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NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

“Undercover” Continues Manchester Bicentennial Band Shell 2013 Summer Concerts

Posted on August 3, 2013

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb010

“Undercover” continued the Summer 2013 36th season of concerts at the Manchester Bicentennial Band Shell August 2 with two fun, hour long sets of oldies and Motown. The open air venue is located in front of an expansive lawn on the campus of Manchester Community College, in Manchester, Connecticut.

Sponsored by Shady Glen Dairy Stores, the Friday night concert kicked off with “Give Me That Old Time Rock & Rock” followed by “Let’s Twist Again” which the lead guitarist noted still tops the Billboard as an all-time favorite. The first set included numbers such as “Wake Up Little Susie”, “Brown Eyed Girl” and country artist Garth

Undercover performs August 2 in Manchester, CT.

Undercover performs August 2 in Manchester, CT.

Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places”. “How Sweet It Is” and “Under the Boardwalk ” followed, which got folks up onto the dance area. After a brief break, the second set began by featuring Motown standards like “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” and “My Girl” mixed in with more rock oldies and then Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”, now known as the anthem of Fenway Park (Go Red Sox!). 007

The concert series runs through August with the country rock group Silverado scheduled to perform August 5.

Admission is free and free parking is available is on the grounds. Service dogs are the only animals allowed; smoking is not permitted. Donations are accepted during intermission. Concerts run from 7 – 9 p.m. – weather permitting.  Remember to bring chairs, blankets and a sweatshirt or sweater, when the sun goes down, so does the temperature. For a complete schedule go to http://www.manchesterbandshell.com

Categories: Entertainment, Free concerts, Music, NEWS

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Veterans of Korean War Remind Americans “Freedom Is Not Free” – 60th Anniversary

Posted on July 28, 2013
Hartford, Connecticut November 2012

Hartford, Connecticut November 2012

Commentary & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

For several years now America’s Korean War veterans have been making their presence known, marching in parades across the country with a message – “Freedom Is Not Free”.

It is hard to fathom that the Korean War which resulted in 33,686 American deaths,103,234 wounded American service members. 4,759 Americans Missing in Action and 7,140 American Prisoners of War could ever be considered the “Forgotten War”. Nonetheless, that has been the case.042

Yesterday, on the 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Korean War Armistice, the president laid a wreath at the Korean War Veterans Memorial saying – “Here in America, no war should ever be forgotten, and no veteran should ever be overlooked.” The day also included “Heroes Remembered”, an Armistice Day Peace Concert & Vigil.

The ceremonies were just a few of many. Twilight Tattoo was held on July 24, an hour-long military pageant that featured soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment known too as The Old Guard and the U.S. Army Marching Band. On July 25, the Marine Corps held an Evening Parade and on July 26 Operation Reckless, honored SSgt Reckless  with an unveiling and dedication of an exhibit about the warrior horse at the Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia. In August, the KW60 Committe plans to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Prisoner of War exchange in Seoul, South Korea.

These commemorations were held not only to mark an anniversary but to honor the men and women who fought against tyranny, a tyranny that at the time was feared could spread. Perhaps for awhile it was hard to relate to that fear. No longer, with the threat of North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons now front and center. It has emphasized the importance of the contributions of the Korean War veterans – especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the country. The chapters of their lives remain unwritten so that we may be free.

Some who died on foreign soil so far from home could not be identified and are symbolized by the unknown soldier from the Korean War in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

The statistics of the Korean War are staggering. Certainly, America’s ‘Forgotten War’ makes unforgettable the message  – “Freedom Is Not Free.”

Categories: American history, Heroes, Korean War, NEWS, Veterans

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Save the USS Olympia Campaign Underway, Brought Unknown Soldier Home to America

Posted on July 28, 2013

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Photo rednering of the USS Olympia

Photo of the USS Olympia

A campaign is underway to save the USS Olympia, the oldest steel hull warship afloat, the only remaining ship from the Spanish-American War, the flagship of Admiral George Dewey at the Battle of Manila Bay and – the ship that in 1921, brought home the World War I unknown soldier from France to be buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Timothy Jarvis and Dalton Deakule man a "SAVE the USS Olympia" table in Vernon, CT on July 27, 2013.

Timothy Jarvis and Dalton Deakule shown at a “SAVE the USS Olympia” table in Vernon, CT on July 27, 2013.

“No one is still alive from the Spanish-American War. What is still here is this ship, the USS Olympia,” said Timothy Jarvis, one of two young men manning a fundraisng table in Vernon, Connecticut on July 27.

According to Jarvis, the overall preservation and transport effort for the historic ship is estimated to cost $80 million to be raised over a six -year period.

“No donation is too small,” he added.

Steve Jandreau makes a donation.

Steve Jandreau makes a donation.

Currently, the USS Olympia is located in Philadelphia, part of Independence Seaport Museum, it is used as a museum ship. However, it was reportedly put up for new stewardship a few years ago because its current steward was unable to raise the money needed to maintain it; an approximate half dozen applicants were reported to have been whittled down to South Carolina and California.

In January of this year, the non -profit South Carolina Olympia Committee – SCOC embarked on a nationwide campaign to save and restore the USS Olympia, built circa 1892, and transport it to a final berthing site at Port Royal. The committee points out, it was here that the Spanish arrived in 1521, the French in 1562 and the English in 1670. Described by the SCOC as one of the most historic towns in America, Port Royal and the US Naval Station Port Royal are now Parris Island.

The ship’s hull is said to presently be in such disrepair that it is in danger of being delegated to scrap. However, the SCOC’s goal is to bring the USS Olympia to Port Royal “where long-term repairs will be made while the Olympia Museum is in operation,” according to literature about the project. A “custom-made, semi-submersible, floating dry dock” is under design to accommodate the USS Olympia and preserve it for transport to South Carolina which will become its permanent home as a national museum for future generations. The floating dry dock is being designed by an east coast naval architectural firm, a commitment representing $30 million, notes the SCOC.

“The benefits really are to America’s legacy,” Pete Richards of the SCOC said in a video posted on the website http://www.scolympia.org.

It is also the hope of the SCOC to eventually become the National Olympia Foundation with widespread support from across the nation.

According to Chambers, the USS Olympia was one of the first warships that made it clear during the late 19th Century that the United States was capable of competing with European countries such as Germany, Great Britain and France as a global naval force.

Categories: American history, Arlington National Cemetery, national campaign, NEWS, US NAVY, warships, World War I

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National Hot Dog Day is Tuesday! July 23, 2013

Posted on July 22, 2013
One of the best - Bart's Famous Hotdogs from the Magic Grill in Windsor, Connecticut.

One of the best – a Bart’s Famous Hot Dog from the Magic Grill at Bart’s Drive In Restaurant in Windsor, Connecticut.

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Long, short, plump, skinny, all-beef or not, hot dogs are an American favorite. So much so that the iconic food has its own day – National Hot Dog Day will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 23.

Virtually every American community has a special spot where a unique version of the hot dog is served. In Connecticut, one of the best can be found at Bart’s Drive In Restaurant at 55 Palisado Avenue in Windsor, located on the banks of the Farmington River and just a few miles from the capital city of Hartford. Bart’s Famous Hot Dogs are prepared on the Magic Grill that has been pleasing palates in Central Connecticut and beyond for more than sixty-five years.

According to hot dog facts and figures provided by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council USA (www.hot-dog.org) 20 billion hot dogs are expected to be consumed by Americans this year at ballparks alone. Thought to have originated in the 15th Century in Germany and Austria, hot dogs are said to have made their debut in the United States in the late 1800’s, sold in New York in wagons by German immigrants as what were called hot dachshund dogs.

Legend has it, notes the council, that the name “hot dog” may have begun after a cartoonist wrote about the “red hot dachshund dogs” being sold at the New York Polo grounds, but did not know how to spell dachshund so simply called them “hot dogs.” Another theory is that because the sausage vendors often brought along their pet dachshunds, their vending wagons became known as dog wagons eventually leading to the name “hot dog.” No matter how it may have started, hot dogs have become an American staple at family picnics, ballparks and street corner vendors.

In the Northeast, traditionally hot dogs are served with mustard, relish and onions. Sauerkraut or chili & cheese are other typical toppings in this area. However, the beauty of the beloved hot dog is that it can be topped with most anything.003

Regionally reports the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council USA, hot dogs take on their own personalities. The Kansas City hot dog is topped with melted swiss and sauerkraut. In the Southwest one popular hot dog is said to be wrapped in bacon and crowned with pinto beans, grilled onions and peppers, tomato, relish, tomatillo, mustard and shredded cheese. Down South, coleslaw is another common topping. Arguably, best known is the New York deli style hot dog topped with steamed onions and pale yellow mustard.

In what may amount to a contradiction in terms, the council also offers some seemingly ‘tongue in cheek’ tips on hot dog etiquette : “dress the dog not the bun”; wet condiments such as mustard should be placed on first before chunky ones like onions; always eat a hot dog with the hands not utensils; lick all left over condiments from the fingers; and it should take no more than five bites to eat a hot dog unless it is a foot long – than seven bites are acceptable. As well, the council reports that actress Betty White, age 91, eats a hot dog and potato chips for lunch everyday on the set of her television show “Hot in Cleveland,” calling it her “secret to longevity.”

002National Hot Dog Day is an informal holiday – reportedly objected to by some vegetarians and vegans who countered with their own vegetarian hot dog day.

Nonetheless, it is a piece of America’s cultural tapestry. Tomorrow, Sonic will participate offering for $1 the Chili Cheese Coney or the All-American Dog.

Categories: American history, American icons, Food, Holidays, icons, NEWS, Restaurants, Tourism, Travel, Vacation

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Democrats Right a “Wrong” Done to Windsor, CT Mayor Donald Trinks

Posted on July 19, 2013
With his wife and a daughter at his side, Windsor, Connecticut Mayor Don Trinks listens to nominations at the July 18 Democratic caucus.

With his wife and daughter at his side, (right) Windsor, Connecticut Mayor Don Trinks -wearing his Jerry Garcia tie – listens to nominations at the July 18 Democratic caucus.

 Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb 

Democrats took another step July 18 in righting what many say was a wrong done to longtime Windsor, Connecticut Mayor Donald Trinks. At a Thursday night caucus, Windsor Democrats unanimously backed the endorsed slate for the town council- with Trinks on it -to run in the November municipal election.

Mayor Donald Trinks is congratulated by Leonard Swade.

Mayor Donald Trinks is congratulated by Leonard Swade.

Nonetheless, it was only a few weeks ago that Trinks was blindsided by members of his own party. Despite being what some call the most electable person in this quaint New England hamlet, having garnered the highest number of votes for town council in the last six consecutive town elections, he was left off the recommended slate for the upcoming election by the Windsor Democrat Town Committee’s nominating committee. Public outcry was swift and loud. It culminated in a rally outside the Windsor Town Hall prior to a June 6 DTC meeting where Trinks was nominated from the floor and voted onto the endorsed slate with full backing by the town committee.

Though denied, the snub of Trinks was speculated to be political payback on behalf of a former rival for elected office to the state General Assembly, who also chaired the Windsor DTC until abruptly resigning as part of an apparent fallout from the failed ouster of Trinks.

Dan Nolan, (right), a vetran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, turned out to support Don Trinks citing the mayor's unwavering support of veterans.

Dan Nolan, (right), a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, turned out to support Don Trinks citing the mayor’s unwavering support of veterans.

“I harbor no ill-will,” Trinks said following the caucus vote at Windsor High School.

“Personally, I’m relieved. I always thought the five of us made a strong slate,” added Trinks, referring to the newly caucus-nominated council ticket.

Nominated to run for town council were Trinks, Alan Simon, William Herzfeld, Jody Terranova and Randy McKenney; for board of education Doreen Richardson, Darlene Klase, Richard O-Reilly, Leonard Lockhart and Kenneth Williams; for constable, Vivian Cicero and Ina Forman.

Among those who attended the caucus specifically to support Trinks was Dan Nolan, a highly regarded veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nolan said he came to back Trinks because Trinks has always supported the veterans.

“Knowing Don and his compassion for veterans and his demeanor of consistently supporting veterans, I want to support him for the top position of mayor. I know I can trust him to do the right thing,” said Nolan.

Nolan’s sister, Noreen Nolan agreed. “I wholeheartedly support Don Trinks. I think he has been great for the town of Windsor and I would like to see the tradition continue of him being the top vote-getter in the fall election,” said Noreen Nolan.

Former deputy mayor Tim Curtis also turned out.

Windsor, Ct Deputy Mayor Al Simon with former deputy mayor Tim Curtis.

Windsor, Ct Deputy Mayor Al Simon with former deputy mayor Tim Curtis.

“It was good to show we do have party unity. We’re going to be very strong pushing our slate of unified incumbents,” said Curtis.

After putting  in a stressful several weeks, that had included three budget referendum defeats in Windsor, this week turned out well noted Trinks. On a fourth try, the town budget was passed by voters on Tuesday and the caucus was calm and unified. Trinks wasn’t taking any chances though; known to wear a favorite “Grateful Dead” t-shirt for luck at budget referendum time, he traded it in for a Jerry Garcia tie which he wore to the caucus.

“See, here it is,” he said humorously.

The next challenge said Trinks is taking on what he described as a good slate put forth by Windsor Republicans (to view the GOP caucus-nominated slate visit courant.com), while vying for votes with a third party – an independent party that has been established in town.

So, voters can probably expect to see a lot of that Jerry Garcia tie between now and November.

Categories: Elections, NEWS, Politics, Veterans

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Connecticut Man Seeks Swimming Triple Crown 28 Years After Conquering English Channel

Posted on July 16, 2013
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From WFSB video.

Twenty-eight years after swimming the English Channel at age 22, and twenty-four years after circumnavigating the water around Manhattan Island, Marty McMahon, a former president of the Windsor Chamber of Commerce in Connecticut, has his heart set on achieving the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming by swimming the Catalina Channel in Southern California on July 17. And, heart is truly what this swim is all about for McMahon.

McMahon, who currently heads the WCC’s tourism committee, is taking on the athletic challenge to raise money and awareness for Autism Services and Resources Ct ASRC (www.ct-asrc.org); McMahon’s son Denis has Asperger  syndrome, which is part of the autism spectrum.

According to Open Water Source, the marathon swims in the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming constitute 21 miles across the the English Channel between England to France, 28.5 miles around Manhattan Island and 20.2 miles of the Catalina Channel.

In an e-mail to newsandviewsjb, McMahon provided a link to an excellent interview with him and his college age son by John Holt of WFSB. In it, Denis McMahon speaks of his father’s swimming ability and humorously of his own goals. It is a good watch and includes footage from a story on McMahon’s 1985 English Channel swim.

To view the interview go to: http:/www.wfsb.com/global/category.asp?c=208507&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipld=9087542#UeGeWksUabs.facebook

To check on McMahon’s progress tomorrow visit http://www.myathletelive.com

Categories: acheivements, Autism, NEWS, People, Sports, Swimming

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Mystic Seaport to Launch “America’s Last Surviving Wooden Whaleship” – Charles W. Morgan

Posted on July 15, 2013
The Charles W. Morgan shown at Chubb's Wharf in Mystic Seaport Museum will be launched July 21 after a multi-year restoration project.

The Charles W. Morgan shown at Mystic Seaport Museum will be launched July 21 after a multi-year restoration project.

001Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb012011

Visitors continue to climb aboard the Charles W. Morgan for an up-close look at its restoration in the final days before a July 21 launch of “America’s last surviving wooden whaleship” by Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut. Yesterday, a steady stream of visitors of all ages ascended the wooden stairs leading to the Morgan to get a  firsthand look at the historic vessel that is slated to embark on its 38th voyage in the spring of 2014 and make its way to historic ports throughout New England.

A model of the Charles W. Morgan sails unfurled, on display at the museum gift shop.

A model of the Charles W. Morgan, in full sail on display at the museum gift shop.

According to the story of the Morgan provided by Mystic Seaport, a maritime museum, the 19th Century whaling ship was designated a National Historic Landmark by the United States secretary of the interior in 1966. Two years later, a major restoration and004 preservation program began that included the 113 foot ship being removed from its berth and hauled and lifted onto the dock of the seaport’s Preservation Shipyard. In 2008, another multi-year leg of the restoration process got underway in the museum shipyard.005

Built 172 years ago in 1841 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the Morgan is described as the “crown jewel” of Mystic Seaport Museum. After completing its voyage next spring the Morgan will return to its berth at Chubb’s Wharf and “resume its role as an exhibit and flagship of the museum.”

Go to http://www.mysticseaport.org to view a video of the the restoration and preservation process.

Downtown Mystic village.

Downtown Mystic village.

Downtown Mystic Village is about 3 miles from Mystic Seaport Museum where a drawbridge is part of the main street, 018which has numerous little shops and Mystic Pizza made famous by the movie of the same name.

Addendum:According to the Mystic Seaport Education Programs phamplet, the 2013-2014 school year has been proclaimed the “Year of the Charles W. Morgan” by the state of Connecticut. It will feature a series of learner-based programs and resources for teachers about the state’s maritime heritage. Check http://www.mysticseaport.org formore information.

Categories: American history, education, educational program, historic preservation, Living Museum, Maritime history, National landmarks, NEWS, Ships, Tourism, Travel, Vacation, Wooden ships

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Colchester Connecticut Farmer’s Market Growing

Posted on July 8, 2013
Colchester Farmer's Market Master Jeff Sawitsky.

Colchester Farmer’s Market Master Jeff Savitsky.

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb 016

Now in its fourth year, the Colchester Farmer’s Market is growing and is in a new location on the Colchester Town Green. The expansion is good news for Connecticut grown produce and appears to mirror a statewide trend.

“This is our fourth year. Every year this market has grown twenty-five percent and this year I expect it to grow fifty percent,” said Jeff Savitsky, market master, during an interview July 7.

“Everybody seems to be more interested in their health and people want to know where their food is coming from,” added Savitsky “and its putting money back into the local economy.”

A fourth generation farmer, Savitsky’s farm is called Lake Hayward Farm and is part of Common Ground CSA, which stands for community supported agriculture,a partnership established in 2012 by Savitsky and Jess Stone of Cold Spring Farm which also had a booth on the green -(to learn more about the Common Ground concept go to commongroundcsa.com). Savitsky’s parents have a farm of their own in Colchester and they too participate in the weekly farmer’s market. Previously it was located at the Polish Home just down the road but Savitsky noted their new spot on the town green has increased visibility and is drawing in more customers.

One such new customer was Wendy Maranda who recently moved back to Connecticut after living in Vermont for five years. She was on her way to drop her daughter off at Starbucks when she passed the town green and decided to stop.

Wendy Maranda (right) buys a loaf of artisan bread from Doreen Near of Two Dog Baking Company.

Wendy Maranda (right) buys a loaf of artisan bread from Doreen Near of Two Dog Baking Company.

“I love farmer’s markets,” she said as she bought a loaf of artisan bread from Doreen Near of Stonington-based Two Dogs Baking Company.

According to Near, the Colchester Farmer’s Market is one of three where she sells her bread which is baked by wood-fire.Two Dogs Baking Company bakes ten different kinds of artisan breads so described because they are not mass produced, explained Near.

Among the twenty vendors who turned out on this Sunday for the farmer’s market there was a lot of passion expressed for what they do as more than just a livelihood. They also strongly believe in the health benefits of homegrown produce.

'Eat Real Food' is the motto of Cugno's Farm as seen on the t-shirts worn by father and son Darren and Nicholas Cugno of Colchester CT.

‘Eat Real Food’ is the motto of Cugno’s Farm as seen on the t-shirts worn by father and son Darren and Nicholas Cugno of Colchester CT.

“Where do I start?” said Darren Cugno when asked about the value of organically grown vegetables from his family farm on Windham Avenue in Colchester.

“The biggest evil is genetically modified (produce),” he said.

Organic produce from Cugno's Farm.

Organic produce from Cugno’s Farm.

Lovely bouquets of flowers also from Cugno's Farm.

Lovely bouquets of flowers also from Cugno’s Farm.

Even conventionally grown vegetables and fruits do not have a nutrient level matching organic produce according to Cugno. Organic may cost slightly more but its long-term health return makes it a worthwhile investment says Cugno. His philosophy is reflected in the Cugno’s Farm t-shirts worn by Darren and son Nicholas, sporting the slogan ‘Eat Real Food.’ Cugno pointed to the dominance of genetically modified and conventional produce in the American diet as contributing to health issues now plaguing the nation.007

“You see the effects in the rise in obesity, diabetes and autoimmune diseases,” Cugno said.

Cold Spring Farm was there with Sweet Anna’s Organics; in the booth next to them was Country Herb Farm. Available too was Connecticut produced raw honey and maple goods from Sugar Maple Farm in Lebanon and another vendor from the Chaplin/Pomfret area. Fresh fish lovers were making selections from Fresh Catch/Point Judith.

Cold Spring Farm

Cold Spring Farm

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Farm fresh cheese aged in a man-made underground cave in Colchester, CT

Farmstead fresh Black Ledge Blue Cheese aged in a man-made underground cave .

On hand with farmstead fresh made cheese was Tim Curtis who was helping his neighbor by manning the booth for Cato Corner Farm, a mother/son operation run by Mark Gilman and his mother Liz. Curtis said they have forty, mostly Jersey cows, which they milk daily. (Visit their website catocornerfarm.com for more information.)

“They make cheese six days a week which is aged in a man-made underground cave,” said Curtis.

Colchester Farmer’s Market opened its 2013 season on June 16 and is scheduled to be held every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until October 20.

Colchester is easy to reach from Route 2, or along a pleasant back roads drive to Rocky Neck Beach Sate Park from the Greater Hartford region.

Categories: family farms, Farmer's Markets, NEWS, organic vegetables, Tourism, town greens, Travel, Vacation

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Lt. Gov Wyman Joins Fourth of July Boom Box Parade in Windham, Connecticut

Posted on July 4, 2013

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb002

Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and U, S, Senator Richard Blumenthal.

Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and U, S, Senator Richard Blumenthal.

Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman joined the 28th annual Boom Box Parade in Windham (Willimantic), Connecticut earlier today. The parade started promptly at 11 a.m. at Jillson Square then made its way along Main Street about a mile and a half to Memorial Park. Wearing her signature high heels -this pair in bright red – and with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal at her side, Wyman smiled and waved to the crowds that lined both sides of the street.

The Boom Box Parade story is well-known and told on the WILI website. In 1986 no marching bands could be found for Windham’s Memorial Day Parade. Five weeks later the idea for a Boom Box Parade was put forth. The first Boom Box Parade ended up capturing headlines near and far. The local radio station, WILI, played patriotic marching tunes and parade participants and watchers turned out carrying their radios, also known as boom boxes, tuned to the local station.

The idea caught on and has become an annual Fourth of July tradition drawing spectators from all over. Anyone can march so long as they wear red, white and blue and bring along a radio tuned to WILI. Each year the parade is led by WILI’s Wayne Norman.003

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Crossing the Delaware

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American Legion Post 19.

With this year’s parade featuring a float depicting George Washington crossing the Delaware, and, a group which marched in honor of Nathan Hale, Connecticut’s state hero, America’s earliest patriots were well represented on this – America’s Independence Day. Also, representing today’s service members were the American Legion and disabled veterans.

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Victorian Neighborhood Association.

Among the parade floats were ones by Eastern Connecticut State University, which is located in Willimantic, the Mansfield Academy of Dance and a float carrying a group of young baseball players who chanted “We are the All-Stars, mighty, mighty All-Stars.” There were vintage vehicles, such as an American Ambulance from 1916. Various groups marched including the Victorian Neighborhood Association and one carrying signs that read “USA Nation of  Immigrants” and “Embracing the Same Dream.”014

Mansfield Academy of Dasnce.

Mansfield Academy of Dance.

"We are the All Stars, mighty, mighty All Stars."

“We are the All Stars, mighty, mighty All Stars.”

006In the spirit of the nation another group marched for a cause – this one being to “Save the Frogs”

Frog Bridge

Frog Bridge

(savethefrogs.com) – yes -really. It seems frogs are disappearing and are among 2,000 amphibian species threatened with extinction, according to literature distributed by the activists. What better place to call attention to the “Save the Frog” movement than Windham which has it’s very own frog bridge and frog statues throughout the town.

The one hour parade took place under sunny skies.The accompanying heat and humidity did not seem to bother anyone.026

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Wrapping up the parade – a long row of firetrucks.

Happy Fourth of July!

Categories: Entertainment, Fourth of July, NEWS, Parades, Travel, Vacation

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Field of Flags at Old Sturbridge Village Honors America’s Military

Posted on July 3, 2013
The Field of Flags at Old Sturbridge Village.

The Field of Flags at Old Sturbridge Village.

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb 

Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts is honoring America’s military with a Field of Flags located near the entrance to the village. A gift of $25 will sponsor a flag to be added to the field and help provide free admission to OSV for an active military member and his or her immediate family. A flag can also be sponsored in memory of a loved one or a military veteran. Further information about sponsoring a flag is available at the OSV Vistor’s Center. 013

On the Fourth of July, OSV will once again hold what is described as a very popular fireworks event in the evening. Earlier in the day, a 1 p.m. program will feature a naturalization ceremony added this year for 85 persons from 42 countries.

If you cannot  make it  to the Independence Day celebration, OSV will be open throughout the summer and beyond. And, OSV is also offering two upcoming $5 Fridays – on July 26 and August 23.  A great opportunity to visit this magnificent living museum and view the Field of Flags.

For more information go to http://www.osv.org or call 800-733-1830.014

Categories: American history, Fourth of July, Living Museum, NEWS, Tourism, Vacation

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