newsandviewsjb

NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Posts by newsandviewsjb

Disrespectful Not To Take the Field During National Anthem

Posted on September 25, 2017

Commentary by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Usually the morning after a win by the New England Patriots I am ecstatic, singing the praises of our quarterback. This morning I sing the praises of a man on a different team – Alejandro Villanueva.   When protests during the playing of the national anthem -“The Star-Spangled Banner”- began by National Football League players a year ago, as tough as it was to see, I said – “Either one believes in the First Amendment or one does not.” I do.   Our flag has endured through actual bombardments hence the words to that beautiful anthem – “Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there …” It has endured a Revolutionary War, a Civil War,…

11th Tavern Trot Raises Another $65,000 For Alex’s Lemonade Stand

Posted on September 19, 2017

                              Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com The 11th Annual Tavern Trot raised another $65,000 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which is dedicated to pediatric cancer research. Hosted by the Union Street Tavern the event was held September 17 in Windsor, Connecticut under sunny skies with temperatures reaching the low 80 degrees.   Attracting 950 participants, a number up from 300 in year one, over eleven years the Tavern Trot has raised $300,000 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, according to Mike Deneen, part owner of the Union Street Tavern. That amount is part of $150 million the non-profit organization has raised for the cause since its inception, inspired by…

“Mums” the Word at Iconic Bart’s – Three Windsor CT Events to Help Animals

Posted on September 15, 2017

By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   “Mums” the word Saturday, September 16 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m at Windsor, Connecticut’s iconic Bart’s Drive-In Restaurant on 55 Palisado Avenue (a.k.a. BartsBeanery.) For those who have yet to stop by Bart’s or those such as myself who stop by often, tomorrow may be the perfect chance to enjoy a chili dog from the Magic Grill while at the same time helping the Windsor Pet Food Pantry.    It took the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to raise awareness about the powerful bond between people and their pets. As the country currently deals with Hurricanes Harvey and Irma – once again the importance of pets is being seen.   Of course, pets need food. The Friends…

Delightfully – A Concurrent Celebration of Reading & Coffee Ice Cream

Posted on September 6, 2017

By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Delightfully, September 6 is a day to celebrate two of my favorite things ~ reading a book and coffee ice cream. Upon opening my daily e-mail from National Day Calendar this morning I was pleasantly reminded of the concurrent celebrations.   At an early age I learned the joy of reading. My parents and my sister read to me from the time I can remember. Holding a book in my hands became as natural to me as breathing, and soon enough I was reading to myself. Reading aloud to youngsters not only sparks their interest in reading but enables them to learn the proper expression intended by the writer.   As a child I was especially fond of the…

A Red Sox Fan & Connecticut Resident

Posted on August 19, 2017

By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   As much as I enjoyed watching last night’s 9-6 Boston Red Sox win over the New York Yankees, a “broad brush” comment in the commentator’s booth requires clarification. It was an off-the-cuff remark by a guest in the booth – introduced I believe as a Burlington,Vermont broadcaster and former football player – there to promote the upcoming college football events at Fenway.   Describing most of Vermont as Red Sox fans, he added that since Burlington was a college town it attracted kids who are Yankees fans from New York and Connecticut. While it may be that the lower portion of Connecticut leans towards the pin stripes, please do not lump all of us into this characterization. Drive north along the…

Destination : Castello of Niantic at the Connecticut Shoreline

Posted on July 25, 2017

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Set on a knoll just off West Main Street close to Rocky Neck State Park, Castello is “Niantic’s newest Italian restaurant.” It is one of those little gems waiting to be discovered as word-of-mouth spreads.   Opened a year ago, Castello is owned by an ambitious young man Stanley Martone, his father Dino Martone and his aunt Marianeve Picone. At 25, Stanley Martone, a graduate of Quinnipiac University, has his bachelors and masters degrees. Out of college, Stanley Martone landed a position with the prestigious Deloitte accounting firm. But the restaurant business is in his blood – from his days as a boy helping his godfather at his banquet hall to being part of his family’s…

Oh Those ~ Wicked Good ~ Fenway Franks !

Posted on July 23, 2017

  Write-up & Photos By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Wicked good. In New England that may be the ultimate compliment ~ underscoring the notion that sometimes a little wicked can be oh so good. That sentiment is aptly applied to Fenway Franks. Although most would agree hot dogs are not the healthiest choice ~ a little wicked ~ they surely are a ~ good ~ ole’ American favorite. Arguably, none more so than the hotdogs enjoyed at Fenway Park.   “The culinary icon of New England baseball got a fresh start in 2009, and now thanks in part to a bold, new recipe, Fenway Franks are more popular than ever,” Chris Burnett wrote for Yankee Magazine’s New England Living in May 2017.   Marking…

For Many First Red-Headed Miss America Was Example of American Spirit

Posted on July 2, 2017

By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviews.com   The passing of Venus Ramey Murphy, the first red-headed Miss America, last month on June 17 has been written up in numerous newspapers throughout the country. For some, hers is a timely passing coming so close to the Fourth of July when Americans celebrate not only having won the American Revolution but also celebrate the American spirit.   On July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was issued, thus that date is seen as the official beginning of “nationhood” for the United States, note online sources. Much is made of what constitutes the American spirit. It is a spirit rooted in the American Revolution and considered a critical component to the success of American Patriots from the Thirteen Colonies,…

Dad & Niagara Falls

Posted on June 18, 2017

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Niagara Falls was one of my father’s favorite places. Although we (the seven Bennett children of John’s & Cecelia’s) were reared in Connecticut, my dad’s youth was spent in upstate New York and as often as possible he enjoyed returning to spots he had gone to as a boy.   As if it were yesterday, I can recall my first summer vacation to Niagara Falls. Dad, Mom, my sister Candy and I visited both the American and Canadian sides. Already, I travelled camera- in-hand, and am glad that was the case because I have some great memories captured on film. Others are in my heart.           One such heartfelt memory is of…

Head for Hammonasset’s East Beach – Any Beach -With A Walk In Mind

Posted on June 5, 2017

Write-Up & Photos By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com     It is that time of year when thoughts turn to the shoreline, sandy beaches, rolling waves, the sweet fragrance of tanning lotion and … a quest for the perfect swimsuit. Beaches, however, are more than a place to sunbath and swim, they are terrific for walking.     This may be the summer for a mindset change. Replace the angst of finding the perfect swimsuit with picking out cute pairs of shorts, then head for Hammonasset’s East Beach with a walk in mind. Even if one is not laying out on a beach towel soaking up the rays, it is still important to wear sunscreen and lip salve for beach walking. Don’t forget sunglasses to…