newsandviewsjb

NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Posts by newsandviewsjb

Belltown Hill Orchards Old World Vista, Farm Fresh Fruit in South Glastonbury Connecticut

Posted on October 26, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb A vista reminiscent of Old World Italy can be found in Connecticut standing atop the vast acreage of Belltown Hills Orchards in South Glastonbury. Begun in the early 1900’s by Louis Preli, an Italian immigrant, it is now a third generation family business spanning some 150 acres. The beautiful valley of fruit trees include the popular pick-your-own apple orchards, as well as, strawberries, peaches and the Perelli Vineyards.  There is also a Farm Market and Bakery. The ride through winding back roads to reach Belltown Hill Orchards is well worth it and this time of year the autumn foliage is a bonus. Once there, the view is simply gorgeous! A respite from the hustle and bustle of…

Back from Afghanistan, Commander Nolan Keynote Speaker at Ct Trees of Honor Fundraiser

Posted on October 17, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com Back from a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan where he commanded the 246th Engineer Detachment of the Connecticut Army National Guard, Staff Sgt. Danny Nolan served as keynote speaker October 13 at a fundraiser for the Ct Trees of Honor Memorial. The Saturday night event held at the Elks in Nolan’s hometown of Windsor, Conn. will benefit the memorial, a grove of trees planned in Middletown to honor the state’s military personnel who died in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting a global war on terror. A longtime Hartford firefighter, emotions ran high for Nolan throughout his speech which included a slide presentation beginning with Ground Zero in New York City after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the…

Bye, Bye Bobby Valentine- Red Sox Cut Loose Embattled Manager

Posted on October 6, 2012

Commentary & Photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb                                               Canned. It came as no surprise when the Boston Red Sox fired embattled manager Bobby Valentine earlier this week. He was let go after one season and the worst record in decades. The disappointing turn of events that resulted in Valentine’s demise were compounded for fans like myself by the fact that this debacle of a season ran concurrent to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of storied Fenway Park. My dad used to sit in the living room with what he called his “crying towel” and feign tears as he watched Red Sox games…

Natalie’s Tigers Exceed Goal, Raise More Than $8,000 For Ovarian Cancer Run/Walk

Posted on September 28, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb Far exceeding their goal, Natalie’s Tigers took the top fundraising spot with $8,384 raised for the 3rd Annual 5K Run/Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer held September 22 at Hammonasset State Park in Madison, Connecticut. About seventy participating teams raised a total of $102,465 to help fight the disease that reportedly kills nearly 14,000 women annually in the United States. In addition to exceeding their monetary goal of $500, the thirty-eight member team of Natalie’s Tigers also surpassed a goal of recruiting eight members. As well as accepting pledges, the group held lollipop sales, lemonade stands, bake and tag sales, and even collected cans and bottles for the cause. “It’s really cool, our team is…

Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman Leads Connecticut Day Celebration at 2012 Big E

Posted on September 21, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman led the celebration of Connecticut Day September 19 at the Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Arriving at the Nutmeg State building on the Avenue of States around 2:30 p.m., Wyman was greeted by Sgt. Jeff Samonajczyk and other members of the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police. Wyman spent the better part of the afternoon mingling with exhibitors and constituents before taking the podium on a stage out front to address the crowd. “Connecticut will always bring you a sunny day,” said Wyman, speaking under clear, blue skies.             Gene Cassidy, first year president of the Eastern States Exposition – nicknamed the Big E – spoke too as part…

Tavern Trot in Windsor, Conn. Draws Record Number of Runners

Posted on September 17, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com On yet another glorious weather day gracing the region, the 6th Annual Tavern Trot held September 16 in historic Windsor, Connecticut, drew a record number of participants. Surpassing a goal of seven hundred set by the event planning committee, a preliminary tally showed 742 runners and walkers had signed on by the close of registration at noontime Sunday. “We have a great turnout,” said Mike Deneen, a runner and part owner of the Union Street Tavern that hosted the 3.5 mile road race. Spirits were high for the race that is also a fundraiser for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a non-profit organization which raises money to fight pediatric cancer. Liz Flynn Scott who grew up in Windsor and is the…

Community Rallies to Make Inaugural “Golf Aid” Tournament a Success for Alex’s Lemonade

Posted on September 11, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com  Resulting in a tremendous turnout, relatives, friends and community members rallied around organizers of the inaugural “Golf Aid” Golf  Tournament held September 9, at Tower Ridge in Simsbury, Connecticut.  The event benefited Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a non-profit organization formed to raise awareness and funds to fight childhood cancer. Hampered early on by slow registration and a family crisis, the tournament was nearly scrapped. But by Sunday’s 1:30 p.m. shotgun start, the golfing roster was full. “We have 110 golfers,” said a beaming Sue Bowman, a Windsor, Conn. police officer and the event’s primary organizer. “I said to Sue, ‘no, even if it is just four of us, do not cancel it. Move forward with this tournament,’ ” recalled…

Windsor Fife Drum Corps Annual Parade & Muster Honors Fran Dillon

Posted on September 9, 2012

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb With its customary pride and precision, the award-winning Windsor Fife & Drum Corps led an annual parade & muster in Windsor, Connecticut September 8 – but missing from his traditional front post was co-founder and former director Fran Dillon. This year’s “parade & muster” was a tribute to the memory of Dillon, whose life was lost after his motorcycle was hit by a car this past February. “Carrying his espontoon and marching as the color guard commander, Fran was always found at the front of the Windsor Corps leading them down the street,” – these emotional words were spoken during a ceremony on the Windsor Town Green. In offering a blessing, Dr. Dan Mack commended the Windsor Corps…

152nd Woodstock Fair Wraps Up Labor Day Weekend Run

Posted on September 4, 2012

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com The 152nd Annual Woodstock Fair in South Woodstock, Connecticut wrapped up its four day run, August 31, September 1, 2 & 3, blessed with perfect weather. Sponsored by the Woodstock Agricultural Society, Inc., the fair – “Always Labor Day Weekend” – attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Woodstock Fairgrounds in a part of the state known as the ‘Quiet Corner.’         Although carnival rides and commercial vendors are part of the scene, the fair has retained a homespun flavor. True to its agricultural roots it featured horse shows, livestock competitions, produce exhibitions and a large collection of antique farming equipment. As well, winning entries in a statewide apple pie baking contest and…

Natalie’s Tigers Will Run/Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer

Posted on September 1, 2012

By:Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com Most children love to run and play but for 8-year-old ovarian cancer survivor, Natalie Cosman, undoubtedly running has a whole new meaning. Natalie, her family, friends and other backers are members of  Natalie’s Tigers, a support team preparing to participate in the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Connecticut Chapter’s 3rd Annual 5K Run/Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer. The run/walk will be held on September 22 at Hammonassett Beach Park, 1288 Boston Post Road in Madison, Connecticut as part of national ovarian cancer awareness month. Described on the NOCC website as the largest fundraiser and awareness event for the organization, the run/walk celebrates survivors and remembers those who lost their lives to this disease. In addition to the run/walk, a…