newsandviewsjb

NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Posts from the “NEWS” Category

UConn Nearly Pulls Off Stunner Against Nationally Ranked Michigan

Posted on September 22, 2013

By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb Two thousand more seats had to be set up at East Hartford’s Rentschler Field last night, where the University of Connecticut nearly pulled off a stunner against the nationally ranked Michigan Wolverines. Husky fans arrived early, made it clear whose house the teams were playing in and stayed to the end. Yankees MLB standout Derek Jeter, who grew up in Michigan, was in attendance and former UConn basketball and NBA star Ray Allen came out to support his Alma mater – he stood on the sidelines with the UConn bench. Yes, it was big game. Blue & white fans did hold our collective breath but not for the anticipated reason (see previous post) that our guys might get creamed, rather in…

Hold Your Breath Husky Fans- UConn Football Faces 15th Ranked Michigan Tonight

Posted on September 21, 2013

Commentary by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb This in my kind of weekend – a University of Connecticut football game on Saturday followed by a New England Patriot’s game Sunday. Not to mention the Boston Red Sox clinching the American League East title in a 6-3 success over the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday evening. That said – Husky fans will likely hold their collective breaths tonight when UConn football, winless thus far this season, faces 15th-ranked Michigan on a national stage. The sold out game is slated to be broadcast at 8 p.m. on ABC. It is an understatement to say that Michigan has a long tradition as a football powerhouse and from viewing televised clips, their players look to be at least twice the size…

Tavern Trot Raises More Than $100,000 For Pediatric Cancer Research

Posted on September 17, 2013

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb  In its seventh year the Tavern Trot has reached a milestone now having raised more than $100,000 for pediatric cancer research. Hosted by the Union Street Tavern in historic Windsor, Connecticut on Sunday, September 15, the 3.5 mile trail and road race benefited Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. A special participant was the grandfather of the little girl who started the foundation – he took part just two months after receiving a lung transplant. “This $100,000 is enough to pay for a year of a research project,” said Jason “Jay” Scott, the father of little Alexandra “Alex” Scott who started Alex’s Lemonade Stand outside her Connecticut home to help other children fighting the disease before she lost her…

UConn Football “Grudge Match” On Tap with Randy Edsall?

Posted on September 12, 2013

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb Heading into this weekend, the big question in Huskyland is – if what might be labelled a grudge match against former coach Randy Edsall will spur the University of Connecticut Football Team on to victory? With UConn decked out in their new fierce face Husky uniforms and Rentschler Field spiffied up for the August 29, 2013 season opener, including a new scoreboard, the Huskies suffered a shocking 33-18 defeat to Division I-AA Towson. The September 14 game against Edsall and his Maryland Terraphiins will take place on Connecticut’s home turf. Speculation has been rampant for the past couple of weeks about how UConn fans will greet Edsall when he leads Maryland onto the field at “The Rent”…

UConn Ranked Among Top Universities by U.S. News & World Report

Posted on September 10, 2013

Write-Up & Photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com The University of Connecticut, my alma mater, has once again been ranked among the top public universities in the nation. In its annual rankings for 2014, U.S. News & World Report has placed UConn at number nineteen, returning to its position among the top twenty colleges nationwide and highlighting something that those of us who attended already knew – UConn is one of the best universities in the country. U.S. News & World Report cites UConn as a leading research university for programs such as Bioscience Connecticut. The university was also praised for offering one hundred majors and a special mention was made of The Neag School of Education’s kinesiology doctoral program. It was two years ago…

Nip in the Air & Patriots NFL Win Welcome the New England Autumn

Posted on September 9, 2013

By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com At last, it’s here! A cool nip in the morning air is a welcome sign of the coming of autumn in New England. Foliage on a few tree tops has begun the annual transformation from green to various hues of gold and russet. Soon enough the beauty of autumn will surround us along the roadsides, in parks and on town greens. As a turtlenecks, corduroys and football games girl this is the time of year I anticipate. Starting tomorrow warmer temperatures will return for a few days but by Saturday the forecast is 69 degrees and sunny! The New England Patriots have a NFL season opener win under their belts from yesterday’s match up against the Bills. It may not…

153rd Woodstock Fair is Coming Labor Day Weekend 2013 – August 30, 31, September 1 & 2

Posted on August 27, 2013

Don’t miss out on one of Connecticut’s oldest and most popular fairs – always Labor Day Weekend – the 153rd Woodstock Fair will be held August 30, 31, September 1 & 2 on the Woodstock Fairgrounds, 281 Route 169 in South Woodstock. At the gate general admission is $12.00, senior citizens age 65+ $8.00 and children age 10 and under are free. Advance tickets are available through August 29 at the Woodstock Fair Office – individual admission $10.00, senior $8.00, 4-Pack $36.00 and midway ride tickets 11 for $22.00. According to the fair brochure (see below), look for Main Stage entertainment daily including performances throughout the afternoons by various groups. The local Southern Rock band Cold Train will perform Friday at 4:30 & 6:30…

Boat Parade Caps Lake Hayward Days in Connecticut

Posted on August 26, 2013

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb More than a dozen fancifully decorated vessels took part in the Boat Parade Sunday, August 25, that capped Lake Hayward Days in the Colchester/East Haddam area of Connecticut. In addition to accenting the beauty of the lake, the Boat Parade was clearly an opportunity for participants to express their personal creativity. Decorations ranged from patriotic themes to Hawaiian wanderlust, to commentary on the construction that has been underway at the Dog Beach pavilion rebuilt after it was damaged by fire several months ago, and,  well – um – what might be called bathroom humor – with old fashioned “outhouses” on board.   Promptly at 1:00 p.m. the Boat Parade began with small clusters of spectators having turned…

Popularity of Firefighters’ Peach Festival Continues in New Location

Posted on August 24, 2013

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb In its 64th year, the popularity of the Manchester, Connecticut 8th Utilities District Fire Department Peach Festival continued Friday night, August 23, as festival-goers turned out to enjoy their annual peach shortcake treat in a new location. Traditionally held across from the old firehouse on the corner of Main and Hilliard streets, this year the event was moved up the hill to the new firehouse which serves as the district’s headquarters.  It can be risky business to tamper with tradition and a successful tradition at that, but the move was said to be prompted by a desire to encourage the community to view the headquarters as the volunteer firefighter district prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary in…