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NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Teapots & Nana – A Mother’s Day Memory

Posted on May 7, 2014

002By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb (as shared by Deb)

“Do you know why I love teapots?” Debbie said a short time after my mother’s passing in December of 2010. “Because Nana and I would sit in the kitchen in the early morning and she would read my future in the tea leaves left inside my tea cup – it was always something wonderful and positive.”

My mother had a wealth of folklore knowledge and knowledge about superstitions. Among them was one about tea leaves.

Sisters Donna and Debbie with Nana January 2010.

Sisters Donna and Debbie with Nana January 2010.

If a tea bag broke inside a teapot or cup as it simmered, it was good luck to finish drinking the cup of tea she told us. Then she would turn the cup upside down, slowly twirl it around on its saucer a few times and magically when she turned the delicate harbinger back upright, inside awaited a tale of tomorrows as shown in the trail of leaves. 

She made it quite believable that the tea leaves truly held the power to foretell what was to come. Her voice would be become soft and a bit mysterious, and just as Deb said, without fail the leaves told of joyous things that lie ahead – travel, adventure, achievements, romance & love. 

On Mother’s Day this coming Sunday, May 11, my sisters and I plan to make what has become one of our annual visits to Mom’s graveside to bring her favorite – yellow roses.

Perhaps this year, afterwards we will brew a pot of tea. After all thanks to Mom/Nana we know if we are lucky enough to find some tea leaves at the bottom of our cups, they will lead us to something splendid!

 

Categories: Folklore, Love, Mother's Day, NEWS, People, superstitions

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Windsor Food & Fuel Bank Walks Against Hunger – Eric Lazarus Appointed Executive Director

Posted on May 5, 2014
Windsor Fuel & Food Bank team of Windsor Connecticut readies for the May 4,2014 Walk Against Hunger - back, left is newly appointed executive director Eric Lazarus.

Photo by Jacqueline Bennett  Windsor Food & Fuel Bank Team of Windsor, Connecticut readies for the May 4,2014 Walk Against Hunger – back, right is newly appointed executive director Eric Lazarus.

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

They may live next door, be seated nearby at a town meeting, attend a free summer concert in the park or be timidly pushing a cart in a grocery store. They are your neighbors, unsure of where their next meal will come from and their numbers are growing. Hunger is on the rise in the United States as the middle class shrinks say food bank directors. More and more Americans keep trying to tread water after a  job loss, due to wage stagnation, inflation, low wages or are retirees living on fixed and very limited funds.

In Connecticut’s Hartford and Tolland counties alone, the regional food bank, Foodshare, estimates more than 100,000 people are living in food uncertainty limbo – they do not know where they will get their next meal. A majority of them are either children or senior citizens.

On Sunday, May 4, members of the Windsor Food & Fuel Bank and supporters were among a vast turnout of teams and individuals taking part in the 31st Walk Against Hunger held by Foodshare. Thousands of walkers gathered at 12:30 p.m. Sunday in HartBeat Park on the campus of The Hartford, the event’s lead sponsor, in preparation for a 2:00 p.m. step-off. The approximate two mile walk brought the group down from Asylum Hill and around Bushnell Park in downtown Hartford. 018

Walkers made their way around Bushnell Park.

Walkers made their way around Bushnell Park.

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Anne Wakelin, Windsor Human Services Director (right) with co-worker Susan Nunes and Wakelin's daughter Kristyn.

Anne Wakelin, Windsor Human Services Director (right) with co-worker Susan Nunes and Wakelin’s daughter Kristyn.

Jane Garibay of the Windsor Food & Fuel Bank Board of Directors with her husband Bernardo and his nephew Diego Vazquez, 17, an exchange student visiting from Mexico City.

Jane Garibay of the Windsor Food & Fuel Bank Board of Directors with her husband Bernardo and his nephew Diego Vazquez, 17, an exchange student visiting from Mexico City.

Tom Dillon, Marty Maynard and Jane Garibay.

Tom Dillon of the Windsor Fire Department, Marty Maynard, town risk manager and Jane Garibay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Just as with the fire department, this is helping people from our own town – neighbors who need our help,” said Thomas Dillon, Safety Officer for the Windsor Volunteer Fire Service.

Jane Garibay co-president of the Windsor Food & Fuel Bank Board of Directors said the need is so great locally that the board decided it was time to appoint their first executive director, in order to more effectively address the problem.  They appointed Eric Lazarus who begins his duties today and captained the Windsor team.

“The need has grown, some are those who used to donate. The human services need is greater,” said Garibay.024

Foodshare reports the number one “team” fundraiser this year was The Hartford Enterprise Business with $31,763.02 at the time of registration. The top ten fundraiser teams are listed on their web page at foodshare.org.

“A lot of my goals are marketing related, talking with donors and corporate backers,” said Lazarus, who has a corporate background.

The Carmon family of Windsor has graciously provided Lazarus with an office at 6 Poquonock Avenue he said, in the same building that houses Mary’s Place – A Center for Grieving Children.

As far as Len Swade is concerned there is no excuse for hunger in America. A longtime member of Windsor’s Human Relations Commission who also volunteers for the Windsor Food & Fuel Bank, Swade noted the Windsor Democrat Town Committee recently passed two resolutions taking aim at policy-making on the national level. Windsor Democrats want the nation to follow Connecticut’s lead in raising the minimum wage and to tackle what he said is wage inequality in the nation.

“There is a need to feed the hungry,” said Swade, explaining why he participated in the walk.

Diego Vazquez, 17, is an exchange student from Mexico City attending Northwest Catholic High School while visiting his uncle and aunt Bernardo and Jane Garibay. He joined them on the walk.

“It is important to help out people in the community,”said Diego.

Some Windsor High School students and their parents also walked in conjunction with two WHS extra curricular groups, the Future Business Leaders of America, advisors Gloria Wellington and Hyacinth Defoe, and the Family Community Career Leaders of America, advisor Kathy Taranto.

“We wanted to help teach the children the importance of community service,” noted Wellington.

The motto of the Windsor Food & Fuel Bank is “Let no person be hungry, cold, or without basic necessities.” It is a non-profit organization and donations can be made by mail at P. O. Box 854, Windsor, CT 06095 or, online by contacting windsorfodbank.org.

Bloomfield-based Foodshare can be reached at 860-286-9999.

 

Categories: Charity walks, Fighting hunger, Food, fundraising, Hunger in America, NEWS

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A Glance at Connecticut’s State Park Beaches

Posted on May 5, 2014
The late spring serenity at Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme, Connecticut will soon be replaced by wall-to-wall beach goers.

Late springtime serenity at Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme, CT will soon be replaced by wall-to-wall beach goers.

Write-up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

038Late spring tranquility and solitude along Connecticut’s state park beaches will soon give way to wall-to-wall people on colorful blankets, or in sand chairs soaking up the sun and enjoying the surf.  Here’s a glance at some and what they have to offer.

HAMMONASSET STATE PARK, this two mile beach on 1288 Boston Post Road in Madison is the state’s largest. A popular vacation camping site, it has 550 grassy campsites, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection which oversees the state park system. Generally, campsites are booked well in advance. Hammonasset  has a boardwalk, swimming, saltwater fishing, bicycling, carry-in boating, walking trails, concessions, showers, picnicking and Meig’s Point Nature Center. A variety of restaurants and night spots can be found along Boston Post Road as it runs into neighboring towns – a favorite is Lenny and Joe’s in Westbrook.

OCEAN BEACH PARK  located at 1225 Ocean Street in New London was arguably the state’s best known beach at one time. In its glory days of the 1950s and 1960s is was said to have been ‘the‘ Connecticut shoreline destination complete with an arcade, amusement park, mini golf, a ballroom/restaurant, concessions and a half mile boardwalk.  Before being torn down for renovations that some say went awry, its famous clock tower was a meeting point for generations (as part of a “Save Ocean Beach” movement efforts had been underway to rebuild the old icon), and, the park’s once annual Polka festival is said to have been legendary. Though not the Grand Dame of its heyday, Ocean Beach still has many of those features that made it a magnet for summer fun. Tops among them, ocean swimming in the Atlantic and a view of Long Island Sound as ferry boats pass by at regular intervals. Plus there is an Olympic size pool and concerts, dances, volley tournaments and Fourth of July fireworks that are still held there. A new nature walk and bird-watching observation deck has been added. Outside the park, about a mile down Ocean Ave. is Fred’s Shanty, a neat little hot dog and clam shack that puts out a good tasting New England Clam Chowder – parking is tight and a bit tricky.

ROCKY NECK STATE PARK in East Lyme can be reached by taking exit 72 off  I-95. It is about three miles west of Niantic village. It has beautiful white sand and offers swimming, picnicking, a concession stand, camping, scuba diving, saltwater fishing and in the winter, cross-country skiing. A great spot to try for a casual bite to eat is Dad’s Restaurant, a screened in roadside stand in nearby Niantic where a cool breeze often comes in off the water.

As well, public beaches can be found at the 234 acre SHERWOOD ISLAND STATE  PARK in Westport  and SILVER SANDS STATE PARK  in Milford.

Season passes for the state parks can be purchased at a nominal fee, currently $67 for residents and $112 for non-residents. In addition, the Charter Oak Pass is available for free to Connecticut residents age 65 and older and a lifetime free pass is available for disabled state veterans with military service related disabilities.

For hours and more information call the DEEP at 860-424-3200, visit their web page at http://www.ct.gov/deep/stateparks or, e-mail questions to deep.stateparks@ct.gov.

 

 

Categories: Connecticut state park beaches, NEWS, Tourism, Travel, Vacation

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Destination: Main Street Grille, Niantic Connecticut

Posted on May 4, 2014

031Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Formerly Constantine’s, Main Street Grille now operated by Teddy Ignatiadis, is located in the center of Niantic village. The  front entrance is on Main and a rear upstairs deck overlooks the water of Niantic Bay. Handicapped access is a lower level rear entrance. Inside, the main dining area has long patio doors in the back, and there are plenty of windows in a smaller front dining area and adjacent bar, offering an outside view from pretty much any spot in the restaurant.

Delectable Lobster Bisque with huge chuncks of lobster.

Delectable Lobster Bisque with a huge chunk of lobster.

 

With warmer weather finally having arrived after a long, hard winter in New England, and, with summer just around the corner, this was a day to enjoy seafood. An especially tasty selection was the Lobster Bisque, with a large chunk of lobster which was positively delectable! The grilled salmon, served with an artistic dripping of white sauce, and the scallops were both cooked to perfection. Each came with two sides of the diner’s choice from a wide selection of sides – the chosen mashed sweet potato at a $1 more, sauteed mushrooms, onions and peppers mix and cole slaw all got positive reviews. For the landlubber in the group, the teriyaki chicken was also good. Dinners were served with an uneventful basket of  white rolls – three rolls in the basket, refilled at no additional charge upon request.

The bar.

Another view of the bar.

In the bar, a wall of local history photos.

In the bar, a wall of local history photos.

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Scallops with sauteed mushroom mix and coleslaw.

Scallops with sauteed mushroom mix and coleslaw.

 

Salmon and mashed sweet potato.

Salmon and mashed sweet potato.

 

Many dishes on the typical American cuisine menu are prepared with individualizing touches and they offer a Sunday Brunch.

Didn’t make it to dessert, however they have it, including creme brulee which is not found everywhere, and a variety of after dinner dessert drinks.

Decor is soft colors and ocean themed framed prints. In the bar is an interesting wall filled with a long row of local history photos.

The food at Main Street Grille is tasty, the prices for entrees range from $11 – $30, sandwiches and burgers $9-$16, soups, salads and appetizers $3-$12. The atmosphere is relaxed – it’s worthy of a return visit – 252 Main Street, 860-739-5300.

Due to its close proximity to Rocky Neck State Park, the population of downtown Niantic swells during the summer. The village has a few other restaurants, ice cream and frozen yogurt spots, a funky-looking downtown theater – a rarity nowadays- and a popular used book store called the Book Barn.

 

 

 

Categories: NEWS, Restaurants, Travel

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Restoration of Travelers Tower – Iconic New England Skyscraper

Posted on April 29, 2014
Scaffolding surrounds the Travelers Tower in Hartford, Connecticut on April 13, 2014 as part of a $30 million restoration project.

Photo by Jacqueline Bennett  Scaffolding surrounds the Travelers Tower in Hartford, Connecticut on April 13, 2014 subject of a $30 million restoration project.

Write-Up & Photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Once the tallest building in New England, the Travelers Tower continues to dominant the skyline of Hartford, Connecticut. These days, however, what catches one’s eye is elaborate scaffolding that ensconses the tower, the subject of a $30 million restoration project.

Designed by Donn Barber, the thirty-four story, 230,000 square foot neoclassical style skyscraper was built in 1907, as noted by on-line architectural sources. Its crowning glory wasn’t added until more than a decade later, a 527  foot tower featuring a pyramid-like roof, complete with a cupola where a beacon is reportedly housed. Finished in 1919, the addition earned Travelers Tower bragging rights at the time as New England’s tallest building and the seventh tallest building worldwide. Today it is the second tallest building in the capital city.

It was in June 2012 that the comprehensive restoration project began. Milford, Massachusetts-based Consigli Construction Co., which has a Hartford office, was hired as the general contractor for the project. Offices in the building that is a headquarters for Travelers Insurance Co. have remained open during construction.

Characterized on the Consigli web page (www.consigli.com) as a “tight urban space” with heavy traffic, Consigli said work at the site required a complex plan of action in order to tackle the extensive scope of repair, conservation and restoration. The “phased” project includes replacement of 1,200 windows, restoration and, or, replacement of facade masonry, waterproofing, roof replacement, repair of cast iron surroundings and renovation of balconies.

Prior to the start of the restoration project, Travelers Tower was in the news as the nesting place for an endangered species, Peregrine falcons. The falcons were relocated to the Travelers Plaza.

When the restoration of the tower is done, Travelers plans to refurbish the plaza below. It is  another piece of  the city’s iQuilt plan, explained by iQuilt as a culture based endeavor aimed at pulling together destinations in Hartford’s historic district, from the state Capitol to the Connecticut River along a quick, easy walk route.

Reminiscent of New York’s Empire State Building, the Travelers Tower also has an observation deck on the 27th floor which was closed during the restoration project. Whether or not any ‘affairs to remember’ began at this spot, or ‘sleepless in Connecticut’ couples met up there remains a question to be pondered by romantics.

 

Categories: architecture, iconic New England buildings, iconic skyscrapers, neoclassical architecture, NEWS

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Put One Foot in Front of the Other for the 2014 Foodshare Walk Against Hunger on May 4

Posted on April 25, 2014

Write-up & Photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb 016

Every day people across Connecticut put one foot in front of the other quite literally as they go about their lives. Or, in the figurative sense of the expression as those down on their luck struggle to carry on.

With the economy slow to recover from recession and the latest news out yesterday that America’s middle class is not only diminishing but has lost ground in terms of income – no longer the world’s wealthiest –  it should come as no surprise that the number of families and individuals unable to put food on the table continues to rise. Increasing numbers of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, or, with the breadwinner laid off are without a paycheck.

On Sunday, May 4 comes the opportunity to help neighbors who do not have enough to eat by participating in the 2014 Foodshare Walk Against Hunger. Online registration is open to take part as a walker or to become Captain of your own Walk Team.

The two mile noncompetitive walk is slated to kick off from Hartbeat Park, 140 Garden Street in Hartford and will make its way around Bushnell Park. Check-in starts at 12:30 p.m. and the walk will step off at 2:00 p.m.

“Every dollar raised allows Foodshare and its benefiting partner programs to provide support for those families struggling to put food on the table – and, just as important, to help them get back on their feet so they don’t have to wait in line for food assistance,” Jordan Nyberg of Bloomfield-based Foodshare, stated in a press release.

According to Nyberg, more than 128,000 people in Hartford and Tolland counties are seeking help. If this year’s Walk Against Hunger reaches its goal of raising $650,000 it means Foodshare will be able to continue serving those in need, she noted. Last year, some 4,000 participants raised $638,000.

Recent donations from groups such as Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation’s “Three Square Meals” community assistance program and the Caterpillar Foundation have made a difference. But the statistics are staggering. Data provided by Nyberg from the USDA shows 49 million people in the United States, 16 million of them children, are what Foodshare describes as “food insecure” – uncertain where their next meal will come from.

“Solving hunger is an enormous task, and it requires involvement from the entire community,” says Gloria McAdam, Foodshare President & CEO.

For information about making a donation, or participating in the upcoming 2014 Walk Against Hunger visit the Foodshare website http://www.foodshare.org.

Be among those to put one foot in front of the other to help feed the hungry in America.

Categories: America's Diminishing Middle Class, Food Banks, Hunger, NEWS

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Malloy, Wyman, Blumenthal Join Groundbreaking for CT Trees of Honor Memorial

Posted on April 18, 2014

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

033

Photo by Jacqueline Bennett  Gov. Dannel Malloy, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal joined Middletown Mayor Dan Drew and CTHM committee members for the April 17 groundbreaking in Middletown, Connecticut.

The state’s top officials turned out April 17 to break ground for the CT Trees of Honor Memorial in Middletown, Connecticut that will honor the state’s 65 fallen in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Shovels in hand, Gov. Dannel Malloy, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, and United States Senator Richard Blumenthal joined Middletown Mayor Daniel Drew and members of the CTHM Committee for the afternoon ceremony in Middletown’s Veterans Memorial Park, where construction of the memorial will get underway in May.

“What we are marking here today is a very different type of memorial, a memorial for the lives of those who have fallen,” said Malloy.

Inspired by one citizen’s desire to make sure their sacrifices are remembered, the living memorial will feature a variety of flowering trees, one in honor of each of the 65 Connecticut lives lost to be accompanied by a descriptive plaque about every soldier.

“Thank you for believing in me,” said Susan Martucci, a Blue Star Mother and chairman of the CTHM Committee, who started the project.

Having a daughter who came home safely after serving two tours of duty in Iraq, Martucci recalled the “heart wrenching” feeling of attending funerals for Connecticut’s Gold Star families – those who lost a loved one  in the wars. She decided something more needed to be done for them.

Gov. Malloy addresses the group.

Gov. Malloy addresses the group.

“This is a grassroots effort,” Martucci said.

Susan Martucci, Gov. Dannel Malloy, Diane Deluziio, and Mayor Daniel Drew.

Susan Martucci, Gov. Dannel Malloy, Diane DeLuzio, and Mayor Daniel Drew.

She sought help and found it in Gold Star Mother Diane DeLuzio, Ann Walsh – coordinator of Send Hometown Windsor to the Troops, Nancy Rousselle and Sue Risley, original members of the CTHM Committee which has since grown.

Gold Star Mother Diane Deluzzio reads the names of the 65 fallen.

Gold Star Mother Diane DeLuzio reads the names of the 65 fallen.

Reading the names of the sixty-five fallen at the ceremony on Thursday, DeLuzio became choked up,  touching her hand to heart when she came to her son, SGT Steven DeLuzio of Glastonbury – killed on August 22, 2010 in Afghanistan.

Wyman and well-known Connecticut broadcaster Brad Davis, a Marine Corps veteran, collaborated on another memorial to the fallen, the Wall of Honor located in the state Capitol. Wyman offered special thanks to the committee members for their perseverance to create a living memorial.

“This is the day you’ve been waiting for,” she said.

Known for his advocacy on behalf of veterans, Blumenthal said the memorial will serve as an inspiration to children to grow up and serve the nation as his two sons are doing now, and, will be a place of comfort and beauty for the families of the fallen left behind.

“I hope I have an opportunity to come here when no one else is around,” Blumenthal said.

Purple Heart recipient Matt Mcdonald served two tours of duty in Iraq, shown with Ann Walsh of Windsor CT, a member of the CTHM Committee.

Purple Heart recipient Matt McDonald served two tours of duty in Iraq, shown with Ann Walsh of Windsor CT, a member of the CTHM Committee.

 

Though the memorial is not yet built, the site is already a source of comfort and contemplation for Purple Heart recipient Matt McDonald, who served two tours of duty in Iraq. A former member of the CTHM Committtee now working for the Veteran’s Administration, he is open about his struggle with post traumatic stress disorder. He credits some of the strides he has made to the tremendous compassion shown by the women of the CTHM Committee for those of his generation who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“These women…” McDonald said pensively, his voice trailing off.

“I came here just last night, I come here a lot,” he noted.

He described the CTHM site as “the Arlington of Connecticut”, referring to Arlington National Cemetery.

Drew spoke of the unique challenge faced by the current generation of warriors fighting global terrorism, a “nebulous” enemy in a post 9/11 world unlike the more overt threats of  past wars. But said Drew, what remains the same are the principles for which the warriors sacrificed, allowing Americans to remain free.

Two women helping veterans - Lt. Gov Nancy Wyman and Ann Walsh.

Two women helping veterans – Lt. Gov Nancy Wyman and Ann Walsh.

“The principles by which we live as Americans only exist because of the men and women who were willing to put on that uniform and march into battle,” said Drew.

Se, Blumenthal talks with Brad Davis.

Sen. Blumenthal talks with Brad Davis.

According to Drew, CTHM is one aspect of overall improvements planned for the park.

Phase I of the CTHM has been made possible by private donations. However, Malloy pledged that the state stands ready to do its part. Among the donors have been Gold Star families themselves, those who bought memorial bricks, towns including Farmington and Glastonbury, corporate donations and in-kind services like all the printing for the project paid for by Konica Minolta , donated landscaping design services and money from veteran’s groups.

The next phase of the project is in need of funding. Planned are commissioned sculptures, , a special entrance, benches and gardens. Visit http://www.CTTREESOFHONOR.com to find out how to help.

Veterans attended.

Veterans attended.

On the podium.

On the podium.

 

 

 

 

Categories: 9/11, Arlington National Cemetery, Cost of freedom, Courage, NEWS, War Dead Iraq Afghanistan, war memorials

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Whimsical Cats & Dogs Scavenger Hunt Underway in Windsor, Connecticut

Posted on April 16, 2014

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

It's "Raining Cats and Dogs" around artist and Jane Garibay, Executive Director of the Windsor Chamber of Commerce. surrounded by

It’s “Raining Cats and Dogs” around artist Phyllis Stargardner and Jane Garibay, Executive Director of the Windsor Chamber of Commerce.

The hunt is on!

A whimsical scavenger hunt for fancifully decorated statues of cats and dogs got underway April 15 in Windsor, Connecticut. It is part of the “Raining Cats and Dogs” public art exhibit and fundraiser to benefit two non-profits, the Windsor Education Foundation (WEF) and Windsor Chamber of Commerce (WC of C). The hunt continues through to May 20 and the winner will pocket $500. The month long hunt leads up to an auction of the animal art to be held on May 23, 2014 at historic Grace Church. And, some of the animals will be featured in a calendar.

“Anyone can participate – residents, non-residents, in-state, out-of-state,” Jane Garibay, Executive Director of WC of C, explained during an interview at the chamber office on April 14.

Garibay co-chaired the project with Paula Pierce, who is a member of  WEF and the WC of C.

Decorated by area artists using designs chosen by the twenty-three sponsor businesses that purchased the molds for the creations – or should that be creatures – these cats and dogs can be found at their temporary homes throughout town. Anyone is welcome to participate in both the hunt and upcoming auction.

‘Hunters’ need to obtain and fill out a  hunt card, available at the chamber office on Broad Street in Windsor Center, or other spots, then visit the sites where the cats and dogs are currently on display. Next they must find correlating numbers and submit the completed card to be eligible for the cash prize.

Lia Ernest, 9, was on the "Raining Cats and Dogs" hunt, April 14 at the Windsor Connecticut Chamber of Commerce office.

Lia Ernest, 9, was on the “Raining Cats and Dogs” hunt, April 14 at the Windsor Connecticut Chamber of Commerce office.

Nine-year-old Lia Ernest, on spring vacation from school, was already on the trail of the cats and dogs and stopped by the chamber office with her mother to find the animal on view there.

“I like seeing the different heads and bodies,” said Lia.

If she wins the money, Lia plans to buy an I-Pad and donate some back to WEF. According to her mother, Lia hopes next year to join the 5th grade Challenge Club which helped decorate one of the animals.

Among the dogs is one which is an homage to Bradley International Airport in neighboring Windsor Locks. Another, named Sirius, was purchased anonymously with the stipulation that artist Phyllis Stargardner have the freedom to decorate it as she desired.

“I got to be creative,” said Stargardner, who is also an administrative assistant for the WC of C.

Artist Phyllis decorated sirius.

Artist Phyllis Stargardner decorated Sirius.

It all began back in January with a cheese & crackers social where interested businesses bought their animal mold. The large ones cost $1,000 and the smaller ones $500.  It is the second time the chamber has been part of organizing this type of public art display and auction, the first time was four years ago.

“It’s a big project, transporting the molds and getting the sponsors,” said Garibay.

015That initial art display was strictly dogs.  However, this one was expanded.

“People love their animals and a lot of people are cat lovers,” she said.

Carrie Choiniere, a vet tech for Dr. Larry Pennington stopped by to pick up the dog sponsored by Windsor Animal Clinci.

Carrie Choiniere, (right) a vet tech for Dr. Larry Pennington, stopped by to pick up the cat sponsored by Windsor Animal Clinic from Jane Garibay.

A heartwarming story has emerged from the project Garibay also noted. ING put out a call for in-house artists and the woman who was selected decorated hers in memory of her father who was lost to illness. Upon learning this, fellow ING employees started a memorial fund to benefit others afflicted with the illness.

John Waiveris is another artist who said he enjoyed getting creative for the project.  He decorated Tech Cat with computer-controlled lights, sponsored by the partnership of PC Development, Hosting CT and Waiveris’ website building business called Invisible Gold.

Yet other statues were painted with clever sayings. On the cat sponsored by local veterinarian Dr. Larry Pennington’s Windsor Animal Clinic, it was proclaimed “A cat can purr its way out of anything.”

For some of the animals being on pubic exhibit is simply not enough. Apparently barking and meowing for more attention, some will become pin-up models for a calendar. Actually, participating businesses paid an additional fee to have their dog or cat featured in the calendar. Garibay and her husband Bernardo transported the chosen animals to the beach this past weekend where Bernardo photographed them.

Garibay expects the auction to be popular.

“Each animal usually goes for about $400. Last time we raised $20,000,” she said, adding that in addition to Connecticut, bidders turned out from New Hamphire and Massachusetts.

Some businesses bid on their own animal and then put them on permanent display. The auction includes a buffet dinner, tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for kids.

As well as being a terrific fundraiser Garibay said the public art exhibit and auction is a fun way to involve the community, put the spotlight on area businesses and raise awareness about the work of the WEF and WC of C.

For more information visit:

http://www.WindsorCC.org  or  www.WindsorEducationFoundation.org

 

 

 

 

Categories: Auction, education, fundraising, NEWS, Public Art Exhibit, U.S. Chambers of Commerce

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Dual Huskies Championships – Dual Parade Posts

Posted on April 15, 2014

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett

As a proud University of Connecticut alum I am following up my previous post on the 2014 Dual UConn National Championships Parade for men’s and women’s basketball held in Hartford on Sunday, with a dual post featuring more photos…

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The girls.

The girls.

 

The guys.

The guys.

 

 

The girls.

The girls.

 

Former UConn basketball star Donny Marshall.

Former UConn men’s basketball star.

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Former UConn women’s basketball star.

Here comes the still happy face UConn Husky dog mascot!

Here comes the still happy face UConn Husky dog mascot!

Nathan Hale Fife and Drums Coventry, CT.

Nathan Hale Fife and Drums Coventry, CT.

Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy,

Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy,

Hartford Police Color Guard leading the parade,

Hartford Police Color Guard.

 

 

Another winning team.

Another winning team.

Manchester Police Regional Pipe Band.

Manchester Police Regional Pipe Band.

Husky salute from CL&P.

Husky salute from CL&P.

Vendors everywhere.

Vendors everywhere.

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Categories: Basketball championships, College basketball, NEWS, Sports

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Dual National Championship Parade for UConn Draws Hundreds of Thousands

Posted on April 14, 2014

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

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UConn 2014 National Championship women’s basketball team responds to cheers from spectators.

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UConn 2014 National Championship men’s basketball Coach Kevin Ollie and his team.

As far as the eye could see and beyond, fans lined the streets of downtown Hartford on April 13 for the 2014 Dual National Championship Parade honoring the University of Connecticut men’s and women’s basketball teams  – a repeat of ten years ago when the UConn men and women also brought home dual national NCAA basketball titles.

 

This time around the crowd was estimated to have been even larger – approaching 300,000. It certainly looked that way.

Under sunny skies the celebration got underway at 4 p.m. outside the state Capitol. Scheduled for 45 minutes it went twice as long.

Taking part were a number of  area high school marching bands, multiple fife & drum corps, former UConn basketball stars, “voices” of  the Huskies – broadcasters Joe D’Ambrosio and Wayne Norman, and state dignitaries – including Gov. Dannel Malloy who rode atop a convertible with UConn President Susan Herbst.

"Voices" of the Husky sports, broadcasters Wayne Norman and Joe D'Ambrosio,

“Voices” of  Husky sports, broadcasters Wayne Norman and Joe D’Ambrosio,

Gov. Dannel Malloy and UConn President Susan Herbst.

Gov. Dannel Malloy and UConn President Susan Herbst.

The trophy!

The trophy!

 

 

Applause was abundant for all the parade units but the fervor of the crowd rose as the double-decker buses carrying the men’s and women’s teams approached, announced by bursts of blue and white confetti. First were the women with Coach Geno Auriemma seated in back. In the men’s bus, Coach Kevin Ollie rode in front waving and smiling as  the national championship trophy was held aloft by his team. Chants of “UCONN – HUSKIES” were ongoing throughout the parade, however they got even louder as the teams passed by, as well as, shouts of  “GENO” and “OLLIE.”

Geno.

Geno.

UConn alumni cheerleaders.

UConn alumni cheerleaders.

UConn cheerleaders.

UConn cheerleaders – chants of  “UCONN – HUSKIES.”

The UConn Pep Band was on hand to play the university fight song and both the current UConn  cheerleaders and alumni cheerleaders shouted out cheers.

UConn Pep Band payed the university fight song.

UConn Pep Band plays the university fight song.

 

 

The Hartford Business Improvement District reportedly raised $90,000 to put on the parade. Anticipating the popularity of UConn souvenirs, it was also reported that some 100 vendors got licenses then staked their spots out hours early.

Congratulatory signs could be seen throughout the city but none said it better than one in front of the Bushnell Theater,  it read – “BRAVO UConn Huskies!”

Bravo UConn!

BRAVO UConn Huskies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: NCAA Champions, NEWS, Parades, UConn basketball, unique acheivements

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