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NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

New Christmas Tree for Downtown Manchester Replaces ‘Charlie Brown’ Spruce

Posted on December 6, 2013
a 20 foot Balsam fir was donated by Jeff and Dianne Hedrick for the annual Tree Lighting in Downtown Manchester, Connectiuct.

A 20 foot Balsam fir was donated by Jeff and Dianne Hedrick for the annual Tree Lighting in Downtown Manchester, Connectiuct.

Write-up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb 

Jeff and Dianne Hedrick were presented with a 2013 Manchester Historical Society ornament.

Jeff and Dianne Hedrick were presented with a 2013 Manchester Historical Society ornament.

The Christmas season was welcomed into downtown Manchester, Connecticut December 5 with the lighting of a new tree donated by Jeff and Dianne Hedrick. A twenty foot Balsam fir, it replaces a once 37 foot Norwegian spruce that had to be removed after Hurricane Sandy hacked several feet off of it last year.

However, left without time to find a different tree for the 2012 holiday season the Downtown Manchester Special Services District decided to decorate the sparse tree and it was dubbed a ‘Charlie Brown Tree’ borrowing from the famed Peanuts series. The ‘Charlie Brown Tree’ drew more than the usual attention to the annual event.

Arrival of the new tree just over a month ago also made headlines and attracted crews from television stations that cover the state. Picked from more than fifty prospects, the Balsam fir has a story of its own which was shared during the Thursday night Tree Lighting ceremony held in front of St. James Church. The Balsam was given as a condolence gift to the Hedricks sixteen years ago by their neighbors Prescott and Martine Lehmann, owners of Hickory Ridge Farm in Coventry, to help them get over the the loss of a cherished pet dog named “Crackers.” Through the years watching the Balsam grow and then decorating it in their front yard is said to have brought the couple comfort and joy.

Downtown Manchester bustles during IMAGINE Main Street activities.

Downtown Manchester bustles during IMAGINE Main Street activities.

Silk City Barber Shop Chorus.

Silk City Barber Shop Chorus.

It's 'happening' at Mulberry Street

It’s ‘happening’ at Mulberry Street!

Upon learning of the need for a new tree in their old hometown, they made an offer. According to the event program, it was chosen based on “size, shape, condition, access and distance from the Downtown.” In recognition of their generosity the Hendricks were presented with a 2013 Manchester Historical Society ornament. As well, certificates of thanks were given to representatives from Crusin’ on Main Street and the Manchester Rotary Club that between them donated more than $3,000 to pay the cost of transporting the tree to its new home.

Mayor Leo Diana thanked event sponsors.

Mayor Leo Diana thanked event sponsors.

Sportscaster Scott Gray, a Manchester native served as Master of Ceremonies. Mayor Leo Diana made special mention of StateFarm insurance as a major sponsor of the event. Ensembles from the Manchester Citadel Band of the Salvation Army, Summit Singers and Silk City Barber Shop Chorus led the crowd in singing holiday songs before the lighting of the tree and arrival by firetruck of the jolly ole’elf himself – who obviously must have dashed to be there before a quick return to the North Pole in preparation for his upcoming big night.

The Tree Lighting ran concurrently with IMAGINE Main Street activities – visit http://www.imaginemainstreet.com to find out more.

Categories: Barbershop Chorus, Christmas, Entertainment, Holiday Traditions, Holidays, NEWS

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Gingerbread House Festival Continues Through December 15 at Wood Memorial Library

Posted on December 5, 2013
Connecticut Governor's Mansion replica on display at the Gingerbread House Festival in South Windsor, Connecticut.

Connecticut Governor’s Mansion replica on display at the Gingerbread House Festival in South Windsor, Connecticut.

Write-up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

A jewel of an event is underway, the 3rd Annual Gingerbread House Festival at the Wood Memorial Library and Museum in South Windsor, Connecticut. Seemingly tucked away in what is known as old South Windsor, inside the library is setup like a winter wonderland with gingerbread houses of all shapes and sorts displayed on multiple floors.

Donations are appreciated.

Donations are appreciated.

"Candyland"

“Candyland”

From the whimsical “Candyland” to the “B Strong” gingerbread replica of Fenway Park field that will please fans of the 2013 World Series Champs Boston Red Sox, to a tobacco shed entry – a reminder of the rich tobacco farming history of the area, there is something for everyone to enjoy. History buffs will not want to miss an impressive replica of the Connecticut Governor’s Mansion created by Warren Hardman, Head Pastry Chef, The Max Group, or a replica of the East Windsor Hill Post Office, described as the oldest continuously operated post office in the nation. 037

East Windsor Post Office - the oldest continuously operated post office in the nation.

East Windsor Hill Post
Office – the oldest continuously operated post office in the nation.

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Pleasant volunteers such as Bobbie Cote are on hand to greet visitors and answer questions. On this day Cote was at the entrance table and showed a gingerbread house she said she discovered in Lux, Bond & Green.

Replica of a 4th generation tobacco shed.

Replica of a 4th generation tobacco shed.

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“I found this in of all places – Lux, Bond & Green. It was on sale for half price and I said I wanted to buy it for the Wood festival, so they took another ten dollars off,” she noted.

Upstairs is a small gift shop, accessible by elevator or stairs, 036 “Ye Old Gingerbread Shoppe” where crafts and “goodies” are available for purchase, including Gingerbread House Festival tote bags and snow globes.

The festival opened on November 29 and runs through December 15, Monday,Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free but donations are appreciated. Silent auction drawings are slated for Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2:00 p.m.; the winner does not need to be present.

Volunteer Bobbi Cote with a gingerbread house she bought at Lux, Bond & Green.

Volunteer Bobbie Cote with a gingerbread house she bought at Lux, Bond & Green.

Megan Jo Cooke of Glastonbury and Julia Deitelbaun of Ellington offered musical accomaniment at the festival.

Megan Jo Cooke of Glastonbury and Julia Deitelbaun of Ellington offered musical accompaniment.

Wood is a volunteer-run, non-profit, privately funded facility. It was built by William Wood as a memorial to his parents Dr. William Wood and Mary Ellsworth Wood, selecting Hartford architect William Marchant in 1926 to design it, according to the festival program. The Friends of Wood Memorial Library, incorporated in 1971, “oversee its operation” as a privately funded library.

For those who are not familiar with the area, don’t give up looking for this wonderful festival – follow Pleasant Valley Road to the end to reach Wood located at 783 Main Street.

Be prepared to come away from the festival with a hankering for gingerbread cookies, or perhaps inspiration to bake a gingerbread house of your own.

Go to http://www.woodmemoriallibrary.org for more information.

Categories: Christmas, festivals, Gingerbread House, Holidays, libraries, NEWS, Pastry

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Thanksgiving – a Special American Holiday

Posted on November 29, 2013
From our family to yours-

Thanksgiving – a special American holiday.

By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

“There is one day that is ours.Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American.” – O Henry – American author.

After the road races, football games and Macy’s Parade, most Americans sit down to a lovely Thanksgiving Day dinner. In its purest form, this is a day to come together with friends and family to give thanks for the bounty of the Lord, a plentiful harvest and what is truly most important in life – the health and well-being of loved ones.

Kiss the cooks extraodnaire - Michelle and Melane

Kiss the cooks extraordinaire – Michelle and Melane.

History tells us the first Thanksgiving was held in 1621 by the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians at Plymouth, Massachusetts. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday to be observed each November. Centuries later, and now celebrated in different forms elsewhere, Thanksgiving remains a special holiday in the hearts of Americans with each family passing on their own rituals, traditions and cherished recipes from generation to generation.

Dessert, coffee and conversation...

Dessert, coffee and conversation…

Thankful for a wonderful father.

Thankful for a wonderful father.

In our family, homemade banana bread and my mother’s hamburg dressing – a recipe passed on to her from her mother and having received a honorable mention in Yankee Magazine several years ago – were among the signature holiday aromas. Most of all, however, the spirit of the many Thanksgiving Day dinners hosted by my parents had the deepest meaning , eloquently summed up this year by my nephew Mike – “Everyone was always welcomed – no matter what; and, we all sat together, that is just – the way it was.”

Over time, marriages and the melding of families have created new traditions, such as pumpkin seeds baking in the oven after the carving of the pumpkins for pumpkin pie in the days leading up to the holiday. And, new dishes like ‘Michelle’s cauliflower salad’ will likely become part of tradition.

What remains constant all these centuries after the first Thanksgiving and as families meld and traditions evolve is – gratitude. In whatever way it is celebrated, gratitude for each moment remains the centerpiece of Thanksgiving – this very special American holiday.

Categories: Family, Gratitude, Holiday Traditions, NEWS, Relationships, Thanksgiving, Traditions

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Sunny Skies Grace 77th Annual Manchester Road Race

Posted on November 29, 2013
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Runners pack Main Street in Manchester, Connecticut for the start of the 77th Thanksgiving Day, Manchester Road Race.

Write-up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb010

It was a good day to bundle up as sunny skies but c-h-i-l-l-y temperatures graced the 77th running of the Thanksgiving Day, Manchester Road Race on November 28, 2013 in downtown Manchester, Connecticut. Some 15,000 runners and walkers filled Main Street for the 10:00 a.m. start of the race. As usual, spectators lined the 4.748 mile course in numbers that easily rival turnouts for events in much larger cities.

Approaching the home stretch.

Approaching the home stretch.

Sam Chelanga of Kenya took first place with a time of 21:31 and coming in first for the women was another Kenyan, Alice Kamunya with a time of 25:07.

Sign of the times...

Sign of the times…

In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing last spring, beefed up security was apparent with uniformed Manchester police officers highly visible, as well as, what appeared to be an armored truck surrounded by armed personnel near the top of Main Street where it intersects with Center Street. Nonetheless, runners seemed to nonchalantly go about enjoying the event. Also as usual, bands turned out to play along the race route including Avon Brass from Avon, Connecticut.

Avon Brass.

Avon Brass.

“We’ve been coming here to play for 11 or 12 years now,” said one band member, “The people are just great.”

 

Categories: NEWS, Road races, Sports

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Turkey Man in the Kitchen – My Progressive Dad Gobbles Ahead of His Time

Posted on November 27, 2013
My progressive - and handsome - father.

My progressive – and handsome – father.

By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Though old-fashioned when it came to boys dating his daughters and granddaughters, I’ve long realized in all other ways my father was progressive.

There was never any question, I was college bound. In fact, one of my earliest memories is of a big, red piggy bank college fund. My father often said, “Education is the one thing no one can ever take away from you.”

I remember too at around age five, on one of our annual summer sojourns from Connecticut to visit my grandmother ( my dad’s mother) in New Hampshire asking him  –   “Daddy – does Gram like having white hair ?” He laughed at length then said to me -“When we get to the farm – why don’t you ask her yourself?” After we arrived he stood beside me and encouraged me to do so. Despite some trepidation, I did. She too responded with laughter and told me “no- not at all.” Having grown up to have a career in journalism, I’ve often thought about my father encouraging me to ask that question myself – my first investigative inquiry.

As well, all of us were inspirited to not only have opinions about politics and world events but to share them at the dinner table. I would not have wanted to have been anyone who told my dad his sons, daughters or grandchildren were too opinionated – in clear voice and diction, perfect grammar and steadfast oratory – he would have put them in their place.

But little did I know that an annual Thanksgiving and Christmas tradition I took for granted qualified my father as a Renaissance man. I can still visualize my father standing in the kitchen holding the holiday turkey up before placing it in the roaster. The “bird” was roasted overnight and my dad would get up periodically throughout the night to baste it.

Now come reports this season of a ‘new’ trend – “Butterball” hiring men to answer calls for their turkey cooking hotlines. It turns out men in the kitchen with the turkey is a growing phenomenon.

So, here’s to my dad – who was clearly gobbles ahead of his time!

Categories: Holiday Traditions, New Trends, NEWS, People

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Tom Brady & New England Patriots Nail-Biter Victory Over Manning and Broncos

Posted on November 25, 2013

By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb033

Clearly, the highlight of Tom (could he be any cuter) Brady’s post Patriots/Broncos November 24 game press conference, posted on the New England Patriots website, is his broad smile as he says what sounds like -“Jackie”- when calling on a reporter in the room.

Tthe moment- am I right or wrong? "Jackie."

From http://www.patriots. com                                     The moment- am I right or wrong? “Jackie.”

Okay – now that I have that out of the way …

What a night last night. Brady and the Patriots came up with a 34-31 win at frigid Foxborough but one that had Patriots’ fans holding their collective breath up until the final play, a field goal from Stephen Gostkowski giving the Pats the victory in overtime. From that bleak first half and the frustration of quarterback Brady’s preeminent rival, Peyton Manning, being so far ahead to the excitement of Brady & company’s methodical come from behind second half, it was a nerve-racking, nail-biter of a ride that spilled over past regulation time.

“We found a way to get back in it and took the lead,” said Brady. Giving much of the credit to the Patriots’ defense, Brady added,” It was a good team win.”

By the way, someone needs to tell sportscaster Al Michaels to buy a winter coat and gloves. As well, the entire broadcast team needs to invest in hats – it’s November, it’s New England, it’s cold.

Categories: NEWS, Sports

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Thanksgiving Manchester Road Race Walk-In Registration Today

Posted on November 23, 2013
Manchester Road Race 2012

Manchester Road Race 2012

Write-up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

The only walk-in registration for this year’s Manchester Road Race will be held today during a Sports Expo at Bennet Academy from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The academy is located at 1151 Main Street in downtown Manchester, Connecticut.019032013

The 77th running of the Manchester Road Race held annually on Thanksgiving Day will be on November 28. Start time is 10:00 a.m. in front of St.James Church along Main Street. According to the road race website, 14,000 runners have signed up and initial online registration is closed. It will only be reopened if the maximum participation number of 15,000 is not reached by the close of today’s Sports Expo. No evening registration or race day registration will be held.

The top three finishers from last year’s 2012 running of the race are expected to return.

In light of the Boston Marathon bombing, security has been increased and new restrictions apply. According to the road race website, race officials are asking that backpacks, containers or bundled items NOT be left unattended within the restricted area which spans a lengthy oval from lower Main Street approaching Hartford Road to just beyond where Main Street intersects with Birch Street, and on either side of Main Street into area surrounding parts of Oak and Forest Streets. Unattended items within the restricted area will be confiscated. During a recent television interview, the Manchester police chief noted although runners wearing costumes can be a security concern, they are such a part of the history and flavor of the race that it was decided to allow them. Go to http://www.manchesterroadrace.com to view a map of the restricted area.

Sponsored by http://www.CTNOW.com, the 6th annual Manchester Road Race costume contest will be held on race day with a $300 restaurant package prize going to the winner. Registered runners are asked to show up in costume  – wearing their runner’s bib in front of their costumes – between 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m by the Three Bears Statue in Center Memorial Park. As noted on the MRR website, be prepared to have a photo taken.

The first Thanksgiving Day, Manchester Road Race was held in 1927 with ten runners turning out, as noted in a history of the race on the MRR website. The race took a hiatus during World II and the depression but at the urging of Earl Yost, then sports editor of the former Manchester Herald, it was revived. By 1956, participation was over one hundred and thereafter steadily increased.

Today the Thanksgiving Day, Manchester Road Race is one of Connecticut’s premier sports events attracting runners from around the world and thousands of spectators who line the 4.748 mile course.

(Update 11/24/2013: the 2013 Manchester Road Race is sold out, having reached its maximum 15,000 runners registered.)

Categories: NEWS, Road races, Sports

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Jackie Bouvier Kennedy’s Dedication to Duty Evident at Young Age

Posted on November 22, 2013
Eternal Flame grave of President John F. Kennedy Arlington National Cemetery photo by Jacqueline Bennett

Eternal Flame -grave of President John F. Kennedy Arlington National Cemetery
photo by Jacqueline Bennett

By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

In the days leading up to this, the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, there has been much historical and individual reflection about President Kennedy, his presidency and the legacy of both. The nation has remembered a handsome, young president with an engaging Boston accent and grand ideals. As well, there has been a great deal of reflection about the graciousness of the woman he chose for his wife, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy – later following her remarriage, Onassis. Documentaries have shown Mrs. Kennedy’s style brought elegance to the White House, and enormous dignity in the way she handled the national tragedy of her husband’s assassination.

According to historians, she had a prominent role in planning President Kennedy’s funeral which is said to have been based on Abraham Lincoln’s. On foot, she led her husband’s funeral procession and lit an “eternal flame” created at her request, which is placed at the grave.

After her passing in 1994, as a reporter covering the town of Farmington, Connecticut, I attended a memorial for Jackie Kennedy at Miss Porter’s School, an all-girls, private secondary school and her Alma Mater. There on display, I came upon a handwritten essay of hers in which she delineated her beliefs about personal responsibility and devotion to the concept of duty. I was struck by her eloquence and the fact that, the well-documented manner in which she conducted herself as First Lady and in the face of President Kennedy’s death, had been a foundation of her character at a young age.

Categories: American history, American presidents, First Ladies, NEWS

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“LEARN THE ADDRESS” Project Ongoing for 150th Anniversary of Gettysburg Address

Posted on November 21, 2013

By: Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Lincoln Memorial Washington, D.C. photo by Jacqueline Bennett

Lincoln Memorial Washington, D.C. photo by Jacqueline Bennett

As the nation marked the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19,1863, a project by documentarian Ken Burns titled “LEARN THE ADDRESS” continues. For the project, Burns is encouraging all Americans to video themselves reading or reciting the Gettysburg Address then upload it. His PBS documentary -“The Address” – is slated to air in the spring of 2014.

Considered by historians to be perhaps the greatest speech in American History, it was delivered by President Lincoln for the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania just four and half months after the Union Army defeated the Confederacy in the Battle of Gettysburg. Noted for its healing tone, Lincoln is said to have written five drafts before delivering the 271 word version which lasted slightly more than two minutes. And, he is said to have added “under God” to the speech as he looked out over what had been the battle-fields, according to the LEARN THE SPEECH website. (Writer’s note: having visited Gettysbury, I recall a powerful and eerie sense of presence hovering over the fields of those who fought and died there.)

With this speech, historians say Lincoln focused the purpose of the Civil War on both the preservation of the Union and the principles of human equality as stated in the Declaration of Independence. As noted on the Learn the Speech website, the oration is considered by many to be the single, greatest declaration of human equality.

The inspiration for Burns documentary is Greenwood School, a small school in Putney,Vermont where the students “all boys age 11-17, face a range of learning differences that have made their personal, academic and social progress extremely challenging.Yet, each year they are all encouraged to practice, memorize and recite the Gettysbury Address.”

Thus far for Burns’ project all the living presidents have recited the address along with notables and celebrities such as singer/songwriter Taylor Swift, broadcast journalist Robin Roberts, comedian Jerry Seinfeld and computer giant Bill Gates.

The Gettysbury Address

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure.

We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. 

But in a larger sense we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow – this ground. The brave men. living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our power to add or detract.

The world will little note, not long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work they who fought here have thus far nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Abraham Lincoln November 19, 1863 

Go to http://www.learntheaddress.org for more information about the project and details on how to participate.

Categories: American history, American icons, American presidents, documentaries, NEWS

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Washington Redskins & Former Windsor High Player Tackles Hunger in Greater Hartford

Posted on November 14, 2013
Foodshare courtesy photo - Chris Baker of the Washington Redskins and Gloria McAdam.

Foodshare courtesy photo – Chris Baker of the Washington Redskins and Foodshare President and CEO Gloria McAdam.

By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

CONNECTICUT-Washington Redskins defensive end and former Windsor High School football player Chris Baker is tackling hunger in the Greater Hartford area. Baker was on hand earlier this week to present a donation to Bloomfield based-Foodshare from The Chris Baker Foundation. Baker’s foundation strives to foster education and literacy.

According to a press release from Foodshare, Baker’s donation is expected to be the beginning of a continuing relationship with the food bank that serves the Greater Hartford region. It was noted that hunger can impede a child’s ability to perform well in school.

“I feel really good about Foodshare and the work it’s doing. I want to support that work,” Baker was quoted as saying.

Baker who went on to Penn State from WHS also had plans to visit area schools, including Windsor High. As well, his foundation has plans for a charity auction in November and to host a football camp in Windsor this summer.

President & CEO of Foodshare Gloria McAdam was quoted, “We’re so grateful for this contribution. And we’re looking forward to a long and constructive relationship.”

Baker’s Foodshare visit just might spur a combined effort among NFL players to fight hunger in the capital region. Baker is said to have pointed out there are other NFL players living in the area to which McAdam responded with a suggestion they join forces to volunteer at Foodshare, according to the press release.

Foodshare collects food and money to fight hunger year round but is currently gearing up for its big Thanksgiving ‘turkey and all the fixings’ collection drive.

For more information visit http://www.foodshare.org  or call 860-286-9999. Foodshare is located at 450 Woodland Ave., Bloomfield, CT 06002-1342.

Categories: Fighting hunger, Food, Hunger, NEWS

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