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NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Posts from the “NEWS” Category

Destination: Return to Sadler’s Ordinary for Seafood & Ham

Posted on March 28, 2016

          Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   With the exception of one luncheon last November, a turkey dinner that was excellent, most of my visits to Sadler’s Ordinary in Marlborough, Connecticut have involved French Toast, Eggs and Bacon or Sausage from their Sunday Brunch menu, once again excellent. Yesterday’s reservation, however, was a combination celebration of my birthday and Easter dinner.   First came a bread basket with Sadler’s fresh and delicious, homemade raisin bread (loaves are available to take home from their bakery counter). Baked Scallops was my entree choice. Served with almond slices speckled white rice, butternut squash, green beans and a lemon wedge, the succulent scallops topped with parmesan cracker crumbs were simply divine. Everyone…

UConn Women Too Good?

Posted on March 28, 2016

Geno Auriemma slams UConn critics: Nobody said Tiger Woods was ruining golf https://t.co/lxIXWw36GR via @sbnation — newsandviewsjb (@newsandviewsjb) March 28, 2016     Commentary by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Back when I began my reporting career, there was a photographer at the newspaper who used to roll his eyes and sigh when he was assigned to cover “girls’ games”. He saw girls’ games as a snooze, not up to the level of competition as the boys and thus not necessarily worthy of coverage. However, Title IX was in place as was a more open-minded editor and the girls’ games got some ink.   Fast forward to the 2016 NCAA women’s national basketball tournament and a sports writer who announced he will not be covering…

Harkness Memorial Park & Eugene O’Neill Theater – Coastal Connecticut Is Calling

Posted on March 26, 2016

  Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   With the arrival of springtime, coastal Connecticut is calling. Among the numerous beautiful spots to visit are Harkness Memorial Park and the Eugene O’Neil Memorial Theater Center – neighbors on Great Neck Road in Waterford.   Originally the park was home to a 42-room Italian style estate built in 1906 surrounded by lawns and landscaped gardens. From Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend, that mansion is open for guided tours. Presently, the park is a public facility complete with picnic tables, grills, and grounds ideal for long walks complimented by a magnificent view of Long Island Sound.     Pack a lunch, sneakers and/or a fishing pole because fishing is allowed here but no…

Barry’s Ex Is In Texas, That’s Why “PitCrew BBQ” Is In Hebron, Connecticut

Posted on March 22, 2016

        Article & Photos By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Barry Bricarell’s ex-wife is in Texas, that’s why “PitCrew BBQ” is in Hebron, Connecticut.   Isn’t there a George Strait song like that?   “Yes,” replied Bricarell with a grin, and mischievous twinkle in his eye during an interview March 20 at his roadside “REAL ‘Texas’ BBQ” cart on 1 Main Street.   For the past three years or so, Bricarell’s “pit” has become a familiar sight and popular stop in the rear parking lot of the Congregational Church, where he rented the space along Route 85 near a major intersection.   “We always stayed busy,” he said.   As it turns out, after Sunday, the only way to enjoy his tasty…

Destination: Meg’s Inspirational & Spiritual Boutique – Manchester, CT

Posted on March 19, 2016

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   After many years on East Center Street, Meg’s Inspirational & Spiritual Boutique will soon mark one year in its new location on 38 Main Street in Manchester, Connecticut. For owner Margaret “Meg” DiPietro Peterson her shop has been a vital part of her life journey.   “It’s my purpose,” she said March 17, 2016.   The most rewarding aspect of which she says has been “helping people”.                   Located next to the old, historic Eighth Utilities District firehouse, the shop has two front entrances, one with a few steps and an adjacent handicapped entry accessible by ringing a bell. Once inside, the store has a light, airy feel.…

New Interior for Rein’s Deli & Traditional St. Paddy’s Day Fare

Posted on March 17, 2016

                                Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Rein’s in Vernon, Connecticut is a good choice any time and on St. Patrick’s Day it is always fun. The owners transform this New York Style Deli into “Ryan’s” this one day each year serving a traditional corned beef & cabbage dinner with a large potato, carrots and a free piece of pistachio cake for dessert. Waitstaff dons all manner of St. Paddy’s Day gear from “Irish Girl” t-shirts to huge, flashing green light dangle earrings. In keeping with the upbeat spirit of the holiday, St. Paddy’s Day smiles are typically plentiful here just like the Guinness Draught.   It was…

Sing the Health Praises of Maple Syrup

Posted on March 15, 2016

  Article & Photos By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   What better time to sing the praises of maple syrup than March when the cold nights and warm days in New England have maple tree sap flowing. In most New England states March is considered Maple Month. Transformed from sap to syrup, this sweet delight joyfully tops waffles, French toast and pancakes. Thumb through “The Official Vermont Maple Cookbook” and it appears maple syrup can be used to enhance virtually every recipe known.   Often something that tastes so pleasurable is frowned upon for healthy diets. Au contraire when it comes to maple. Surprising information discovered for the recent newsandviewsjb post “New England Maple Excursions On Tap” revealed that when consumed in moderation, maple syrup…

L.L. Bean Excellence

Posted on March 11, 2016

Write-Up and Photos By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   The L.L. Bean motto is “Quality Guaranteed Since 1912”. As if I didn’t already know what an outstanding company L.L.Bean is, I was recently given a rude reminder of what it can be like to do mail order business with a different company not equally dedicated to customer service.   The decision to do business elsewhere cost me a $6 initial shipping fee and another $20.86 in return shipping for the unsatisfactory item. That was despite a phone call and personal request I made for a shipping label. I explained the potential return cost and my surprise because there was no indication on their website that my return cost would so far exceed the sending fee.…

Destination: R.J. Julia Booksellers in Madison

Posted on March 3, 2016

    Article & Photos By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   A mystique has developed around R.J. Julia Booksellers. In an era when small, independent bookstores are being swallowed up or put out of business by large chains, this shoreline gem has not only survived but thrives.   Located in the downtown of quaint-ish Madison, Connecticut, R.J. Julia Booksellers is a ten minute drive from Hammonasset Beach State Park and about an hour north of New York City. It is a popular spot for author lectures and book-signings having drawn notables such as … Caroline Kennedy, Garrison Geillor, Nora Ephron, Barbara Walters, Julie Andrews, Bobby Flay, Amy Bloom, Tom Brokaw, local television news anchor Ann Nyberg … and the list goes on.   Madison is a community of 18,000, a two-mile jogging distance to…

NYC Students Lobby Successfully for “Norman Rockwell Place”

Posted on February 26, 2016

    Write-up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Start spreading the news – New York City is now home to “Norman Rockwell Place”.   Nestled in the Berkshire Mountains in a New England village, the Norman Rockwell Museum can be found in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. It was here that the iconic American painter/illustrator had a studio for the last twenty-five years of his life and where the town center was the subject of one of Rockwell’s most famous works – “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas”. The illustration, which was published on the cover of McCall’s Magazine in 1967, thrust the quaint town into the national spotlight. Rockwell died in Stockbridge in 1978, just the year before having been awarded the nation’s highest honor…