Volume 19, Number 42
www.berlincitizen.com
Berlin’s first woman mayor remembered
Thursday, December 15, 2016
THAT’S A WRAP
pointed by the council.
By Ashley Kus Citizen staff
Ida (Mangan) Ragazzi, the first mayor, when a new form of town government came into Berlin 20 years ago, died Wednesday, Dec. 7. She was 90. “She provided the leadership that was needed at that time,” said Fred Jortner, chair of the Democratic Town Committee. Jortner served on the first Town Council in Berlin alongside Ragazzi in 1995. Ragazzi became the first woman mayor, and first mayor of the new town government, when she was ap-
She went on to serve as deputy mayor from 1999 to 2001 and again in 2003 to 2005 “We thought she would be the perfect person to lead the town into the new era,” said Paul Argazzi, former councilor. The Republican was part of the minority party at the time but said Ragazzi was respected by all. Her husband Jack was mayor more than a decade earlier when the town operated under the Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting form of government. Ragazzi served on the new council, with a town manSee Mayor, A12
The popular Santa Express program wrapped up its 10th year Sunday. For a donation of $10, families register their children to receive a gift from Santa Claus, who shows up at their home on a firetruck. This year, the program was sold out within a couple hours of the first day of registration, leading to nearly 300 visits by St. Nick. The Santa Express fire truck is decked out in Christmas lights and plays Christmas music as it completes its stops. “It’s grown so much,” said coordinator Amy Pajor. | Photo by Lee Roski
New school board reps look to be voice for students For the first time, Berlin’s
sat at their first meeting last month after being elected by their classmates.
Junior Jasmine Nappi and Senior Steven Bordonaro
“I wanted to get involved a little more,” Bordonaro said
about the position. The senior class recently expressed their disappointment in October when the board did not consult them
over a change in graduation location from Welte Hall to the high school gym. See School, A12
The FuTure oF ChILDCAre AND PreSChooL IS here! Now celebrating 30 years!
Holidays are all about family and friends, and I’ve made lots of friends at EPC! EDUCATIONAL PLAYCARE
Experience the difference a high quality program makes!
Berlin l 860-357-2024 l www.EducationalPlaycare.com
29559-01
By Ashley Kus Citizen staff
Board of Education will have two new representatives to give a voice to students.