“it was a tough decision” -patrolman Eric Wolf
This year’s National Night Out hosted a pie contest between Berlin Borough’s neighborhoods. According to Patrolman Eric Wolf, 18 pies were entered in the contest. The pies were judged by Wolf, Sgt. Ryan Marrlow, Eric Wolf Jr. and Councilman Dan Macdonnell. Carmella Merlino was the winner with her peanut butter pie.
“It’s an old recipe that I’ve had for years,” Merlino said. “I’ve made it for family occasions, and it always went over well.”
Though Merlino was the winner, Wolf said there were some close contenders. Barbara Hoag with her peanut butter ice cream pie, Joan Rocco with her chocolate french silk pie and Tricina Beebe with her walnut cheese pie were all contenders.
“We have some honorable mentions: Lois Sahina had the best tasting apple pie, while Tina Lalena had the best looking apple pie,” Wolf said.
The judges deliberated for an hour due to the tough decision, according to Wolf.
“We had a number of pies — blueberry, cherry, apple, pumpkin, peach, lemon blueberry crème, walnut cheese pie, chocolate French silk. We also had cobblers: peach, cherry and strawberry,” Wolf said.
“I had very good competition … they were excellent pies. I’m just very glad that they thought mine was good,” said Merlino, who entered the contest because it was advertised. “I figured, what the heck … I like baking and doing that stuff.”
Wolf said a trophy with the winner’s name on it will be presented at the next council meeting on Aug. 17.
“The trophy will be set on display at the borough hall. Each year we will add the name, pie and year for that winner,” Wolf said.
