pieces played by our accompanist, Alan Dougherty, will display warmth and wonder as we include Irish and French carols, classical, swing, gospel, ballads, and, of course, the traditional pieces that you all love so well.
Contact Peter Galgano at petergalgano@comcast.net or 860-604-7258.
Proceeds from the concert are returned to the community in the form of scholarships presented to graduat“Harmonizing Holidays” will ing Middlesex Community be presented by The Middle- high school seniors in the spring pursuing a career in sex Hospital Vocal Chords (MHVC) on Sunday, Dec. 10, music or nursing. Thus far,
Vocal Chords Holiday Concert
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we have awarded $80,500. We are most grateful to Middlesex Health and to you, our loyal followers for your continued support. Tickets are $25. Call 860347-2787 or 860-342-3120 for tickets or visit our website at www.vocalchords20.org and like us on facebook.
Women’s Club Meeting The Women’s Club of New Britain will meet at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, at the First Congregational Church, 830 Corbin Ave., New Britain. The name of the program is “Nutcracker Excerpts” (From the classic Holiday ballet.) Enjoy a family holiday tradition where sugar plums dance, flowers waltz, and snowflakes leap across the stage weaving a splendid tale of little girl’s dream of first love. The majesty of Tchaikovsky’s music combines with a talented cast to make a Woodbury Ballet’s Annual Nutcracker a treat for all. Following the program, coffee, tea and cookies will be served. Guests are welcome to attend for a $10 fee. New members from The Greater New Britain Area are welcome to join the club.
Legion Post 68 American Legion Post 68 has been serving Berlin veterans since 1947. For more information, email Post Commander Vin Trigila at v_trig@yahoo.com or send a message to Post 68 via Facebook.
Volunteer award
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The Robert B. Dornfried Sr. Lifetime Volunteerism Award is bestowed upon a resident “who is dedicated to a lifetime of community volunteerism, civic duty and extraordinary service.” Visit berlinvolunteerfund.com.
The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Gas cars From A9
Sen. Cathy Osten, DSprague, a Regulation Review Committee member, had made clear for weeks that her vote was in jeopardy given her concern about the impact on agriculture in her largely rural district, as well as the cost of electric vehicles and the ability of the electric grid to meet the greater demand. Osten said that some of the complications faced by Norway, where 87% of new car sales are EVs, also gave her pause. Osten said she was struck by the cost of subsidies, such as tax credits, and the disproportionate benefit on wealthier buyers. She declined to say Monday if she had informed leaders she was a hard no, but others said the decision to withdraw them was based on a belief that Osten and Sen. Joan Hartley, D-Waterbury, would vote with the Republicans in opposition. Hartley confirmed she would have voted against the regulations, despite a promise by Commissioner Katie Dykes of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to convene a working group to oversee Connecticut’s infrastructure progress before the 2035 deadline. “I said, ‘No, let’s work on this first,'” Hartley said. Dykes could not be reached. She is scheduled to join Lamont, Democratic legislative leaders and others at a press conference Tuesday to respond and review next steps. Hartley said she supports
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the transition to zero-emission vehicles as a necessary step towards protecting the environment, but she has questions about the state’s readiness and the impact on lower-income, urban constituents. “I believe in it and endorse it,” Hartley said. But she added, “I represent a city of 116,000 with a median income of $42,000.” The Republican minority, which has offered similar objections, is empowered under Connecticut’s unusual bipartisan system of reviewing and approving regulations. Unlike the regulatory framework of the federal government and many states, Connecticut gives the legislature veto power over regulations, albeit one that is supposed to turn on a narrow question: Does the regulation implement legislation? Attorney General William Tong said the proposed regulations meet the test of legal sufficiency. Charles Rothenberger, a climate-
Thursday, December 7, 2023
and-energy lawyer with the environmental group Save The Sound, said Monday he found it “difficult, if not impossible, to make any logical sense of it” of the failure to adopt the regulations. “It’s really an embarrassment all the way around when it comes to this,” Rothenberger said. “If in fact the committee is not voting on these regulations tomorrow, it is really unconscionable.” By rejecting the regulations, Connecticut is stepping away from two decades of progress that included adopting a low-emission vehicles program that set higher standards on gas and diesel engines that power cars and trucks, he said. “We are walking away from our longtime partners in the effort to clean up our air and protect public health in terms of Massachusetts in New York and Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Virginia,” Rothenberger said. “And we are declaring that we are content to align ourselves with the standards that are
good enough for Alabama, and Mississippi, and West Virginia. And those are the states that we want to stand so it is you know, it boggles my mind.” While the regulations proposed by the Democratic administration of Lamont stem from a law passed in 2004 under a Republican governor, Republicans said the 2035 deadline for transitioning to zero-emission vehicles was a public policy change that most lawmakers could not have foreseen two decades ago. Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, a Regulation Review member, complained at a press conference two weeks ago that they reflect the desires of “unelected bureaucrats.” “The majority wants to believe that California is better for Connecticut than Connecticut. Nobody represents us in Sacramento,” Kelly said. On Monday, he said, “I think common sense prevailed. I do applaud the governor for
A11
withdrawing the regs, and I think this is what happens when we take issues from underneath the Capitol dome and go across Connecticut and bring issues to the people.” Chris Herb, president of the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association, a trade group that represents gasoline and heating oil distributors, applauded the withdrawal of the regulations, if cautiously. “This is victory for consumers who would have paid a big price tag for the state’s efforts to ban gas powered cars and trucks in the future. However, the battle may not be over,” Herb said. “It’s unclear what could happen next, but CEMA will continue to be vigilant in our opposition to this reckless policy. This is too much too fast, and we are not ready for an EV-only future.” This story originally appeared at ctmirror.org, the website of The Connecticut Mirror.
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A12 Thursday, December 7, 2023
The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Senator Murphy involved in border talks For weeks, Congress has been eyeing passage of President Joe Biden’s national security package with major financial assistance for Ukraine, Israel, the Indo-Pacific region and humanitarian efforts in Gaza. But congressional Republicans, who have grown more resistant to additional funding for Ukraine, are tying their support for the aid package to securing longsought-after immigration and border changes. That led Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and a small group of other Democratic and Republican negotiators to try and see if there is a viable path forward on an issue that has long eluded Congress. Murphy and negotiators acknowledge the fraught nature of getting an immigration deal done quickly. They
are facing resistance from members of both parties and some immigrant rights groups. Plus, they are short on time with the holidays approaching and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., promising a vote on the aid package next week, whether a deal comes together or not. While talks are ongoing, Murphy on Wednesday voiced less optimism about wrapping up negotiations before the end of the week. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., who is the lead GOP negotiator, said they are still operating on the same timeline, trying to wrap up in the next few days “as much as possible.” “It may be that we won’t be able to come to a deal because Republicans are being unreasonable, but we’ll do our best to find a proposal that respects both Republican and Democratic priorities,” Murphy said.
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ing loud and clear from my colleagues that this package has to be balanced.”
“Using a one-time spending package to enact these unrelated permanent policy changes sets a dangerous precedent and risks assistance to our international The details of a possible partners,” the group said in a agreement are still a bit hazy. joint statement. “Any proposal considering permaMurphy has been relatively mum on the discussions and nent changes to our asylum and immigration system has not publicly indicated what priorities are on or off needs to include a clear path to legalization for longthe table, like a path to citizenship for those who were standing undocumented immigrants.” illegally brought to the U.S. when they were children and In response to criticism from were protected under the Democratic colleagues, MurDeferred Action for Childphy said negotiators have hood Arrivals program. not accepted any deals on asylum changes and nothing Republicans have been reportedly pushing for has been agreed to so far on that issue. changes to asylum policy and the authority for the adAnd when asked if ministration to temporarily Democrats will get anything allow some migrants into out of the deal other than the U.S. securing funding for A group of 11 Democratic Ukraine, Murphy said he has senators have taken issue told Republicans that the with talk of raising the stan- agreement will need to be dard of “credible fear of per- “balanced.” But it is not yet secution” for asylum seekclear what border-related ers. They argue that any provisions Democrats could agreement struck on immiget. gration reforms should also “It reinforces for Republicans that they’re not going to get everything they want. I’ve told them from the beginning this has got to be a TREE SERVICE narrow, targeted package with things that Democrats Call Dave Cyr care about, and they’re hear(860) 828-9953
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“I’m not happy about being in the room. I’m not happy about the position Republicans have put us in,” he continued. “I’m just trying to figure out if there’s a pathway to come with a compromise that is good for Republicans and Democrats.”
But he is newer to negotiations over immigration policy that have long vexed Congress. The Senate passed a compromise immigration bill in 2013 before it lost steam in the House and did not get a vote. In January, Murphy joined bipartisan group of senators — some of whom are part of the current negotiating team — on a trip to learn more about the U.S.-Mexico border and the potential for future compromise. “Connecticut is not a border state, but there is no doubt that a lack of order at the border affects us in Connecticut,” Murphy said at the time. “When you have that large a number of migrants coming in an unplanned way, it also stresses out social services at the border but also throughout the country.” This story originally appeared on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, www.ctmirror.org.
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By Lisa Hagen © The Connecticut Mirror
The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, December 7, 2023
A13
In Brief leashes on public property. This includes all town parks Options are: Emergency Berlin has partnered with and public sidewalks. AniAFAB Recycling LLC, a Con- Alerts (weather related clos- mal Control Officers are isings, fire, flood, etc.); Town necticut-based textile recysuing written infractions. Updates (town-wide noncling company. The fine for violation of this emergency communications, ordinance is $1100. Residents are encouraged to announcements, elections, drop off unwanted clothing For more information rereferendums, etc.); Public and shoes at the Transfer Works (road and bridge con- garding the leash ordinance, Station, 19 Town Farm Lane, struction, trash, utilities, wa- refer to the municipal webMonday through Friday, 7 ter, sewer, etc.); Community site. a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, Related (Community Center, 8 a.m. to noon. Senior Center, Parks & Recreation, Social Services). Lineworkers Eversource is partnering Wall of Honor with Housatonic Community Commission ers The Berlin Veterans ComCollege and the Internationmission’s “Veterans Digital wanted al Brotherhood of Electrical Wall of Honor,” located in Workers Local Unions 420 Established in 2002, the Town Hall, is dedicated to and 457 to prepare the next Commission for Persons “All Who Proudly Served generation of electrical and Sacrificed to Protect Our with Disabilities is charged lineworkers in Connecticut. with serving as an advisory Country.” board to the Town of Berlin The Lineworker Certificate Berlin residents and their for the enforcement of the Program provides students immediate family, past and Americans with Disabilities valuable training in the elecpresent, who have served or Act and assisting the comtric utility industry and the are currently serving can be munity with meeting its reopportunity to progress into put up on the wall. sponsibilities for residents Eversource’s paid apprenwith disabilities. ticeship program. For deContact Peter Galgano at petails, visit Eversource.com. tergalgano@comcast.net or The Commission for Persons 860-604-7258. with Disabilities meets on a bi-monthly basis. Takeover tip line
Christmas Craft Show
In December of 2021, the Town of Berlin passed a new leash ordinance that requires dogs to be always on
Preservation CT Preservation Connecticut is a statewide nonprofit historic preservation organization, established in 1975 by a Special Act of the Connecticut General Assembly as the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. Visit preservationct.org.
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Coming to your home or business 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. CT Lic. # 180640
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Community alerts
/Classifieds
The Hardware City Detachment meets the first Wednesday of the month, 6:30 p.m., at the Berlin VFW,
For more information, contact Sal V. Sena Sr. (860-6146188, 4mermarine69@ gmail.com) or Al Urso (860747-0677, alurso@cox.net).
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The Marine Corps League, Hardware City Detachment, New Britain is actively looking for new members. You do not have to live in New Britain to be a member.
In response to growing complaints of a spike in so-called street takeover events, the FBI rolled out a tip line for residents to report instances of mass gatherings in parking lots and roadways.
A Christmas Craft Show will take place Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the VFW, 152 Massirio Drive. All new crafters. Please support the VFW.
Sign up to receive emergency alerts and community no-
Marines sought
152 Massirio Drive.
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State law provides a reimbursement program for renters who are elderly or totally disabled, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits. Persons renting an apartment or room or living in cooperative housing, or a mobile home may be eligible for this program. Visit portal.ct.gov/OPM.
Leash ordinance
Residents looking to report a street takeover are encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI and select the “Connecticut Street Takeovers” option, or visit fbi.gov/cttakeovertips.
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A14 Thursday, December 7, 2023
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Wanted To Buy PREMIER ESTATE JEWELRY - Is interested in buying your fine jewelry, watches, coin collections, silver flatware, and costume jewelry. Call Bill, (203) 4942496.
TIMELESS TREASURES ESTATE AUCTIONS Is looking to purchase estate contents. From single items to entire estates. Clean-out services available. Call Bill BUYING ALL - Costume (203) 494-2496. Jewelry, Old Watches, Gold Jewelry, Silver Jewelry, Gold & Silver Coins, Sterling Flatware, In Any Condition. Please Call Jude M. Dichele @ (203) 8681816.
TOP CASH PAID For any MATERIALS Toyota any condition, DISTRIBUTION running or not, crashed Screened Topsoil $30/ okay. Will take other per yd; 2.5” screened makes and models. gravel, $18 per yd; Sand(203) 600-4431. $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 @ 860-982BUYING MACHINIST 4819 for delivery TOOLBOXES - Tools & tooling, contents of PREMIUM machine shops, home WANTED Individual SCREENED workshops and small firearms, collections & lathes. Call anytime TOPSOIL estates including military 860-985-5760 $30/yard delivered, & related items.Federally 3 yd, $100 min. delivery GRASSY HILL AUC- licensed firearms dealer. Call Jim 860-982-4819 TIONS, - an Estate Gunsmith, appraisals, Sale, Liquidation, Attic Richard Pleines, & Basement Cleanout Sporting Goods and (860) 663-2214. Company is Always Health Buying and providing services all over Connecticut. These are just TOP CASH PAID a FEW of the things we are looking for: AnFor Junk or unwanted tiques, Collectibles, vehicles, Toyota’s etc. Old/ Vintage Toys, MuPlease call Mike @ 203sical Instruments (Sax284-8562 8am-5pm. ophones, Trumpets, Violins, Flutes, Clarinets, Trombone & SO MUCH Campers Trailers RVs MORE) Advertising Items, Wristwatches (Broken or Not), Pocket Watches, Tools (Machinist, Woodworking, & MORE) Doorstops, Clocks, Oil Paintings, Old Signs, Old Photographs, Old Postcards, Brewery Items, Hunting & Fishing, PEZ Dispensers, Costume Manuel Quickie Iris Tilt Jewelry, Broken JewelFOR SALE: Motorhome Wheelchair Very good to ry, Gold & Silver Jewel31ft Fourwinds 1998 excellent, $500. ry, Gold & Silver Coins, Sleeps 5 or more Queen 203-804-9102. Military Items, Swords bedroom 88k miles & Bayonets, Helmets & Wood Fuel Heating clean no smokers Asking Patches, Medals & UniEquipment $10,990 Must see it! forms, Pocket Knives, Lighters & Pipes, Foun203-631-0044 TREE LENGTH tain Pens, Mechanical Pencils, Fraternal Order FIREWOOD Help Wanted Items, Religious Items, CALL FOR DETAILS Industrial Items, Winchester Items, Sikorsky 203-238-2149 SCHOOL BUS Items, Pratt & Whitney Items, Colt Items, NaDRIVERS tive American Items, Wanted To Buy Needed for Southington/ Vintage Electronics, Meriden/Berlin/Rocky Slot Cars, Toy Trucks, Advertise with us. 1, 2, 3 CASH FOR YOUR Hill - Must be 21yrs or Matchbox & HotANTIQUES & JEWELRY older and possess a driv203-235-1661 wheels, Barbie’s, Folk - Call Todd Shamock at er’s license for at least Art, Statues, Bronzes, 203-494-1695. Trains, Cameras, Mid 3yrs – Paid training to Century Modern Furacquire CDL license and niture, Straight Razors, ALWAYS BUYING endorsements available – Shaving Items, Political CASH PAID The opportunity to bring Items, Comic Books, Vintage Electronics, your children to work, No Sports Cards & AutoMusical Instrugraphs…& THE LIST Childcare$$ - Contact ments, Amps, Ham GOES ON! So please Equipment, HiFi, Sheila at New Britain give us a call at your Radios, CB, GuiTransportation (860) 828earliest convenience. tars, Audio Equip0511 ext. 221 or visit us Grassy Hill Auctions ment, Antiques. at, 257 Woodlawn Rd., 203-868-1816 - Grassy 860-707-9350 HillAuctions.com Berlin, CT
STUFF TO SELL? Call Us.
203-238-1953
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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com
Thursday, December 7, 2023
A15
Businesses & Services
Attics and Basements Cleaned
Get Listed. Get Results. 203-238-1953
Junk Removal
Landscaping
Painting Wallpapering
GARY WODATCH 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
GOOD RATES BEST SERVICE Fully ins. Free Estimate. Call Ed, We’ll take it to the dump for you!
Cleaning Services
HOUSECLEANING
Sm House $75; Med. House $95; Lrg House, $120. 16 years exp. Refs. Fabiana, 203.565.7745.
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Electrical Services TEC ELECTRICAL
Service LLC All Phases of Electrical Work. 24 hr. Emergency Service. Small Jobs Welcome. 203.237.2122
Looking for a friend?
JUNK REMOVAL Hot Tub Removal, Furniture, appliances, entire contents of: homes, sheds, estates, attics, basements, garages & more. *FALL YARD Clean-ups* FREE ESTIMATES. LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817 860-575-8218
Find litters of critters in Classifieds.
Gutters
GUTTERS CLEANED FALL CLEANUPS Painting Int. & Ext. Free Ests. Ins. Refs. Rodrigo, (203) 565-7745.
Let Us BEAR Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT
Landscaping
GUTTERS DON’T WORK
If they’re dirty! For gutter cleaning, Call Kevin (203) 440-3279 Fully ins. CT# 569127
IF YOU Mention This Ad FALL Yard Clean-Ups Brush, branches, s 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 860-575-8218 FACEBOOK.COM/ RECORDJOURNAL NEWSPAPER TWITTER.COM/ RECORD_JOURNAL
JT’S LANDSCAPING LLCS - FALL CleanUps, we specialize in weeding all types of beds, mulching, top soil work, pruning hedges & shrubs, & all your landscape needs. Residential & commercial. Lic. #616311. Call today for free estimate, 203-213-6528.
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Handyperson HOME DOCTOR - 48 yrs exp. Odd jobs & remodeling, former US Navy, 15 yrs, #640689, 203.427.7828.
Is Spring Cleaning on THE OUTSIDE FREE Estimates #569127 Call Kevin 203-440-3279
Roofing
Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding. gutter.chimney flashing. Office:203.754.3071 Cell:203.510.3830 Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452
ALEX EUROPEAN MASONRY - 30 yrs. exp. Patios, ret. walls, steps, brick, stone, chimneys. Lic#580443. 203-2320257 or 860-810-4196.
Moving and Storage
GARY WODATCH
thecheshireherald.com
POWER WASHING
Masonry
Roof Repair or Replacement, Chimney Repair, Skylight Replacement. Free est. CT #0651199 (860) 877-3006
FALL CLEANUPS CALL TODAY!! 860.719.3953
GUTTERS PLUS 25+yrs. Exp. Call today for Free estimate. 203-440-3535 Ct. Reg. #578887
Power Washing
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To see how RJ Media Group can make your business more successful, contact Jim Mizener at 203.317.2312 or jmizener@rjmediagroup.com.
#1 PAINTER’S EDGE Ext. & Int. Painting. Sheetrock.Popcorn Repair. Wallpaper Remv’l. Decks. 25 yrs exp. Free est. Sr. disc. #0656136. Ins. 860.538.5520
Hedge trimming. Trim overgrown properties. Calls returned. #620397. 860.558.5430
Tree Services RT RELOCATION Your moving and storage specialists. Call for a free estimate. 833-668-3978.
GARY WODATCH - Tree Removal. All calls returned. CT# 620397. Quick courteous service. 860-558-5430.
A16 Thursday, December 7, 2023
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