newsandviewsjb

NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Posts by newsandviewsjb

Destination: Cheers at Faneuil Hall Boston, Massachusetts

Posted on January 6, 2013

Write-up & photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.wordpress.com     Most people know about the Cheers bar, formerly the Bull & Finch on Beacon Street in Boston, Massachusetts made famous by the television show “Cheers.” Less known may be that a Cheers replica bar is located at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Dating back to 1826 when it sold meat, poultry, eggs and butter the marketplace was renovated in 1976. In the heart of the city, it still thrives today but now sells tourist type wares. Cheers at Faneuil Hall is a recreation of the set viewers saw week in and week out on the popular 1980s comedy series starring Ted Danson as Sam Malone and Shelly Long as Diane Chambers. Wall memorabilia includes photos of the…

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Simple & Doable – The Healing Power of Twenty-Six Acts of Kindness

Posted on December 28, 2012

Dec. 14, 2015 Follow-up: Three years ago on December 14 as a reporter for a local newspaper, I was in Simsbury, Connecticut to cover a morning press conference where Richard Blumenthal, a United States senator from Connecticut, was slated to make an annoucement during the 3rd Annual Heroes & Hounds Military Working Dogs Drive. Organized by the Simsbury animal control officer, the drive was a holiday collection effort for military canines and their handlers serving in war zones. The senator was to make an announcement about legislation to strengthen protection and support for military working dogs. The announcement was delayed as town officials waited for a television news crew slated to attend. Word came that the news crew had been diverted en route to…

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Update : Reindeer Return to Dzen Farm for Christmas 2015 Season

Posted on December 23, 2012

Update : After a one year hiatus due to a dispute over road access with a housing developer and the town, reindeer have returned for the Christmas 2015 season to the Dzen Tree Farm in South Windsor, Connecticut. Happily prancing about on the day I stopped by, a visiting mother and baby are occuping the stalls for Misteltoe and Belle. Meanwhile, also energetic Max and Jack are part of the Dzen Family. Not to be confused with another Dzen farm across the street, the reindeer can be visited at the 125 Barber Hill Road site owned by John Dzen, Jr. The public is welcome. Go to dzentreefarm.com to learn more.                            …

Categories: Christmas Treats, NEWS, Reindeer in Connecticut

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Windsor, Connecticut Torchlight Parade Ushers In Holiday Season

Posted on December 11, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb Much to the delight of spectators, the annual Torchlight Parade featuring emergency vehicles adorned with colorful lights and decorations helped usher in the holiday season December 8 in Windsor, Connecticut. Following a Carol Sing on the Windsor Town Hall portico, the Torchlight Parade made its way through historic Windsor Center. “The cooperation among everyone that volunteers is great. It’s a nice family event,” said Windsor Firefighter Tom Dillon of the Wilson Company, who has organized each Torchlight Parade over the past ten years, including the town’s inaugural one.                   Initially, explained Dillon, the carol sings and torchlight parades were held on separate nights. However, he said it has worked out…

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In Afghanistan 6,000 Miles Away – A Dad Is Still A Dad

Posted on December 6, 2012

Write-up & Photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb For me my father was the definition of what a dad should be. He was not only a provider and protector but he cared that his family was properly bundled up for winter’s cold weather and that we used Ivory soap and gentle tissues that would not be too harsh on our skin. He walked on the outside of sidewalks to keep us safe from the roadways and always opened doors, pulled out chairs and helped his girls on with our coats. So I was quite touched to be reminded of what it means to have a father like that while covering a recent holiday event. During a Christmas parade, I snapped a photo of a firefighter…

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Spirit of Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Overcomes Hurricane Damage in Connecticut Community

Posted on November 30, 2012

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb “O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree – Your branches green delight us! They are green when summer days are bright, They are green when winter snow is white, O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Your branches green delight us!” Lyrics from the English version of O Christmas Tree. The lighting of what was called a ‘Charlie Brown’ Christmas Tree in Manchester, Connecticut November 29 symbolized more than the joyful spirit of the holidays. Organizers said it also represented the resilience of communities throughout the state ravaged by Hurricane Sandy. Compared to many shoreline towns, Manchester sustained minimal damage from the storm a month ago. However, Sandy did hack off several feet from the once 37 foot tall…

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Perfect Weather Accompanies 76th Thanksgiving Day Road Race in Manchester, CT

Posted on November 23, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.wordpress.com  Perfection. That sums up the weather that accompanied the 76th Thanksgiving Day Road Race in Manchester, Connecticut. Sunny skies and temperatures in the high 40 to low 50 degrees were an ideal compliment to what is considered the state’s biggest sporting event. In addition to the 15,000 runners and walkers, including elite competitors, the race drew an estimated 30,000 spectators. One die hard tradition at the Manchester Road Race is its exact 10:00 a.m. start time. In a television interview with FOX CT which broadcast the race live, the race director explained the importance of  the exact start is tied to keeping the event within a dependable time frame so that participants can enjoy their personal traditions…

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76th Thanksgiving Day Road Race On Tap in Manchester, Connecticut

Posted on November 21, 2012

Write-up & photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.wordpress.com  The start of the 76th Manchester Thanksgiving Day Road Race is merely hours away in Manchester, Connecticut. It is the town’s biggest annual event, attracting thousands of participants and spectators. Excitement begins building in town a few weeks before race day. Runners can be seen jogging the sidewalks along Main Street on practice outings, signs go up in front of local restaurants inviting runners in and sweatshirts from past Manchester road races become popular attire. At exactly 10 a.m. the race is scheduled to get under way in front of St. James Church on Main Street. The 4.748 mile course draws world class runners, as well as, aspiring young runners and many area folks who have made…

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Gratitude Focus of Manchester,CT 2012 Veterans Day Observance

Posted on November 11, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.wordpress.com Gratitude to America’s service men and women was the focus of  the simple, respectful 2012 Veterans Day Observance held November 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Manchester Memorial Hospital. A small parade made its way from American Legion Post #102, about a quarter mile to the hospital. According to the ceremony program, in 1920 MMH was dedicated as a memorial to Manchester residents who died during World War I. It was then rededicated in 1970 as a memorial to veterans of all wars. “When I think of  Veterans Day, I think of two words – thank you and heroes,” Manchester Deputy Mayor Jay Moran told the group gathered in front of MMH. Moran spoke of a recent visit…

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Hartford Veterans Parade Held On Consummate New England November Day

Posted on November 5, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb The 2012 Veterans Parade in Hartford, Connecticut was held Sunday, November 4. It was a consummate November day in New England characterized by sunny skies, crisp, cool air and some colorful leaves still clinging to the trees. The perfect autumn weather was in marked contrast to the high winds and rain brought by Hurricane Sandy a week earlier that devastated areas along the Connecticut shoreline, as well as, parts of New York City and the New Jersey shore. Although there was a solid turnout for the parade, it did not appear to have been as large as in past years – possibly a consequence of the recent weather event that left thousands of residents without electrical power…

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