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NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

A Visit to the USCG Cutter Barque Eagle – “America’s Tallship”

Posted on August 17, 2015
Photo by Jacqueline Bennett Barque Eagle, America's Tallship, New London, Connecticut August 2015.

Photo by Jacqueline Bennett Barque Eagle, America’s Tallship, New London, Connecticut August 2015.

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

 

Visitors to the Barque Eagle, “America’s Tallship”, were hospitably greeted Sunday by members of the United States Coast Guard at New London Harbor. A training ship for cadets, having completed the 2015 summer cadet training, the “Eagle” arrived in its homeport of New London near the USCG Academy on Friday, August 14. The Eagle is scheduled to depart this morning en route to Portsmouth, Virginia. 008

 

On this sunny and hot summer day, curious visitors eagerly boarded the massive ship walking up a boarding ramp then immediately down a steep row of steps before touring the vessel – a World War II prize of war. Constructed in 1936, it was originally commissioned as the Horst Wessel by the pre-WWII German navy, according to the USCG/Department of Homeland Security. Taken by the U.S. as a war reparation, the tallship was recommissioned as the USCG Cutter Barque Eagle and sailed to New London.

Boarding the USCG Cutter Barque Eagle.

Boarding the USCG Cutter Barque Eagle.

 

The Eagle is 295 feet in length (231 feet at waterline) with a 39.1 foot beam, a 9.1 foot freeboard, a 16 foot draft when fully loaded, has an 1,816 ton displacement, a 380 ton ballast, has a 147.3 foot high foretruck and maintruck, 132 foot mizzentruck, a 78.8 foot fore and mainyard, a 22,227 foot sail area. It carries anchors that weigh 3,860 pounds and can carry 24,215 gallons of fuel oil.

 

The USCG notes that the Eagle is the largest tallship “flying the Stars & Stripes” and is the only square rigger in U.S. government service. At full speed under power the Eagle travels the water at 10 knots. Under sail it’s speed is even faster, 17 knots.

 

Courtesy of the USCG a view of the Barque Eagle in full sail.

Courtesy of the USCG a view of the Barque Eagle in full sail.

 

Although New London is the Eagle’s homeport, it will currently be away for long periods of time in that the historic tallship is involved in a multi-year Service Life Extension Project in Baltimore, Maryland. The summer cadet training brought the vessel from New London to Key West-Florida, the Bahamas, Norfolk-Virginia, Staten Island-New York, Philadelphia-PA, Bermuda, Portland-Maine, Boston-MA, New York-NY, Newport-Rhode Island then back to New London. After Virginia, the Eagle will return to Baltimore.

 

Aptly described by the USCG as “more than a school for seamanship”, training aboard the Eagle is said to provide an “unparalleled opportunity” to develop qualities such as confidence, courage, and good judgement desired by the academy.

 

“If wind is the force that can drive the ship, it is human ingenuity that has developed the means to harness the force, and the crew who must employ those means to make it happen.”

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 #Barque Eagle #USCGA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: American history, American values, Barque Eagle, NEWS, Prize of War, Square Rigger, Tallships, United States Coast Guard Academy

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A Facelift for Connecticut’s Old State House

Posted on August 14, 2015

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

Photo by Jacqueline Bennett Exterior renovations underway at the Old State House in Hartford, Connecticut

Photo by Jacqueline Bennett Exterior renovations underway at the Old State House in Hartford, Connecticut

 

The Old State House stands in beauty and dignity on the west side of the Connecticut River, the “high land side” in Hartford, Connecticut. Declared a National Landmark in 1960, it remains a constant, greeting visitors to the capital city.028

 

Hartford, Connecticut Summer 2015.

Hartford, Connecticut Summer 2015.

Blue scaffolding currently engulfs this historic building as it undergoes exterior renovation and roof repair. However, the building is open for touring.

 

Construction of the original meeting house dates back to 1636, one year after the first settlers arrived in what would become a colony which quickly outgrew that earliest structure as noted on the Old State House website. Following a fire in 1792, it was rebuilt. Visit http://www.cga.ct.gov/osh/timeline.asp to view a full timeline.

 

Believed to have been the first public building designed by an architect named Charles Bulfinch according to online sources, the ground level story is brownstone from Portland, Connecticut. The second and third stories are “brick patterned”.

 

Although the exterior is Federal style, inside the Representatives chamber is described as Victorian while the halls and courtroom are Colonial Revival. Owned by the city of Hartford, the Old State House is now managed by the Office of Legislative Management of the Connecticut General Assembly under a 99-year lease.

 
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A brick plaza and wrought iron fence surround the structure which is the site of the state’s oldest farmers market, established in 1643 by a decree. Farmers markets are still held here on Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. from late spring to mid- autumn. As well, the building is used for exhibits, perhaps the most famous one was a daylong exhibition of a copy of the original Declaration of Independence in 2011.

 

There has been talk of the Old State House being haunted. The verdict is still out on that question after a visit from the Sci Fi Channel’s TAPS in 2009 reportedly recorded “strange” yet inconclusive audio sounds there. The program is expected to return at some point to further investigate the building for paranormal activity.

 

Summer Hours are July 7 – October 12, 2015, Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with the last ticket sold at 4 p.m. Regular Hours begin on October 13 to July 1, 2016, Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last ticket sold at 4 p.m. Adults, $6, ages 6-17, AAA members and seniors 65 and older, $3; age 5 and under and Old State House Associates/CHS members, free; Active United States military with military I.D. and U.S. Military veterans with VA card – free admission. Closed most holidays and check local radio stations for closings due to bad weather,

 

Old State House  800 Main Street Hartford, CT 06193 860-522-6766

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: American history, architectural restoration, architecture, Farmer's Markets, Haunted buildings, historic preservation, iconic New England buildings, New England, NEWS, Paranormal activity

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Mom’s Recipe Box: No Eggs Tomato Soup Cake

Posted on August 7, 2015
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Made by her daugter Candy, Tomato Soup Cake can be found in Mom's Recipe Box.

Made by her daughter Candy, No Eggs Tomato Soup Cake can be found in Mom’s Recipe Box.

 

 

No Eggs Tomato Soup Cake

 

With the cost of eggs on the rise, when my sister Candy came across a No Eggs Tomato Soup Cake recipe in our mother’s recipe box she thought it would be timely and helpful. It is one that Mom wrote out on an index card – we both always enjoy seeing the recipes written in Mom’s penmanship. My sister recently tried the recipe herself for the first time. It came out great.

 

The end result was so good that Candy said she will definitely bake this cake again – perhaps next time using a can of low sodium tomato soup. The recipe calls for a whole cup of raisins so the cake is nicely filled with them.

 

 

Mom didn’t include how long to leave the cake in the oven. In that Candy used a loaf pan she decided to bake it for one hour.

Tastes as good as it looks!

Tastes as good as it looks!

 

 

I would recommend this no eggstastic  treat! – Jackie009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

011DIRECTIONS & INGREDIENTS Tomato Soup Cake

 

Cream together one tablespoon butter or Crisco, one cup sugar, a pinch of salt, one teaspoon ground cloves and one teaspoon nutmeg.

Stir one teaspoon baking soda into a bowl with the can of tomato soup then add that to the mixture. Next, add one and half cups of (sifted) flour, one cup raisins and one half cup nut meats ( almonds were used).

Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

 

 

 

Look for Mom’s Recipe Box as an occasional feature on newsandviewsjb as I continue to add to and celebrate my mother’s collection of recipes – the Cecelia G. Bennett Collection.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: Baking, Cooking, Food, NEWS, No Eggs Recipes

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Deci’s Drive-In – Gone But Not Forgotten

Posted on August 4, 2015

007By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

 

Just a few weeks ago, my nephew Mike, my sisters and I were reminiscing about Deci’s. Once a drive-in restaurant in Manchester, Connecticut, it was one of my father’s favorite places. I was so young when I first started going to Deci’s Drive-In that my father used to carry me inside with him. Located at 463 Center Street, I’m sure Dad discovered Deci’s – which was a about a half way point from our home to the east – on his way to work in downtown Hartford. On his days off, he sometimes brought my mother, my sister Candy and me there, as well as, Mike and his younger brother Johnny and my niece Debbie. In talking about our memories of Deci’s, of course, what we are really talking about is our memories of Dad/Big Johnny.

 

I recall the long counter where orders were put in and the white aprons worn by the men who worked there and made a fuss over me as a child. Dad and Mom would order the foot-long-hotdogs with the special “hot sauce” put out by Deci’s and my sister and I got hot dogs with ketchup. We would all share an order of french fries. My parents had coffee and my sister and I drank Cokes. Dad and I would follow the order down the counter to pick-up where it was served in a cardboard box. Then, we ate in the car.008

 

Opened in the 1940’s and closed in the late 1970’s, Deci’s was a popular landmark. The building was razed after it was closed and all that is left of it now is an empty lot. I was beginning to think my family members were the only ones who even remembered this marvelous little place until I learned that Deci’s would be featured on the tee-shirt for the 15th Annual Crusin’ On Main held in Manchester this past Sunday, August 2. I had made other plans for the day but when I found out about the Deci’s tee-shirt I knew I had to try to get one. So I made an early stop at the event which was slated to get underway at 11:00 a.m. Success! The tee-shirt booth by Center Memorial Park was already set-up.

 

Deci's - From the Manchester Historical Society photo by John Knoll.

Deci’s – From the Manchester Historical Society photo by John Knoll.

 

According to “Another Time” published by the Manchester Historical Society, Deci’s was a Thursday night must for area teens and their hotrods. Operated by Anthony and Crescent DeCiantis, it was open seven days a week and known for using top quality products. When customers ordered everything on the hotdogs, Another Time noted, the workers would shout out “Drag It Through the Garden.” A headline on a July, 2009 piece written for the Journal Inquirier by Richard Tambling described Deci’s as being like “a scene out of American Grafitti”. Deci’s, he said, was expanded in the 1960s. Still missed, the famous meaty hot sauce, or chili, was a “secret” recipe belonging to the DeCiantis brothers.

 

It’s nice to know like people once in our lives – Deci’s is gone but not forgotten.

 

 

Some antique and classic vehicles had arrived when I made my early stop at Crusin’ On Main and I snapped a few photos….

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Categories: American culture, Hotdog Stands, New England Drive-In Restaurants

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Fresh from the Root Seller/Comte Family Farm in Nottingham, New Hampshire

Posted on July 29, 2015
Comte Family farnland, Nottingham, New Hampshire.

Comte Family Farmland, Nottingham, New Hampshire.

 

Article by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

Photos Courtesy of the Comte Family 

 

 

Vegetables fresh from the Root Seller/Comte Family Farm in Nottingham, New Hampshire are clearly a taste buds delight. Folks travel to farmers markets – stretching from the New England seacoast and inland – just to get them.

 

“Busy, busy, busy,” that’s the word from family members about this year’s growing season.

 

Maple syrup production dominates the late winter and early spring here, but come planting season the Comte Family – Dan, his wife Susan and their three sons, Tyler, Andrew and Anthony – are hard at work with the fields. Potatoes, peas, carrots, radishes and a variety of beans – “naturally grown without chemical fertilizers or synthetic pesticides”, are some of the produce that mature into the scrumptious yield that keep customers coming back.

Dam Comte working the Comte Family Farm in Nottingham, New Hampshire.

Dam Comte (pictured in the right corner) working the Comte Family Farm in Nottingham, New Hampshire.

 

 

Farmers are known to work the land from sunrise to sunset. Yet the days may not be long enough as demand for farm fresh, local vegetables and fruits is reportedly on the rise across the nation. In the past couple of years, the Comte Family has continued to increase their growing space and are currently up to farming 16 of the farm’s 136 acres.

Susan Comter shown at the Newmarket Farmers Market in coastal New Hampshire that features local growers, food producers, craftsmen and businesses.

Susan Comte shown at the Newmarket Farmers Market in coastal New Hampshire that features local growers, food producers, craftsmen and businesses.

 

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Andrew Comte mans a Farmers Market table.

Andrew Comte mans a Farmers Market table.

 

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Boxes and boxes of potatoes.

 

Bags of beans galore!

Bags of beans galore!

 

 

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Once the fields are harvested, it’s time for packing and loading. Then it’s off to spots such as the Newmarket Farmers Market along coastal New Hampshire where local growers are featured, as well as food producers, craftsmen and businesses. Newmarket is open each weekend during summertime and every other weekend in autumn, winter and early spring.

 

 

 

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Nottingham Farmers Market.

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Don’t miss a chance to pick up a bottle of maple syrup.

Of course, a must is the farmers market held right in the their hometown of Nottingham. Look for the Comte Family and their fresh goods every Sunday afternoon from 1 – 4 p.m. throughout the summer, joined by other area farmers on the front lawn of Blaisdell Memorial Library on Route 152 near the junction with 156. While you’re there don’t miss a chance to pick up some Comte Family Maple Syrup – delicious!

 

 

 

Indoor winter markets are slated to be held the second Sunday of each month at Nottingham Community Center Municipal Complex, 139 Stage Road.

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The Root Seller/Comte Family Farm Nottingham, NH 03290 Phone 603-942-1297  comte.dan@gmail.com   Be sure to read all about the production of maple syrup in “Life is Sweet At Comte Family Farm 18th Annual New Hampshire Maple Weekend” https://newsandviewsjb.com/2013/03/24/life-is-sweet-at-comte-family-farm-18th-annual-new-hampshire-maple-weekend/ 

 

 

 

 

Categories: American culture, Chemical free fertilized vegetables, family farms, New England Farmers Market, Non synthetic pesticide produce

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Hartford Yard Goats, A Name That ‘Got People’s Goat’ – At First

Posted on July 27, 2015
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Photo by Jacqueline Bennett  July, 2015.

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

 

It appears to have been part of the plan – a masterful marketing strategy. When the “Hartford Yard Goats”, the name of Hartford, Connecticut’s new Double A minor league baseball team, was announced in March of this year it was met with less than enthusiasm by the general public. One might say, it got people’s goat.

 

“Hartford fans were crestfallen. While the city was preparing to welcome a professional baseball team, the team owners were orchestrating a circus,” Kristen Hussey wrote in a piece in the New York Times.

 

Fans of the Eastern League Rock Cats, the team set to be transplanted the 14 minute drive from New Britain to the capital city and recast as the Yard Goats, were quoted in area newspapers disparaging the moniker. Local editorials spouted skepticism.020

 

Then, a change began to take place. In what can only be described as a brilliant move, the Yard Goats logo was unveiled sporting the colors – blue and green – of Hartford’s gone but still missed former National Hockey League team, the Hartford Whalers. Local WFSB television anchor Dennis House tweeted his approval of the Yard Goats “homage” to the Whalers. Folks started to come around. Next, former professional baseball standout Cal Ripken, Jr. came to town to help out with his youth baseball camps. Interviewed on the topic by sportscasters, Ripken’s take on the Yard Goats name was positive, saying minor league team names are meant to be fun with family attraction and entertainment value. Ripken was even shown wearing a team hat in a Yard Goats tweet.

 

Somewhere along the way, the Yard Goats merchandise took off and is said to be selling like hot cakes. According to Hussey, initial resistance to the name was part of the plan by the San Diego-based sports marketing firm, Brandose. Fans had been asked to suggest a team name. Some 6,000 entries were reportedly received. Why Yard Goats? A railroad term for locomotives that switch cars from track to track, it is supposed to be a ‘tip of the hat’ to the Hartford-New Haven railroad line, noted Hussey. Also figured in to the choice is the appeal of animals to children. If what some might label a corny name was intentionally meant to spark buzz and excitement – mission accomplished. The name of Hartford’s new farm team for the Colorado Rockies seems to be on everyone’s lips.

 

One would speculate the popularity of Yard Goats merchandise bodes well for the future of the team, which is slated to take the field in April, 2016 in the new Dunkin’ Donuts Park. Currently under construction at the intersection of Main and Trumbull, the ballpark is part of Downtown North, a development of a “blighted” area of Hartford. Also planned are a brewery and grocery store, according to FOXCT.

 

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Sandwiched between a magnet school and Capital Community College, which is housed in the former iconic G.Fox & Co. building, the future ballpark is easy to find immediately off I-84. Not everyone was in favor of the city’s decision to build the stadium. Opposition came from a number of residents who showed up on a regular basis at city council meetings to say they wanted the money invested in other things, such as education. Nonetheless, city leaders prevailed. The $54 million price tag will be paid over a twenty-six year period at $2.4 million a year to Centerplan Construction, which is contracted to build the stadium as part of a $350 million redevelopment effort in the North End, FOXCT further reported. Once completed, the stadium will be available to host other events.

 

“We are moving development northward and we are looking to see revitalization in every neighborhood, every corridor, every area of this city,” Hartford City Council President Shawn Wooden has been quoted as stating.

 

Massachusetts real estate investor and team owner Josh Solomon, the NYT reports, was convinced to move the team to Hartford and agree to stay for the next 25 years because of the city’s commitment to build the ballpark. It is being touted as a “state-of- the art” facility.

 

In the meantime, what may well be another facet of the marketing plan has been released – the Yard Goats theme song. A recent headline in USA TODAY SPORTS reads,  “‘Yard Goats Anthem’ Will Have You Partying Hard in Hartford Forever'”. And, as any Hartford Whalers fan has already noticed, listen closely to the Yard Goats tune and hear – “dat, dat, dat, da da, da, dat. Dat, dat, dat, da, da, da, dat,” a bit of rhythm from the the Whalers’ old “Brass Bonanza” team tune. ”  Brilliant.

 

 

Listen here to the Hartford Yard Goats new theme song.

 

 

*(Note: From Dictionary.com -The expression “get your goat” which means to annoy or anger, originated in the world of  thoroughbred horse racing. To calm high strung horses, the night before a race a goat was placed in the stall. However, “unscrupulous” opponents would often steal the goat in a bid to upset the horse and cause it to lose the race.) 

Categories: Downtown Revitiaization, Hartford Yard Goats, Minor League Baseball, NEWS, Sports Marketing

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Mom’s Recipe Box: A Summer Twist on B&M Raisin Brown Bread with Crockpot Simmered B&M Boston Baked Beans

Posted on July 23, 2015

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“Roll out those lazy, hazy crazy days of summer……”

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A summer twist, seafood salad. Yum!

 

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A summer twist from her daughter Jackie of Seafood Salad with B&M Raisin Brown Bread and Boston Baked Beans has been added to Mom’s Recipe Box.

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Awhile back Aimee Seavey wrote a delightful food piece titled “B&M Brown Bread in a Can” for Yankee Magazine’s newsletter “New England Minute”. She spoke of canned B&M Brown Bread and B&M Beans made in Portland, Maine as a New England Saturday night supper favorite. True. Growing up in my Connecticut home it was especially popular during the autumn and winter months served with poached egg topped corned beef hash.

 

With the hot weather having settled in, and my recent discovery of B&M Raisin Brown Bread at Price Chopper ( the raisin variety is what I like best, but until now I had only been able to find the original plain brown bread in other markets) I decided to put together my own B&M meal with a summer twist – the addition of seafood salad. For those of us watching our salt intake it is best to enjoy but a nibble of anything from a can with highish sodium content. So a tasty nibble it will be for me.

 

Should you decide to try this, open both ends of the brown bread can and slide out the rounded loaf. After slicing, be sure to warm the loaf slightly in an oven or on a grill. My preferred flavor of B&M Beans is Boston style. Simmer the beans beforehand in a crockpot. When it’s time to eat, spoon the deli fresh, chilled seafood salad onto a plate.

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For a light dessert, try a piece of bakery made Angel Food Cake crowned with freshly sliced strawberries and fat-free whipped creme.

 

A simple and easy summer picnic based on B&M, a New England tradition. – Jackie

 

 

 

Look for Mom’s Recipe Box as an occasional feature as I add to and celebrate my mother’s collection of recipes – the Cecelia G. Bennett Collection.

Categories: B&M Brown Bread, Crockpot Simmered, Food, Lazy hazy crazy days of summer, Light dessert, New England, New England Traditions, NEWS, Picnic ideas

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Beautiful Weekapaug Jetty in Westerly, Rhode Island

Posted on July 20, 2015

 

Photo by Jacqueline Benntt A popular fishing and viewing spot Weekapaug jetty on the eat end of Misquamicit Beach in Rhode Island.

Photo by Jacqueline Bennett  A popular fishing and viewing spot off Weekapaug jetty towards a far end of Misquamicut State Beach in Rhode Island.

 

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

 

Not far from the crowded sands of Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, Rhode Island is the beauty and tranquility of the Weekapaug jetty. Though only a short distance traveling down Atlantic Avenue from buff bodies strutting their stuff, shops, restaurants and even a carousel, it feels a world apart. Serenity reigns here.

 

The alluring jetty of rocks seems like a sea siren beckoning one to the water. It is a popular fishing and viewing spot. Careful footing is required every step of the way! Visitors can often be seen having trekked to the outer end of the jetty. Motor boats make their way from nearby docks out into the mighty Atlantic Ocean along this channel, occasionally strong swimmers take their chances here and children frequently try their hand at angling off the overhead bridge.010

 

Next to the jetty is Dunes Park where not only cars can park but RVs can reserve a pad and stay. Fees are said to be steep but worth the price in order to get away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the strip.

 

For those interested in enjoying this area without paying a high fee or making a full day of it, there is a very small, public parking lot on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and adjacent to the jetty where those fortunate enough to get a space can sometimes park at no cost. Across the road from Dunes Park, is a little store and Dusty’s Ice Cream. Weekapaug jetty is one of those ‘worst kept secret’ type of places that everybody but nobody knows about.

 

Turn right and drive a bit further for access to a lovely roadside ocean viewing location, and to get a look at some breathtaking seaside mansions.

 

If simple, quiet beauty is what you desire – the jetty at Weekapaug is a pleasant alternative.

 

*(Weekapaug Inn http://www.weekapauginn.com is an interesting part of the flavor of this “secluded enclave”. Originally built in 1899 it was rebuilt after being damaged during the hurricane of 1938. Facing economic challenges as a one-season inn it closed in 2007, according to a history of the inn provided on its website. In 2010, two area residents reopened it as an all season inn. As well as accomodations, the inn offers dining options.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: New England coastline, NEWS, Rhode Island beaches, serenity

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Inside U.S. Custom House Maritime Museum at New London Sailfest

Posted on July 16, 2015

Write-up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com022

 

Steeped in maritime history, New London, Connecticut is home to the oldest continuously-operated custom house in the nation which is now a waterfront museum. Open for tours it made for an interesting stop during Sailfest 2015, that ran July 10, 11 and 12.

 

Designed in 1833 by architect Robert Mills, who also designed the Washington Monument, the exterior of the Maritime Museum is beautiful. It was built with light-colored stone and has a majestic looking entrance of steps, pillars and heavy wooden doors accented by long windows. Once inside, visitors can join a tour or roam from room to room taking in exhibits that herald the sea.

A majestic looking entrance to the U.S. Custom House Museum in downtown New London, CT.

A majestic looking entrance to the U.S. Custom House Museum in downtown New London, CT.

 

Early underwater diving gear.

Early underwater diving gear.

 

Both fascinating and at the same time eerie was a display of early, underwater diving gear that resembles something one might see in a scary movie about exploration of creatures in the deep, dark and unknown oceans. It is amazing to ponder the courage of those early divers who used such rudimentary equipment.

 

Also on display was a wall of sailors’ knots, local lighthouse replicas, a tall ship replica, anchor prints and a large reproduction of a commemorative New London Harbor “Forever” stamp issued in 2013. A small gift shop is located on the first floor.

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Should your travels bring you to New London, the museum is a worthwhile attraction. It is only feet away from the dock where a tall ship was anchored for Sailfest 2015. The event featured visits from the vessels the Mystic Whaler and the Amistad, the closing off of downtown so vendors could set-up outdoor tents and live music available throughout the weekend. A “Fireworks Extravaganza” sponsored by The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods Resort was held Saturday night.

a tall ship docked for tours during SailFest 2015.

Tall ship docked for tours during Sailfest 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Downtown New London restaurant.

An eye-catching downtown New London restaurant.

Vendors.

Vendors.

Strolling SailFest on Sunday, July 12, 3015.

Strolling Sailfest 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Custom House Museum, 150 Bank Street New London, CT 860-447-2501 or go to http://www.nlmaritimesociety.org. Exhibits change. Open year-round, summer Tues-Sun 1-5 p.m., winter Thurs-Sun 1-5 p.m. or by appointment. Summertime New London Lighthouse Boat Tours are offered on Sat & Sun through October 25.

Categories: Maritime history, NEWS, Summer festivals in New England

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NFL’s Chris Baker Returns to Bart’s in Windsor, Connecticut to Continue Literacy Campaign

Posted on July 13, 2015

 

NFL's chris Baker and Windsor, Connecticut Mayor Donald Trinks, owner and general manager of Bart's Dive-In.

NFL’s Chris Baker and Windsor, Connecticut Mayor Donald Trinks, owner and general manager of Bart’s Dive-In.

 

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

 

What better location for two big-hearted men, the NFL”s Chris Baker and Mayor Donald Trinks, to team up and promote a meaningful cause then at a spot with a special place in the hearts of the community – Bart’s Drive-In Restaurant in their beloved hometown of Windsor, Connecticut.

 

Baker, a defensive lineman for the Washington Redskins, #92, returned to Windsor and to Bart’s July 10, for a second year after launching the non-profit Chris Baker 92 Foundation in 2014 – http://www.chrisbaker92.com. He launched his foundation with a mission to “engage and mentor boys and girls” in a literacy program, football camps and a mentorship program.

Jerome Strums and Chris Baker. friends since the 3rd grade and teammates on WHS Football.

Jerome Strums and Chris Baker. friends since the 3rd grade and former teammates on WHS Football.

 

“Everybody appreciates that Chris comes home. For him to return to his old neighborhood having achieved a dream, it shows them (the kids there) that they can do it,” said Jerome Strums, a childhood friend who played football with Baker at Windsor High School.

 

It was a busy weekend for Baker who hosted a football camp with other NFL players and guest coaches at Jack O’Brien Stadium including Frank Kearse, Terrance Knighton, Silas Redd and Barry Cofield. From Bart’s, Baker was headed next to Goslee Pool in town where the NFL Fuel Up truck was to greet 150 underprivileged youngsters who were to be treated to ice cream.

Chris Baker of the NFL Washington Redskins joins the crew at Bart's Drive-In in Windsor, Connecticut July 10, 2015.

Chris Baker of the NFL Washington Redskins joins the crew at Bart’s Drive-In in Windsor, Connecticut July 10, 2015.

 

“I want them to know I’m there for them,” said Baker, referring to the young people in Windsor and the Greater Hartford area.

 

Openly acknowledging that he got into some trouble in college, reportedly two off-campus fights while at Penn State, Baker transferred to Hampton University in Virginia. He is quick to add he turned his life around with the help of his faith in God, and emphasized he wants kids to realize choices have consequences.

Chris and hid father Marion Baker pray together daily by phone.

Chris and his father, Marion Baker, pray together daily by phone.

 

“The consequences of running to trouble rather than away,” he said.

 

Recently married to Jamila in March, he prays everyday by phone with his father, Marion Baker, who still lives in Windsor and stopped by Bart’s. 006

 

Of his son’s success Marion Baker said, “It’s overwhelming at times. It’s a joy to see him come back to the community. I’m very proud.”

 

“We pray together everyday (by phone). I text him and I tell him I love him,” he added.

 

Participation in this year’s football camp increased to 250 children, according to Chris Baker. In addition to Windsor, his literacy program is in place in an elementary school in Washington D.C. near the Redskins’ home stadium. In one year he noted, reading results there improved by 10 percent. With that in mind, Baker had an appointment set-up with Craig Cook, Windsor’s superintendent of schools to discuss establishing and implementing Baker’s literacy program in Windsor schools. Another objective for Baker is to put his literacy program in the Hartford schools.

Chris Baker autographs a photo for Brendan Jenkins, 10, a student at Clover Street School in Windsor, CT where he plays football for the Windsor Giants.

Chris Baker autographs a photo for Brendan Jenkins, 10, a student at Clover Street School in Windsor, CT where he plays football for the Windsor Giants.

 

The atmosphere at Bart’s on Friday was light and fun-filled. What else could be expected thanks to the presence of Baker who was nicknamed “Swaggy” by a friend when they were kids because of his playful personality. It’s a name that stuck. Bart’s even put “Swaggy Dogs” on the menu – which as he did last year- Chris grilled up for customers.

A "Swaggy Dog" made by Chris Baker.

A “Swaggy Dog” made by Chris Baker.

 

 

Nonetheless, make no mistake about it, Baker has a seriousness of purpose about the goals of his foundation which also include establishing guidance and assistance to high school students through a mentorship program. In addition to establishing the Chris Baker 92 Foundation, to benefit Greater Hartford and Washington D.C., in the D.C. area Baker has been involved with the Boys & Girls Club and the American Heart Association.

Carol Engelmann, owner of The Beanery and a loyal Redskins fan shown with #92 himself defensive lineman Chris Baker.

Carol Engelmann, owner of The Beanery and a loyal Redskins fan shown with #92 himself defensive lineman Chris Baker.

Baker’s devotion to community service aligns with Trinks’ personal philosophy he noted, and a fine tradition begun by Bart’s original owners, the Dillon Family. That tradition is being carried on by Trinks and Carol Engelmann, owner of the adjacent Beanery Restaurant and a loyal Redskins fan.

 

Baker graciously signed autographs and posed for pictures at Bart’s …

Jonathan DeMaio shows his Washington Redskins tattoo to Chris Baker.

Jonathan DeMaio shows his Washington Redskins tattoo to Chris Baker.

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Kevin Kirksey, co-founder of the Greater Hartford Pro-Am, presents Chris Baker with a plaque for sponsoring a team.

Pete Higgins and Kevin Kirksey co-founded the Greater Hartford Pro-Am, which presented Chris Baker with a plaque for sponsoring a team.

After a canoe ride on the Farmington River with their moms, Maya Donzella, Taylor Krapalis, Casey Krapalis and Hannah Donzella, all of windsor, met Chris Baker. Baker

After a canoe ride on the Farmington River with their moms, Maya Donzella, Taylor Krapalis, Casey Krapalis and Hannah Donzella, all of Windsor, met Chris Baker.

Chris Baker shown with his cousin Toneea Baker, who also grew up in Windsor, Ct and is currently studying public relations at Morgan State college in Baltimore.

Chris Baker shown with his cousin Toneea Baker, who also grew up in Windsor, Ct and is currently studying public relations at Morgan State College in Baltimore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: Achievements, Literacy Programs, National Football League, Washington Redskins

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