You're In Charge Of What At The Berlin Fair?

I am pretty well-known around town for a lot of reasons. I used to run the weekly newspaper and many know me from that. I work with the planning committee of the Berlin Relay for Life so some know me for that. I am extremely active in my kids' schools so Hubbard families might know me from there. I have also been a high school and youth coach for a lot of years so chances are  maybe I have coached your son or daughter.

What most don't know about me is that I am a member of the Berlin Lions Club and have been for the last 10 years. My father, Bill Mayer Sr., was a member of the Lions and after he passed away I joined in his honor.

When I first began as a Lion I wasn't quite sure what was expected of me. The Berlin Lions have nearly 150 members who participate in many different ways and to varying degrees. What I did know was that I had to have a job at The Berlin Fair. My first year, I bounced around and worked in several places. I worked in Premiums, at the Food Booth and other spots.

My second year I settled in to my current job. I am, wait for it, the Superintendent of Flowers. OK you can stop laughing at any time now. I know it is hard to imagine me, the guy yelling on the sidelines, being in charge of flowers, but it's true.

How did it happen?

It was actually pretty easy. One of my Little League coaches Lou Marzi, also a Lion, asked me to help he and Dick Colamussi in the flowers building. My first reaction was "Seriously?" But after doing it for a year I realized I actually liked it. I started as Assistant Superintendent but I have worked my way up to Superintendent.

With the help of all of my super great volunteers, Elyse Dumas, Emily Ference, Celine Hines, Michele Fischer-Paul, Leah Nappi and McKenzie Luciano, things go super-smoothly as we not only check in flowers but fruits and vegetables and canned goods.

The best part is almost 10 years later I actually know what most of the flowers look like.

Enjoy the Berlin Fair everyone.