newsandviewsjb

NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Posts from the “NEWS” Category

Spirit of Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Overcomes Hurricane Damage in Connecticut Community

Posted on November 30, 2012

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb “O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree – Your branches green delight us! They are green when summer days are bright, They are green when winter snow is white, O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Your branches green delight us!” Lyrics from the English version of O Christmas Tree. The lighting of what was called a ‘Charlie Brown’ Christmas Tree in Manchester, Connecticut November 29 symbolized more than the joyful spirit of the holidays. Organizers said it also represented the resilience of communities throughout the state ravaged by Hurricane Sandy. Compared to many shoreline towns, Manchester sustained minimal damage from the storm a month ago. However, Sandy did hack off several feet from the once 37 foot tall…

Categories: NEWS

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Perfect Weather Accompanies 76th Thanksgiving Day Road Race in Manchester, CT

Posted on November 23, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.wordpress.com  Perfection. That sums up the weather that accompanied the 76th Thanksgiving Day Road Race in Manchester, Connecticut. Sunny skies and temperatures in the high 40 to low 50 degrees were an ideal compliment to what is considered the state’s biggest sporting event. In addition to the 15,000 runners and walkers, including elite competitors, the race drew an estimated 30,000 spectators. One die hard tradition at the Manchester Road Race is its exact 10:00 a.m. start time. In a television interview with FOX CT which broadcast the race live, the race director explained the importance of  the exact start is tied to keeping the event within a dependable time frame so that participants can enjoy their personal traditions…

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76th Thanksgiving Day Road Race On Tap in Manchester, Connecticut

Posted on November 21, 2012

Write-up & photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.wordpress.com  The start of the 76th Manchester Thanksgiving Day Road Race is merely hours away in Manchester, Connecticut. It is the town’s biggest annual event, attracting thousands of participants and spectators. Excitement begins building in town a few weeks before race day. Runners can be seen jogging the sidewalks along Main Street on practice outings, signs go up in front of local restaurants inviting runners in and sweatshirts from past Manchester road races become popular attire. At exactly 10 a.m. the race is scheduled to get under way in front of St. James Church on Main Street. The 4.748 mile course draws world class runners, as well as, aspiring young runners and many area folks who have made…

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Gratitude Focus of Manchester,CT 2012 Veterans Day Observance

Posted on November 11, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.wordpress.com Gratitude to America’s service men and women was the focus of  the simple, respectful 2012 Veterans Day Observance held November 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Manchester Memorial Hospital. A small parade made its way from American Legion Post #102, about a quarter mile to the hospital. According to the ceremony program, in 1920 MMH was dedicated as a memorial to Manchester residents who died during World War I. It was then rededicated in 1970 as a memorial to veterans of all wars. “When I think of  Veterans Day, I think of two words – thank you and heroes,” Manchester Deputy Mayor Jay Moran told the group gathered in front of MMH. Moran spoke of a recent visit…

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Hartford Veterans Parade Held On Consummate New England November Day

Posted on November 5, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb The 2012 Veterans Parade in Hartford, Connecticut was held Sunday, November 4. It was a consummate November day in New England characterized by sunny skies, crisp, cool air and some colorful leaves still clinging to the trees. The perfect autumn weather was in marked contrast to the high winds and rain brought by Hurricane Sandy a week earlier that devastated areas along the Connecticut shoreline, as well as, parts of New York City and the New Jersey shore. Although there was a solid turnout for the parade, it did not appear to have been as large as in past years – possibly a consequence of the recent weather event that left thousands of residents without electrical power…

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Belltown Hill Orchards Old World Vista, Farm Fresh Fruit in South Glastonbury Connecticut

Posted on October 26, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb A vista reminiscent of Old World Italy can be found in Connecticut standing atop the vast acreage of Belltown Hills Orchards in South Glastonbury. Begun in the early 1900’s by Louis Preli, an Italian immigrant, it is now a third generation family business spanning some 150 acres. The beautiful valley of fruit trees include the popular pick-your-own apple orchards, as well as, strawberries, peaches and the Perelli Vineyards.  There is also a Farm Market and Bakery. The ride through winding back roads to reach Belltown Hill Orchards is well worth it and this time of year the autumn foliage is a bonus. Once there, the view is simply gorgeous! A respite from the hustle and bustle of…

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Back from Afghanistan, Commander Nolan Keynote Speaker at Ct Trees of Honor Fundraiser

Posted on October 17, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com Back from a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan where he commanded the 246th Engineer Detachment of the Connecticut Army National Guard, Staff Sgt. Danny Nolan served as keynote speaker October 13 at a fundraiser for the Ct Trees of Honor Memorial. The Saturday night event held at the Elks in Nolan’s hometown of Windsor, Conn. will benefit the memorial, a grove of trees planned in Middletown to honor the state’s military personnel who died in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting a global war on terror. A longtime Hartford firefighter, emotions ran high for Nolan throughout his speech which included a slide presentation beginning with Ground Zero in New York City after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the…

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Bye, Bye Bobby Valentine- Red Sox Cut Loose Embattled Manager

Posted on October 6, 2012

Commentary & Photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb                                               Canned. It came as no surprise when the Boston Red Sox fired embattled manager Bobby Valentine earlier this week. He was let go after one season and the worst record in decades. The disappointing turn of events that resulted in Valentine’s demise were compounded for fans like myself by the fact that this debacle of a season ran concurrent to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of storied Fenway Park. My dad used to sit in the living room with what he called his “crying towel” and feign tears as he watched Red Sox games…

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Natalie’s Tigers Exceed Goal, Raise More Than $8,000 For Ovarian Cancer Run/Walk

Posted on September 28, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb Far exceeding their goal, Natalie’s Tigers took the top fundraising spot with $8,384 raised for the 3rd Annual 5K Run/Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer held September 22 at Hammonasset State Park in Madison, Connecticut. About seventy participating teams raised a total of $102,465 to help fight the disease that reportedly kills nearly 14,000 women annually in the United States. In addition to exceeding their monetary goal of $500, the thirty-eight member team of Natalie’s Tigers also surpassed a goal of recruiting eight members. As well as accepting pledges, the group held lollipop sales, lemonade stands, bake and tag sales, and even collected cans and bottles for the cause. “It’s really cool, our team is…

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Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman Leads Connecticut Day Celebration at 2012 Big E

Posted on September 21, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman led the celebration of Connecticut Day September 19 at the Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Arriving at the Nutmeg State building on the Avenue of States around 2:30 p.m., Wyman was greeted by Sgt. Jeff Samonajczyk and other members of the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police. Wyman spent the better part of the afternoon mingling with exhibitors and constituents before taking the podium on a stage out front to address the crowd. “Connecticut will always bring you a sunny day,” said Wyman, speaking under clear, blue skies.             Gene Cassidy, first year president of the Eastern States Exposition – nicknamed the Big E – spoke too as part…

Categories: festivals, NEWS, Parades

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