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Thursday, May 28, 2009 — The Berlin Citizen
So many hidden gems in town One of the best parts of my job is the chance to talk to a lot of folks who know a lot of stuff about the history of Berlin. Every now and then I get to chat with the town historian or a local librarian. Retired town officials sometimes take the time to fill me in on arcane details of little known governmental events and old politicians are happy to recall victories and defeats of times gone by. Talking to Berlin’s many veterans is another great source of information and chats with senior citizens provide delightful glimpses into the good old days — you know, like walking 10 miles to school in the snow uphill both ways. I’ve come to realize history is a fluid thing. While there might be agreement on basic core facts, after that, perceptions spin off in as many different directions as there are eye witnesses. One thing everyone seems to agree on — Berlin is a beautiful burg rich with New England tradition. I drive around Berlin a lot and sometimes, just to pass the time, I piece together those bits and pieces of things I’ve been told and try to visualize the town as it might have been 25 years ago, 50 or even 100. Can you imagine Farmington Avenue as a dirt road? (And not because of the bridge construction.) There were a lot of farms, for sure, and remnants of that agricultural life remain in stone walls and faded signs and names that say it all — like Old Farms Place. Every now and then, a horse drawn wagon finds its way to Farmington Avenue and it never fails to make people stop and smile as they watch a bygone age clip-clop on its way. Here at The Citizen offices we’re fortunate to be situated just a block away from A.S. Labieniec feed store on Farmington Avenue. When I feel the need to stretch my legs, I walk over to check out what’s new on the porch there. Sometimes a cage full of rabbits or
Between You and me...
Commentary by Olivia L. Lawrence
“I have a couple of favorite old farms I make sure to get out to from time to time, especially when summer days make a country drive a high priority.”
chicks. And always the wonderful smell of hay — surely, just like back in the day. I have a couple of favorite old farms I make sure to get out to from time to time, especially when summer days make a country drive a high priority. Recently, I stopped by Cold Spring Brook Farm Inc. on Deming Road. Just before the long Memorial Day weekend — the kick-off to summer and high gardening season — the farm stand was packed with customers. It makes you feel good to know the acreage there is now protected by a farm preservation grant and Berlin can look forward to
enjoying the locally grown products from now until your grandkids have grandkids — and beyond. Of course, Berlin is holding onto its agriculutral roots. A community garden is underway and the Farmers Market marked its return for summer weekends. And I was gratified to see that “gardening” topped a recent Citizen poll of favorite things to do in summer coming in just behind “go to the beach” but way ahead of other pastimes. Another great place is Ferndale Farm on Robbins Road. It’s not unusual to see parents and kids stopped at the fences calling to the occupants of the barnyard — it’s always full of ponies and kids of the goat variety and all kinds of other critters. The old barn up to the riding stables on High Road is another trip back in time. Inside the barn, perched on a knoll, the well-worn wood stalls are full of horses — and it’s easy to imagine the sights and sounds and smells are likely not much different then they were decades and decades ago. It’s not just farms that harken back. One of Berlin’s little gems is the plot of woods behind the Berlin Historical Museum. It’s where Marjorie Moore used to while away the hours, sketching and writing and watching birds. (She’s one of the town’s great philanthropists and her foundation is active and benefits young and old every day.) The place got a major make-over a while back and was reopened to the public with a re-enactment of its heyday with Ms. Moore herself presiding over her beloved bird sanctuary. The Kensington Garden Club along with some help from various organizations around town put the project together. I’ll never forget that presentation, it was amazingly effective — the perfect recreation of a moment in time for those of us who like to imagine other eras of Berlin life.
Relay for Life
Make strides this weekend at Berlin Fairgrounds
With more than 700 people expected to participate in the second annual Relay For Life of Berlin, the 24-hour event is the fastest growing Relay in Connecticut. The Relay will take place this week, Saturday May 30 to Sunday May 31 at the Berlin Fairgrounds A part of the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising program, Relay For Life of Berlin is an overnight community celebration where individuals and teams camp out and take turns walking around a track, relay style, to raise funds. Participants share camaraderie while celebrating the lives of those who have had cancer, remembering those lost, and fighting back against a disease that takes too much. At nightfall, participants will light nearly 1,000 luminaria around the track in a moving, emotional ceremony to honor cancer survivors and to remember friends and family members lost to the disease. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be eliminated. Russ Leonard, Relay For Life of Berlin honorary chairman, plans to walk for 24 hours straight (minus bathroom breaks) in the annual event. The 52-year-old Plantsville resident estimates he will walk some 60 miles during that time. He is going the distance to raise cancer awareness—and to support his wife of 30 years, Marilyn, a three-time cancer survivor. “Over the years, Marilyn has endured nine surgeries, and massive radiation and chemotherapy,” said Leonard. “Today, she is doing well and has a promising future, thanks in part to the work of the American Cancer Society.” When they are not walking in the Relay, participants will be taking part in fun activities like inflatable bouncers or games for kids, mingling with friends and enjoying lively music. Entertaining the crowds on Saturday will be six local bands (see schedule) who are all donating their time to this important cause. Performances & Events (times are approximate) Saturday, May 30 10 - 11:30 a.m. Opening Ceremonies – Ruth Ann Lobo featured speaker 11:30 a.m. - noon Survivors’ Lap Noon - 1:15p.m. Survivors’ Lunch Noon – 1 p.m. The PineLoft Players 1:15 - 2:15 p.m. Cruz Machine 2:45 - 3:45.p.m. Alabama Lo-Fi 3:45 p.m. Relay For Life 25th Birthday Lap 4 - 5:15 p.m. Fountain Head 5:30 – 7 p.m. The Butch Taylor Band 7:15 - 8:45 p.m. Brother Sleeze 9 -10 p.m. Luminaria Ceremony of Hope 10:30 p.m. Glow Lap Sunday, May 31 9 a.m. Closing Ceremonies For more information To learn more about the Relay For Life of Berlin, visit www.RelayForLife.org/berlinct or contact Kate Barton, trichair, Relay For Life of Berlin, at katiehome6@comcas.net. Music Festival tickets Anyone interested in purchasing Berlin Music Festival tickets can purchase them from Jen Chant and $5 from each ticket will go to Berlin’s Relay for Life. She can be reached by email at jjchant93@aol.com or by phone (860) 965-2947. The tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.