newsandviewsjb

NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Posts by newsandviewsjb

Windsor Connecticut Police K-9 Team Wins First Place in Team Division at USPCA Competition

Posted on June 29, 2012

by: Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com Officer Steve Vesco and his K-9 partner, Iko, brought a 1st place trophy and medallion home to the Windsor, Connecticut police department.  The K-9 team won the award at the 2012 United States Police Canine Association Region #4 K9 Field Trials. “He did well,” Vesco said of Iko during a June 27 interview at the Public Safety Complex in Windsor. Iko is a 4-year-old solid black, male, German Shephard. The USPCA event was held June 23-24 in Middleton, Massachusetts. With temperatures in the 90s on day one, some of the canines could not handle the heat and four teams dropped out, leaving a field of 26 competing teams. Day two weather conditions were also tough, morning rain gave way to…

Categories: acheivements, NEWS, Police canines

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Destination: Dad’s Restaurant on Main Street in Niantic,CT

Posted on June 15, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb What a great treat for dad on Father’s Day to visit Dad’s Restaurant in Niantic, Connecticut.  Not far from Rocky Neck State Park, Dad’s is a terrific seafood and burger shack perched on a small hill directly across from the ocean. It has two outdoor decks and inside the ocean breeze floats through screened windows across the picnic tabled dining area. Colorful, ocean themed decor creates a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Husband and wife Pete and Debbie Salomonson run this place with an attentiveness to their customers that sets a tone for the friendliness of the entire staff. “My wife is the owner. I work for her,” said Pete during a recent weekend stop. Approaching its 50th anniversary,…

Categories: NEWS, Restaurants

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Governor Speaks at Connecticut Trees of Honor Site Selection – Middletown, CT

Posted on June 8, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com “This is such an inspired idea. A way to honor in a living fashion, a growing fashion, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy told those gathered June 5, at Veterans Memorial Park in Middletown, CT. The governor said he did not want to miss the opportunity to be present Tuesday afternoon for the announcement that the park had been selected as the site for a “Connecticut Trees of Honor” living memorial to the state’s fallen soldiers from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He spoke of the visits he and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman have made to the families of Connecticut’s fallen soldiers since taking office, noting that every time – “our hearts…

Categories: NEWS, war memorials

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2012 Memorial Day Parade & Monument Dedication Enfield, Connecticut

Posted on May 29, 2012

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb “All gave some, some gave all,” the speaker’s voice cracked as he spoke those emotion-filled words Sunday May 27, when Enfield Connecticut held its 2012 Memorial Day Parade and dedicated a new veterans monument on the town green. Another speaker, Veterans Council Chairman Ted Pladmonton told the crowd that Enfield is known for its patriotism. While some towns no longer hold Memorial Day Parades, Enfield has for the past 50 years, he noted. “And we will continue to as long as I’m alive,” he promised. State Senator John Kissel (R-Enfield) recalled his youth, noting that before he was graduated from high school the war in Viet Nam ended. In addition to showing gratitude to those who have…

Categories: NEWS, patriotic songs

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Destination: Pancho Loco Restaurant, Vernon, CT

Posted on May 26, 2012

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb Have a taste for Mexican food? Well, a terrific spot to try is Pancho Loco in Vernon, Connecticut. Inside, the decor is colorful and fun and includes a tribute wall to singer Jimmy Buffet – famous for the hit tune Margaritaville and his army of Parrothead followers. A complimentary basket of nacho chips and salsa gets the meal started. From there, the menu features traditional Mexican plates such as fajitas – be prepared for the “honk, honk, ring, ring” sound effects that accompany each delivery of sizzling fajitas. As well, there are tacos, burritos and chimichanga. Pancho Loco’s offers combination plates, salads, quesadillas, nachos, wings, enchiladas, steak & ribs selections, chef’s specials, lunch specials, Loco favorites, as well…

Categories: NEWS

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Students Explore Colonial History of Connecticut’s Oldest Town

Posted on May 21, 2012

  Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com Sage Park Middle School students in Dar McCormick’s 8th grade social studies class had the opportunity May 18 to explore firsthand the history of their hometown of Windsor, Connecticut. Settled in 1633, Windsor is the oldest town in the state and is rich in the history of the nation and its Colonial past. According to Ms. McCormick, the excursion was originally slated for last autumn but had to be rescheduled due to a fall storm. The field trip featured stops in the town’s Historic District including First Church. Established in the early 17th Century, it is the oldest congregational church in the country and third oldest in the world. In nearby Palisado Cemetery, the students studied…

Categories: NEWS

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2012 Shad Derby Day Parade & Festival on the Green – May 19 – Windsor, CT

Posted on May 18, 2012

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb A little after 11:00 a.m. this morning Robert and Stephen McKay pitched the first tent on the town green in Windsor, Connecticut in preparation for the 2012 Shad Derby Day Parade & Festival on the Green scheduled for Saturday, May 19. The father and son, both Masons, were putting up the tent that will house CHIPS, a child safety identification program sponsored by Masonic Lodge #70. On the southern end of the green, orange fencing had been erected and picnic tables set up inside what will be the Beer Garden. By the same time tomorrow, expect one end of the green to the other to be filled with tents, an abundance of activities, music, games, vendors offering a variety…

Categories: NEWS

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“There are places I remember…” Good-bye to UConn’s Memorial Stadium

Posted on May 14, 2012

“There are places I remember…” Good-bye to UConn’s Memorial Stadium Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.wordpress.com                                                                                                                              “There are places I remember all my life -Though some have changed- Some forever, not for better- Some have gone and some remain…” Beatles lyrics.                                          …

Categories: NEWS

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Field of Flags Honors American Lives Lost in Iraq & Afghanistan

Posted on May 11, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com The visual impact is daunting. A “Field of Flags” with more than 6,000 American flags, one for each American casualty in Iraq and Afghanistan, is on display at South Congregational Church in East Hartford, Connecticut. Described by organizers as “a silent, patriotic and poignant reminder of the cost of war,” the “Field of Flags” is meant  to not only represent individual casualties but also family and friends impacted by the losses, respect for those who have served and are currently serving in the military and “our hope for peace in the future.” “It takes your breath away,” said Debra Dahms. She and James St. James, both of East Hartford, stopped to pay their respects while they were out…

Categories: NEWS, Tributes, War Dead Iraq Afghanistan

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UConn Baseball at Dodd Stadium

Posted on May 9, 2012

Write -Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb As beautiful as the Storrs campus is, it is a nice change for fans when the University of Connecticut Baseball Team plays an occassional  home game at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Connecticut as it did this past Saturday. In a doubleheader with the Cincinnati Bearcats, the Connecticut Huskies came up with a 4-3 win in the afternoon opener but fell 1-0 in the second game. In game one, junior LJ Mazzilli had the winning hit enabling two runners to score late in the match-up. The Huskies were the 2011 Big East regular season champions.

Categories: NEWS

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