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NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Posts from the “NEWS” Category

Destination: Widow Bingham’s Tavern at Red Lion Inn Stockbridge, MA

Posted on December 11, 2015

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Across the threshold from the elegant dining room in Stockbridge, Massachusetts’ Red Lion Inn and above a rathskeller bar there, is the casual, rustic Widow Bingham’s Tavern. Though the main dining room is lovely, there is something most appealing about the ole’ Americana atmosphere of the tavern.     Red checkered tablecloths coordinate with dark, wooden chairs. Historic memorabilia pattern the walls. Overhead lamps create dim lighting accented by a stained glass window decor, “wood planked” floors and a busy bar. Holiday decorations on this visit added to the enjoyable experience. The tavern is small so if it is preferred, reservations are a good idea.     With an emphasis on traditional New England fare, the…

Connecticut Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff for Pearl Harbor Remembrance “No Matter How Long It May Take Us” FDR

Posted on December 7, 2015

By: Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Seventy-four years have passed since on this day in 1941 at 10:55 a.m., the United States was attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The attack led President Franklin D. Roosevelt to ask Congress to declare war on Japan and brought the U.S. into World War II. Everyday life in the U.S. was changed putting Americans on constant alert. Individual families were affected. Not only the families of the more than 2,000 who died there but, as well, families of the young men and women who signed on for the fight. That includes my own family, as I have written about previously in a newsandviewsjb piece titled “Quiet Heroes From Connecticut’s Quiet Corner” . There are…

Christmas Tree Custom Thrives at Dzen Family Farm & Garden Market

Posted on December 5, 2015

    Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Through the centuries the Christmas Tree has evolved into one of the holiday season’s most beloved customs. In central Connecticut, when it comes time to cut your own or pick from the best of already cut trees, the name Dzen quickly comes to mind.     Dzen Garden Market at the Ellington five corners is currently adorned with evergreen logs, kissing balls, wreaths and trees galore – the latter making their way to the market from the Dzen Christmas Tree Farm just up the road in South Windsor, along Barber Hill Road. Folks who choose to cut their own at the farm are greeted by a festive looking arch decorated by longtime Dzen employee…

Mom’s Recipe Box: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Muffins Easy To Make With Kids

Posted on December 1, 2015

              Melt-in-Your-Mouth Muffins   Among the books my sister Candy ordered through the Scholastic Book Club she coordinated for her Grade 2 class, is one called “Stuck-on- Cooking” by Richard D. Williams and Linda Williams Aber. It contains recipes easy to prepare with children, including this one, “Melt-in-Your-Mouth Muffins”.   Not long ago she decided to give the recipe a try.  The muffins were quite tasty and just as the recipe says it shows the baker how to turn a plain muffin into “a special type of muffin” by creating a top crevace then adding in your choice of blueberries, apple slices, crushed pineapple, grated orange or lemon rind, chopped dates & chopped walnuts, cranberries or jelly.  …

A Memorable Thanksgiving Hosted by Mike & Melane

Posted on November 28, 2015

  Reflection & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com (Featured photo by April)  It is hard to believe another Thanksgiving Day has come and gone. My nephew Mike & his wife Melane put on a lovely dinner at their home. As with many Thanksgiving dinners across our land it was reflective of much time and tender loving care put in by our hostess and host – but Mike is the first to say the credit goes to Melane.     From Tom Turkey himself to a succulent baked ham, mashed potatoes, winter squash, turnip, sausage dressing, fried brussel sprouts with sliced red peppers and scallions, and whole kernel corn all topped with piping hot gravy prepared by our hostess and served in hand-made Comte ceramics, to…

79th Manchester Thanksgiving Day Road Race – Bonuses for Fastest Hill Runners

Posted on November 24, 2015

    Write-Up & Photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Excitement is building in Manchester, Connecticut with the 79th Manchester Road Race held on Thanksgiving but two days away. Late Tuesday morning 13,848 runners had signed up and on-line registration remained open. As has been reported previously on newsandviewsjb, about two weeks before race day it is typical to see runners training along the course which travels through downtown. With the arrival of race eve, the town comes alive with participants and an annual homecoming of sorts which fills local pubs.   On race day, followers have their preferred spectator spots – a favorite of mine is near the Army & Navy Club. The featured photo above is one I snapped outside the club…

Small Business Saturday Nov. 28 & Birthday Daisies for Dixie

Posted on November 22, 2015

  Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Now in its sixth year, the idea behind “Small Business Saturday” is to draw consumers to Mom & Pop shops and small retailers across America. The 2015 “Shop Small” day falls on November 28, two days after Thanksgiving.   “Small businesses power the U.S. economy” writes Forbes.com.   In his article “Small Business Saturday: The Antithesis of Black Friday” Rohit Arora reports that small businesses in the United States represent 54 percent of domestic sales and 40 percent of all retail jobs. The National Retail Federation said Arora, projects holiday sales for this year will be up 3.7 percent to $630.5 billion creating 750,000 seasonal positions.   “Many generated by small businesses,” he says.  …

Jack Bannan Turkey Trot Helps Foodshare Move Towards Thanksgiving Goal

Posted on November 19, 2015

    Write -Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   It is a wonderful tradition that began with one man’s desire to help. The Jack Bannan Memorial Turkey Trot held November 18, in Connecticut’s Farmington Valley got off to a strong start collecting 1,231 turkeys to help Foodshare feed hungry folks in Greater Hartford for the Thanksgiving holiday, said organizers. People without enough to eat unlikely come to mind when thinking of Connecticut, long considered one of the wealthiest states in the nation. Nevertheless, the need is as real here as elsewhere.   The Turkey Trot originated with Bannan who was a grade 6 teacher in Simsbury, teaching for thirty-two years before his retirement in 1989. He passed away two years ago. Bannan,…

Destination: Not Your Grandfather’s McDonald’s, McCafe in Vernon, CT

Posted on November 16, 2015

  Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com     McDonald’s golden arches have been part of the American landscape since the 1950s. Over the years the appearance of the fast food hamburger chain’s restaurants has been modified to reflect modern trends. Most recently the popularity of coffee houses which continues to sweep the nation has given rise to McCafes and their cozier dining atmospheres.   One of the most welcoming of these McCafe incarnations can be found on Talcottville Road in Vernon, Connecticut – this Vernon franchise is not your grandfather’s McDonald’s. Accented by a centrally located, two-sided electric-style fireplace, it has been transformed into a go-to spot. Though McCafe refers to the offering of traditional hot coffee along with flavored ice coffees,…

Mom’s Recipe Box: Nandini’s Caramel Bread Pudding

Posted on November 13, 2015

                                                                                                  Nandini’s Caramel Bread Pudding   When I came across this recipe I knew I wanted to include it in my Mom’s Recipe Box Series. I found it on a wonderful blog called Goan Imports written by Nandini.   Bread pudding was one of my mother’s favorite desserts. I believe her mother – my grandmother Delia – made it when – my mother Cecelia – was growing up. Perhaps Mom made bread pudding for my older brothers…