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NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Linda McMahon & More Candidates Greet Big Crowd at Manchester, Connecticut Peach Festival

Posted on August 25, 2012

 

Cutting the shortcake biscuits

Topping the shortcake with whipped cream.

Nicholas Clapp of Vernon, enjoys a bowl of peach shortcake August 24 at the 63rd Annual Peach Festival in Manchester, Connecticut.

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

 

Fresh off her August primary win, Linda McMahon, Republican nominee to run for the United States senate from Connecticut. turned out to greet the large crowd at the 63rd Annual Peach Festival in Manchester, Conn. last night. It was a return visit to the popular festival, according to McMahon, who said she had stopped by two years ago. Surrounded by supporters wearing blue McMahon T-shirts, she shook hands with firefighter Ernest Jones then made her way up the hill along Main Street where festival-goers waited in line.

Republican candidate from Connecticut for U.S. senate, Linda McMahon shakes hands with firefighter Ernest Jones during the Peach Festival August 24 in Manchester, CT.

 

 

McMahon, who previously ran unsuccessfully for the senate against Democrat Richard Blumenthal, will face Democrat Congressman Chris Murphy in the upcoming November election. McMahon expressed confidence. “I feel good about the campaign,” she said, adding she plans to work every day to get her message out to voters.

The peach festival is a fundraiser for the Eighth Utilities Fire District, a mostly volunteer department serving the northern section of Manchester and offering mutual aid to other parts of town. Although bowls of peach shortcake are the real stars of the festival, this year political candidates were out in numbers to mingle at the event.

There was a large turnout for the festival.

Manchester, Connecticut Mayor Leo Diana with state Representative Jason Rojas, Deputy Mayor Jay Moran and Rojas’s daughters Stella and Addison.

 

 

 

 

 

Also on hand with his family was Representative Jason Rojas, Democrat from the state’s 9th assembly district. He had set up signs near the firehouse where the shortcakes were prepared and was joined for his meet-and-greet there by Manchester, Connecticut Mayor Leo Diana and Deputy Mayor Jay Moran.

Yet another candidate, Democrat Geoff Luxenberg, a representative from Connecticut’s 12th District, talked with constituents such as Kate Nicholas. She is president of  an organization called “Ring of Champions Society” – now promoting a rising, young boxer Mykquan “Mikey” Williams.

State Representative Geoff Luxenberg says hello to constiuent Kate Nicholas.

 

The evening was not all about politics. Most people were focused on the shortcake, socializing, or dancing to the sounds of the group Addison Station.

As well, this year the 8th Utilities Fire District decided to raise funds for an 8-year-0ld Manchester girl, Natalie Cosman, diagnosed at age seven with ovarian cancer. An emotional interim Fire Chief Ron Russo, who is Natalie’s neighbor, presented the little girl with a check from the department for $2, 228. Natalie also did the honors selecting winning raffle tickets for some twenty-two prizes.

Shown with the fire chief, Natalie selects raffle ticket winners.

Natalie with her parents Melinda and David.

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“Natalie is doing well. She finished her chemo as of January,” said her mother, Melinda Cosman.

For the second year, Natalie and her family will be involved in the 5K Run/Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer being held at Hammonaset Beach Park in Madison, CT on September 22. (See an interview with Natalie on CTNow, Fox news station-from August 8, 2012). For more information visit connecticut@ovarian.org or call 860-861-0061.

 For some people, the peach festival is a tradition. Such is the case for Kate O’Marra Clapp, of Vernon. Originally from Manchester, Clapp said her  family has been active with the fire department for years. She brought her son Nicholas Clapp, who was happily enjoying the peach shortcake.

“I remember cutting peaches for the festival,” she noted.

For others, it was a first time experience. Anita and Dale Macken moved to town two years ago after getting married. Having celebrated their second wedding anniversary on July 31, they still describe themselves as newlyweds. He had lived in Bristol and she in South Windsor.

The group Addison Station performs during the 63rd Annual Peach Festival.

First time festival-goers Anita and Dale Macken, of Manchester.

“We saw the signs and decided to come,” said the couple, agreeing the dessert was worth the visit – just peachy!

 

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63rd Peach Festival Tonight – August 24 – in Manchester, Connecticut

Posted on August 24, 2012


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett

Things should be just peachy tonight in Manchester, Connecticut where the 63rd Annual Peach Festival is being held from 6-8 p.m. Put on by Eighth Utilities District Fire Department, this is a no frills, albeit popular hometown festival that revolves around tasty bowls of peach shortcake topped with whipped cream. 

2011 Photo

Lines usually start forming well before 6 p.m. and snarl along Main Street down the hill to the old fire station on the corner of Hilliard and Main, where the peachy treats are served to festival-goers. Seating is outdoors, family style at long rows of tables set up in the department’s parking lot across the road on the opposite corner of Hilliard and Main Street. Addison Station, an acoustic pop group, is scheduled to perform. And don’t be surprised to see some campaigning politicians make appearances. Last year, Miss Connecticut also stopped by.

Photo from 2011

2011 photo

Tickets have been on sale at the fire building on Main Street and can be purchased at the festival. Proceeds go to support the department. For more information call 860-643-7373.

2011 photo

Obviously, organizers are doing something right – people come back year after year. A nice addition would be having peach festival T-shirts for sale.

Categories: NEWS

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Destination: Enjoy the Grilling Sorcery at Harry’s Place Colchester,CT

Posted on August 21, 2012

Write-up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

A bit of sorcery may well be in play at Harry’s Place where right before one’s eyes, side-by-side, juicy hot dogs and chubby burgers are grilled to perfection then tucked inside fresh plump rolls – look below the dogs for chili, cheese or browned onions. Currently, ‘chef ‘ Ronald Clark is one of the grill wizards at the restaurant. And, don’t be surprised to see owner John Garet at the register – the third among owners since the original.

Owner John Garet and his niece Emma Tuohy.

Chef Ronald Clark at the grill.

Situated on 104 Broadway near Routes 2 and 85 in a modest looking white roadside shack – which by the way, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places – for decades Harry’s Place in Colchester, has been a must stop en route to and from the Connecticut shoreline.  The menu may be typical of a burger joint, including french fries, onion rings and fried clams but as is true of the best of them, it is the taste that sets Harry’s Place apart. Clam chowder is another big attraction along with a wide variety of ice cream and shakes. On a recent Sunday, Nate and 20-month old Chloe drove down from Glastonbury just to partake of the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Caramel.

Shannon Poirier prepares to cook an order of fries.

The laid back ambience here is also part of the charm. Orders are put in at the counter then folks can sit at picnic tables set in front and on the north side, as well as, being spread out on the grassy, tree-covered grounds in back. Garden furniture has been added in one area. On weekends, almost constantly vehicles jockey in and out of the stone and pebble driveway.

Harry’s Place attracts a broad spectrum of burger-lovers. On this day, thanks to a nearby classic car show, drivers kept pulling in behind the wheels of vintage numbers like a 1960 red and white Corvette convertible, that drew a small crowd of inquisitive admirers. One of those regional gems, Harry’s Place is a destination unto itself or a wonderful way to begin or top off a day at Rocky Neck beach, which in New England colloquialism is ‘down the road aways.”

Nate and 20-month-old Chloe of Glastonbury enjoy ice cream at Harry’s Place.

A website is currently under construction.

Opened seasonally. 860-537-2410.

Categories: Food, iconic restaurants, NEWS

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Upcoming Tavern Trot & ‘Lemon Aid’ Golf Tourney Among Benefits for Alex’s Lemonade Foundation

Posted on August 10, 2012

UPDATE 8/14/2012: According to organizer  Sue Bowman, registration for the first “Lemon Aid” Golf Tournament scheduled for September 9 has been slow. Anyone interested in participating is asked to contact her at bowman@townofwindsorct.com or by phone 860-930-2029.

 

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Union Street Tavern at 20 Union Street in historic Windsor Center, Connecticut will host the 6th annual Tavern Trot on September 16.

Early registration is underway for the 6th Annual Tavern Trot, a 3.5 mile road and trail race through the center of historic Windsor, Connecticut. Hosted by the Union Street Tavern at 20 Union Street, the race on September 16 welcomes runners and walkers and is a USATF certified qualifier for the Manchester Road Race. Same day registration will be held from 11:00 a.m to 12 noon. Start time for the race in 12:30 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

Whether as a participant or an observer, the Tavern Trot is a delightful way to spend a late summer weekend. There will be free refreshments, beer and food and live entertainment. A water and rest stop is available along the route; awards will be presented after the race.

And, it is for a good cause – proceeds will benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. A national charity established to fight pediatric cancer, ALSF has a local connection to Windsor, the town where the parents of the founder, Alexandra “Alex” Scott, grew up. Young Alex (1996-2004) lost her battle with cancer but her parents, Jay and Liz Scott, have dedicated themselves to carrying on the effort their daughter began with a simple little lemonade stand outside their Connecticut home. The family subsequently moved to Pennsylvania to be closer to more specialized treatment for Alex, where her determination to raise money to help other children afflicted with the disease was continued.

According to the ALSF website, to date the foundation has raised $55 million and funded 250 research projects at more than seventy institutions. The foundation has also established programs to help families struggling with childhood cancer, including the Travel Fund and an annual Educational Symposium.

Unquestionably their success is thanks to the good people who organize and turn out for events such as the Tavern Trot. Among them is Windsor resident Ann Walsh who has been on board as a volunteer for the charity since the beginning. She knew Alex and still becomes emotional at the mention of her name. As with the Tavern Trot, Walsh plays an instrumental role in many of the fundraisers held in the Greater Hartford area for the foundation.

Such is the case with the first annual ‘Lemon Aid’ Golf Tournament set for September 9, in Simsbury and organized by Windsor Police Officer Sue Bowman. Believed to be the first golf tournament on behalf of ALSF in the area, it will take place at the beautiful Tower Ridge Country Club at 140 Nod Road. The golf course is located near picturesque Hueblein Tower that sits atop Avon Mountain which has a popular hiking trail.

The Tavern Trot and ‘Lemon Aid’ Golf Tournament will join some other recent events held in Greater Hartford to benefit the foundation. Characteristic of so many of the ALSF events which empower young people to make a difference, over the summer youngsters manned Alex’s Lemonade Stands at Stop & Shop Supermarkets in Windsor and Granby.

 

 

 

At Loomis Chaffee School, a private secondary school in Windsor, student Allison Byrne of West Hartford, started the ALS club. In an essay she explained the club’s goal is to “raise money and awareness for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.” Byrne was helped by Jordan Niezelski of Manchester, faculty member Tricia Chambers, Alexandra Smith of Glastonbury and Mark Crawford of Mystic.

Allison Byrne, Mark Crawford and Alexandra Smith at the Loomis Chaffee “Lemon Ball” in Windsor, CT

While a chill was still in the New England air last winter, Byrne & company started their fundraising by selling hot chocolate, lemonade and cupcakes at a boy’s Varsity Hockey game. In the spring, complete with a formal dinner and dance, the group tackled the ambitious task of putting on “it’s own version of the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation ‘Lemon Ball’ which occurs annually in Philadelphia, PA.”

“With the help of Loomis Chaffee’s Student Activities, the ALS club brought in an acting company from New York to put on a ‘murder mystery’ ” Byrne noted.

Jordan Niezelski and Allison Bryne.

In addition, the club held lemonade stands throughout the spring. In total, the Loomis Chaffee ALS club raised approximately $2,000. which was donated to ALSF.

 

 

 

(Writer’s note: look for photos from the Tavern Trot and ‘Lemon Aid’ Golf Tournament on a future newsandviewsjb)


Categories: Cancer research, Charitities, Charity Golf Tournament, NEWS

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Cruisin’ on Main Draws Thousands to Manchester, Connecticut

Posted on August 6, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Stepping back in time has become a once a year tradition in Manchester, Connecticut where thousands of spectators strolled the downtown’s mile long main drag August 5, to enjoy the 12th annual Cruisin’ on Main. Sunny skies for most of the day and temperatures in the 90s, proved to be ideal conditions to attract vintage and classic vehicles, as well as, those who love to admire them. The show ran from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., admission was free.

Thousands turned out for Cruisin’ on Main August 5.

Cruisin’ on Main is billed as the largest car collector show of its kind in the Northeast. As noted on its website, the event is meant to conjure up memories of an era in small town America when downtown stores stayed open late on Thursday nights and families turned out to shop while couples strolled along hand-in-hand.

Check out the rear rumble seat in this 1933 Pontiac Sports Coup.

Apparently, the Peanuts gang loves Cruisin’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diagonal parking that lines Manchester’s Main Street made a perfect layout for the vehicles that ranged from antique Fords to classic Corvettes, vintage trucks, and street rods. To take part vehicles had to be at least 25 years old. Registration was $10.00. Proceeds go to cover the cost of the show and the remainder is donated to charities.

Fern Fowler (left) purchases a Cruisin’ on Main t-shirt from Emily Guivas.

Admiring a spiffy 1930 Ford.

This year’s Cruisin’ on Main commemorative t-shirts featured a 1957 Cadillac convertible. Fern Fowler was all smiles as she bought one from Emily Guivas, who manned one of the t-shirt booths. Just down the hill a barbershop quartet from Manchester’s award-winning Silk City Chorus harmonized the lyrics “round, round, get around, I get around” from a popular Beach Boys tune.

A Silk City Chorus barbershop quartet harmonizes  during the 2012 Cruisin’ on Main.

Terry Werkhoven, who served as mayor of Manchester, Ct in the early 1990s and turns age 90 in September, stopped to look at this 1961 peppermint stick color VW Bug.

Nearby, Terry Werkhoven was looking at a 1961 peppermint stick color VW convertible.

“I had one like this,” he recalled.

Werkhoven who will turn 90 on September 19, served as mayor of Manchester in the early 1990s. The show sparked some reminiscing for the former mayor who said he was born in the Netherlands. His family came to Connecticut when he was a baby and his father worked in an apple orchard in Farmington. There, he and his brother attended kindergarten at Miss Porter’s School, famous as an all girls secondary school from which Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was graduated.

“Yes, Miss Porter’s,” said Werkhoven with a smile.

After moving to Manchester, Werkhoven said he served on the town buildings committee. According to Werkhoven, he took a particular interest in the town’s schools and spent time on each school roof investigating their structural integrity. As a result, rubber membranes were installed at all of the schools with flat roofs, he said. Due to his knowledge about the buildings in Manchester, Werkhoven said he was approached about running for political office. Noting he remains active in local affairs, Werkhoven said currently he is involved in an effort to save Nathan Hale School, an older elementary school which may be headed for closing.

Werkhoven was not the only one representing a bit of Manchester and Connecticut history at the car show.

Bill Hoch, Sr. at the wheel.

 

THE SHADY GLEN CONNECTION

Mention Manchester, CT and more than likely anyone familiar with the town has visited Shady Glen Dairy Stores. Family owned and operated since the 1940s, Shady Glen is well-known for its unique crispy cheese on burgers and frankfurters, secret recipe cole slaw and that yummy (the mocha chip is to die for) homemade ice cream. Their shops are located on Route 6 near the Bolton line and in the Manchester Parkade.  A local institution for generations, Shady Glen’s reputation far exceeds the borders of the “City of Village Charm.” Despite the restaurants’ acclaim, owner Bill Hoch, Sr. is down-to earth and couldn’t be nicer.  He was on hand Sunday, or

Three generations of the Hoch family that owns and operates Shady Glen Dairy Stores  pictured in their vintage dairy delivery truck at the 2012 Cruisin’ on Main in Manchester, CT. Left to right Bill Hoch, Jr., his son Taj Hoch and his father Bill Hoch, Sr.

should that be ‘sundae,’ with a vintage ice cream delivery truck.

The store was founded by Hoch’s second cousin John Rieg and his wife Bernice. Bill Sr. is currently semi-retired and his son Bill Hoch, Jr. now mostly runs things. Shady Glen lovers need not worry, Bill Jr.’s 13-year-old son Taj Hoch, says he is interested in continuing the family business. The three cordially posed for a photo by their vintage truck.

“We plan to keep going,” said Bill Hoch, Jr.

Categories: Annual car shows, Main Street Revitilization, NEWS

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Fun Fridays at Springfield Museums & Dr. Seuss Memorial Sculpture Garden

Posted on August 2, 2012

Write-up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Scores of visitors took advantage of free admission at the Springfield Museums in Massachusetts last Friday. It was part of Fun Fridays at locations throughout the state, a program that runs through August 31, being made available by the Highland Street Foundation. Intended for individuals and families, what a fabulous bargain.

A LEGO knight.

All four museums within The Quadrangle in downtown Springfield were included. They are the Springfield Science Museum, George Vincent Smith Art Museum, D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts and the Wood Museum of Springfield History. A  fee was being charged for the Seymour Planetarium.

LEGO model of Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland.

Among the numerous attractions was the Castle Adventure inside the science museum. An exhibit of LEGO brick decorations, secret passageways, thrones, knights in armor and a dragon’s liar. Kids, and or grown up kids, could use tables filled with LEGO blocks at multiple building stations to construct their own castles.

Several activities and demonstrations at the museum were interactive. Youngsters could don the clothing of the days of Camelot and joust, compare their weight on earth to the other planets by stepping on a Planetary Scale or attempt to put together earthquake proof buildings … the opportunities went on and on . A dinosaur exhibit was also popular.

Those who decide to check out the museums will not want miss a chance to spend some time in the Dr. Seuss Memorial Sculpture Garden. Located in the center of The Quadrangle, it is comprised of captivating sculptures depicting many of the characters made famous in Dr. Seuss’ books, as well as, Dr. Seuss himself seated at his desk with his most famous creation at his side – the Cat in the Hat. Admission to the sculpture garden is always free.

The Quadrangle is located at 220 State Street.

For more information go to http://www.quardrangle.org. or call 413-263-6800.

Categories: NEWS

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Coming Soon – Greater Hartford Irish Music Festival and Mount Carmel Italian Festival

Posted on July 20, 2012

Write-up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Two wonderful festivals celebrating proud ancestries are coming soon to central Connecticut. This year marks the 28th anniversary of the Greater Hartford Irish Music Festival slated for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 27-29, on the grounds of the Irish American Home Society in Glastonbury. The following weekend, the Mount Carmel Italian Festival will hold its 87th Annual Feast  August 3, 4 and 5 in Enfield.

According to the Irish American Home Society website, the Greater Hartford Irish Music Festival will feature a number of international Irish rock bands -among those scheduled to perform are Unforgetable Fire, McLean Avenue Band, Keltic Kick and Shilelagh Law. At the Cultural Tent, enjoy “traditional music, song and dance.” Learn about Irish history, culture and literature there by studying a poster-board display

– “including the priceless Book of Kells,” created by Celtic monks circa 800. In addition, a children’s area will offer rides, games and treats. Each day of the festival the St. Patrick’s Pipe Band will appear”intermittently,” as well as, attending the opening and closing ceremonies.

A variety of food and drink is promised to be available throughout the festival. Admission is free for children age 10 and under, $10.00 for age 10 and over and $9.00 for seniors. The Irish American Home Society is located at 132 Commerce Street. For more information visit http://www.irishmusicfest.com.

Tucked back from the main road but not far from Enfield center, admission to the Mount Carmel Italian Festival, 93 Park Avenue, is free. Parking  is allowed along the narrow side streets leading to the festival grounds. Finding a space can be tricky and be prepared to walk a few blocks. Nonetheless, this little festival is worth the effort. As evening falls, it takes on an Old World Italy flavor.White lights illuminate the huge tent covering long rows of picnic tables, usually staked out early by folks to savor traditional Italian food and the nightly entertainment. And, there are carnival rides.

According to the Mount Carmel website: on Friday enjoy country pop singer Veronica Balastrina , Dr. K’s Mo Town Review, Mary Ann Esposito Ciao Italia and the Cake Boss Family; on Saturday, singer Deana Martin, Supreme original singer Mary Wilson, the Cake Boss Family and Connecticut radio personality Brad Davis; and on Sunday, Ticket To Ride Beatles Tribute Band, vocalist Marcello Sparagna with matinees possible on Saturday and Sunday. For more information go to http://www.mtcarmelsociety.com.

(Writer’s note: festival photos from 2011)

Categories: NEWS

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Anchor Tangle Delays OpSail CT 2012 Parade of Sail Arrival in Final Port – New London

Posted on July 10, 2012

 

Under sail, the U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle leads OpSail CT 2012 into its homeport of New London CT on July 7.

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

An unexpected snafu delayed the arrival of OpSail CT 2012 Parade of Sail on July 7, into its final port in New London, Connecticut. Expected to arrive around 10 a.m., the holdup left folks who had turned out early that morning to secure a shoreline vantage point, waiting an extra hour and a half under intense sun and in sweltering heat wondering what went awry. Some gave up and left.

According to The Day of New London, the anchor chain for the U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle got tangled. Fortunately, the paper noted, the crew was able to untangle it allowing the Eagle as planned, and with Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy on board, to lead the procession of ships into its homeport which was the final stop for OpSail.

The event commemorated the bicentennial of the War of 1812, during which Francis Scott Key penned words for what later became the “Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem. At dawn, after witnessing the Battle of Baltimore in 1814, Key was inspired to write the famous words when he saw an American flag still waving at Fort McHenry.

USS Carter Hall naval ship.

Despite haze over the water, for the thousands who waited for Saturday’s Parade of Sail, that first sight of the Eagle was cause for “ohs and ahs.” Following immediately behind was a naval ship, the USS Carter Hall and then a tall ship. After a bit of a gap, came about twenty more vessels. They navigated up the water from Niantic, where they had gathered on Friday. After making their way into New London, the ships docked at Fort Trumbull and City Pier.The Day reported the last time the Eagle came into its homeport under sail rather than using its engine, was for OpSail 2000.

With other vessels nearby, a tall ship sails into New London as part of OpSail Ct 2012.

Along Pequot Avenue, former congressman Republican Chris Shays and his wife Betsi, shook hands and spent time talking with people as they campaigned for the August GOP primary which Shays hopes to win and run for the U.S. Senate in the November election. “Chris sees the country is in need and he feels he can help,” said Betsi.

Pictured on the right , Republican Chris Shays campaigns along Pequot Ave. for the August primary.

As well, Sailfest in its 35th year, ran July, 6, 7 and 8, in downtown New London. Held concurrently with OpSail on Saturday, the streets bustled with festival goers.

Downtown New London was bustling during Sailfest.

Categories: NEWS

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Destination: “A Cupcake For Later” Willimantic, Connecticut

Posted on July 6, 2012


Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Have a sweet tooth to satisfy? Head for “A Cupcake For Later” located in a quaint, little bake store on the Main Street of Willimantic in Windham County, Connecticut.

Delightfully, I stumbled upon this gourmet cupcake shop while attending the Fourth of July Boom Box Parade. A new speciality introduced that day was, Apple Pie cupcakes, because said Owner/Baker Cheryl Preston – “What’s more American than apple pie?” Absolutely delectable, they were just one of an assortment of specialty cupcakes with creative names, baked on site by Cheryl, a.k.a. , the Cupcake Lady. Her husband, Jim Preston, is a supervisor at Home Depot but helps out when he can.

For breakfast, how about a Maple Bacon cupcake? Perhaps the warm weather makes Citrus Cheesecake an appealing choice. The assortment goes on and on – Carrot Cake, American Pride, P. B. Lovers made with peanut butter is a big seller along with Chocolate Cover Strawberry – a creme-filled chocolate number. And there are more, such as Who Wants Sprinkles, We All Want S’mores…, the cupcake of the day, as well as, sugar-free and gluten sensitive selections. Available cupcake choices depend on selections baked for the day.

“Everyday we have at least one sugar free cupcake, sometimes two,” noted Jim.

The shop opened only four months ago . “We found this spot in February and opened on March 17th,” Cheryl said.

Owner/Baker for “A Cupcake For Later” Cheryl Preston shown with her husband Jim Preston who helps out at her cupcake shop.

Her entrepreneurial story of turning lemons into lemonade will likely resonate with many Americans out of work due to the struggling economy. Having grown up in Windham, Cheryl was graduated from Windham High School in 1980. Eventually, she moved to Florida for eight years and there met her husband. They opted to make their home in Connecticut where Cheryl continued her career in customer service until a couple  years ago when the company she worked for relocated her division to the Mid-West.

“Forty of us lost our positions,” she recalled.

After pounding the pavement to no avail and faced with competing with 110 other applicants for one job, Cheryl decided it was time to try another approach. She loved baking and was always being tapped to bake for area fundraisers. Cheryl began experimenting with cupcake flavors and tested the waters at a local craft show. Success! So she took the bold, brave step of opening her own business – a gourmet cupcakes and cakes for all occasions shop.

Things have been going well, agreed Cheryl and Jim. Judging from the line at the counter and joyful expressions on the faces of customers seated at the tables as they indulged in the sweet treats, the future of “A Cupcake For Later” looks bright (the shop title actually uses a visual for the word cupcake.)

In addition to walk-in customers, the cupcake shop will deliver and Cheryl bakes cakes to order. Should your travels bring you here to sample one of Cheryl’s creations, remember to carry home one of those pink  bakery boxes with a few more inside – after all, you just might want – a cupcake for later.

798 Main Street – Willimantic, CT 06226 Phone 860-456-2224 Fax 860-456-2303 http://www.acupcakeforlater.com Opened  Tues.- Wed. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thurs., Fri., & Sat. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Categories: Bakeries, Baking, Cupcakes, NEWS, Second Careers, Starting Over

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Unique Boom Box Parade Celebrates Fourth of July

Posted on July 4, 2012

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

The 27th annual Boom Box Parade drew thousands of participants and spectators to Willimantic, Connecticut today to celebrate the Fourth of July. The unique parade began in 1986 after no marching bands could be found to take part in the town’s Memorial Day Parade. Thanks to Yankee ingenuity and WILI – the local radio station – a few weeks later the idea for a boom box parade came to life. It quickly became enormously popular and has captured attention well beyond the borders of this small community nestled in the eastern corner of the Nutmeg State.

Henri Gamache of Willimantic, holds a complimentary plant distributed by a local nursery that participated in the parade.

 

Anyone can march in the parade down the Main Street. Participants are asked to wear red, white and

Hosmer Mountain Soda Float

blue and bring a radio, known also as a boom box, tuned to WILI 1400 AM.

For the parade, WILI plays mostly patriotic tunes  but today’s mix also included the University of Connecticut fight song. Folks who lined the parade route to watch also brought radios tuned to the local station. A number of politicians turned out to march.

The Fairley family of Windham Center, Stacy, 3-year-old Marie and 8 month old Laurena prepare to enjoy a complimentary soft drink.

Mike Nelson, a studio manager for Channel 14 Charter Communications, gets a worm’s eye view of the Boom Box Parade.

Mounatin Dairy has been delivering milk for decades.

What began as an overcast day, gave way to sunshine just before the one hour and ten minute parade got underway at 11:00 a.m. Spirits were high and smiles plentiful!

Willimantic Victorian Neighborhood Association

Categories: American cuture, NEWS, Parades

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