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NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Windsor Connecticut Police K-9 Team Wins First Place in Team Division at USPCA Competition

Posted on June 29, 2012

Photo by Jacqueline Bennett  Officer Steve Vesco & his K-9 partner Iko shown with the 1st place trophy and medallion they won at the 2012 USPCA Region #4 K9 Field Trials

by: Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

Officer Steve Vesco and his K-9 partner, Iko, brought a 1st place trophy and medallion home to the Windsor, Connecticut police department.  The K-9 team won the award at the 2012 United States Police Canine Association Region #4 K9 Field Trials.

“He did well,” Vesco said of Iko during a June 27 interview at the Public Safety Complex in Windsor.

Iko is a 4-year-old solid black, male, German Shephard.

The USPCA event was held June 23-24 in Middleton, Massachusetts. With temperatures in the 90s on day one, some of the canines could not handle the heat and four teams dropped out, leaving a field of 26 competing teams. Day two weather conditions were also tough, morning rain gave way to more heat and humidity in the afternoon.

Nonetheless, Iko maintained his focus and attention to the tasks at hand which was noticed by the judges, according to Vesco. The pair took 1st place in the “Team Division” in which their scores were combined with three other pairs including, Sgt. Don Evans of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department in Mass., Offr. Tom Nicholas- Amesbury, Mass., and Offr. Joe Ryan- Manchester, New Hampshire and their K-9 partners.

The teams were judged on obedience, agility (that entailed  mastering five different apparatus), a six box suspect search, suspect apprehension with and without gunfire and evidence recovery. In the latter activity the canines had three minutes to recover a shotgun shell and screwdriver within a 40 foot x 40 foot square of grass.

“We did it within a minute and 30 seconds,” said Vesco.

Courtesy photo by Corrina Cole 2012 USPCA Region #4 K9 Field Trials -Offricer Steve Vesco & Iko

“You can’t do extra commands and everything is really scruntinized by 5 to 8 judges, most are former K-9 handlers,” he noted, ” They are watching every move to see – is the dog working, is he focused on the task, how quickly he responds.”

Courtesy photo by Corrina Cole – 2012 USPCA Region #4 K9 Field Trials.

No stranger to victory in police K-9 competitions, Vesco has won numerous trophies throughout his law enforcement career. Even so, he stills trains with Iko daily and relies on training advice from fellow K-9 handlers Offr. Joel Wun and Sgt. Pete Signorelli of the Ludlow, Mass. Sheriff’s Dept.

“It’s another set of eyes. You can’t see yourself and there are so many ways to train dogs. I’m open to learning,” Vesco said.

He expressed appreciation to fellow officer Joe Assad of Hamden County for serving as his decoy in the event. Although police departments allot some time for K-9 officers to train, typically they put in many additional hours. The trainers and decoy Vesco works with donate their time motivated by both dedication to the profession and friendship, Vesco noted.  In a trainer Vesco said he looks for patience and

Courtesy photo by Corrina Cole of Iko – 2012 USPCA Region #4 K9 Fields Trials

concentration on “control work.”

Thanks to his experience, Vesco said he is less stressed than he used to be when competing and is cognizant that the canines sense competition days are different so just like people that can affect their mood and demeanor. As well as his technical ability, Iko is a “great street dog” Vesco said. That means he is good with the public, friendly and sociable.

“And, he is great at home,” added Vesco.

Winning is nice says Vesco but awards represent more than just a prize. They translate into reinforcing a police canine’s credibility on the job, he pointed out.

Courtesy photo – Iko and Sadie Vesco

For Vesco his success goes beyong professional accomplishment. It is a source of tremendous pride to his family. His 7-year-old daughter Sadie enjoys bringing his trophies to school for show-and-tell. Vesco’s father David, a retired reading consultant, travels from his New Hampshire home to attend the various competitions and attended the one in Middleton.

Courtesy photo – Officer Steve Vesco’s father and “number one fan,” Dave Vesco.

“My dad is my number one fan,” Vesco said.

Photo by Jacqueline Bennett  Officer Steve Vesco displays the plague presented by the USPCA in memory of his deceased partner, Jag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vesco was also honored with a plague presented by the USPCA in memory of the beloved Jag, his deceased K-9 partner.  As Vesco’s partner, for many years Jag served the Windsor community and central Connecticut as part of the regional SWAT team until his retirement.

Not content to rest on his laurels, Vesco is thinking ahead to the 2013 USPCA competition. Based on the positive feedback he said he received about Iko at the recent competition, Vesco is certain they can do even better. He was not completely satisfied with Iko’s performance in agility and is confident the canine can improve. Vesco said he has his sights set on “Overall Best Team.” He and Wun are already developing training strategies.

“There is always room to improve. We have a full year to train,” said Vesco.

Categories: acheivements, NEWS, Police canines

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Destination: Dad’s Restaurant on Main Street in Niantic,CT

Posted on June 15, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

What a great treat for dad on Father’s Day to visit Dad’s Restaurant in Niantic, Connecticut.  Not far from Rocky Neck State Park, Dad’s is a terrific seafood and burger shack perched on a small hill directly across from the ocean. It has two outdoor decks and inside the ocean breeze floats through screened windows across the picnic tabled dining area. Colorful, ocean themed decor creates a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Husband and wife Pete and Debbie Salomonson run this place with an attentiveness to their customers that sets a tone for the friendliness of the entire staff.

“My wife is the owner. I work for her,” said Pete during a recent weekend stop.

Pete and Debbie Salomonson shown with employees Emily Levanti, and Sara Brother.

Approaching its 50th anniversary, Dad’s opened in 1963 as the Harbor Drive-In, according to Pete. He explained that the original owner had four daughters and every time they headed for the restaurant they would say – “let’s go to Dad’s place” – hence, the name was changed to Dad’s Restaurant. Too young to retire after wrapping up careers in other fields, about 15 years ago the Salomonsons acquired the restaurant from the previous owner.

“We were best friends and he was ready to sell,” Pete recalled.

It is clear the couple enjoys running the business. Free balloons for children is a “Dad’s tradition,” Pete said. When he can, he personally delivers the balloons, much to the surprise and delight of the youngsters.

Dad’s employs students from Russia, Serbia, Ghana and of course, the good ole’ U.S.A.”I’m a member of the Rotary Club and we promote international love and understanding,” said Pete.

Working the grill.

“Debbie and Pete are great bosses. We’re like a family, the Dad’s family,” agreed staff members Emily Levanti and Sara Brother.

As for the food, the steady line of customers who step up to the windows and pick up large, heaping full plates of whole belly clams, clams strips, onion rings and stuffed lobster rolls speaks for itself.

Members of the 143rd unit out of West Hartford enjoy lunch at Dad’s Restaurant. They are training at nearby Camp Niantic.

“Our onion rings are hand-made daily,” Pete noted.

The couple is open to suggestions for menu items from their staff, which is how lobster fritters became a new weekend specialty. They also have soups, including a seafood gumbo which was described by one customer as “out of this world tasty, with just a bit of a bite.” It is prepared with Debbie’s recipe, using pollack she said. The burgers and hot dogs are also especially good! For dessert, Dad’s Ice Cream Factory features an array of flavors and toppings.

Among those here for lunch on this day were Specialist William Niedzwiecki, Sgt. Omar Jimenez and Private Cooper from the 143rd unit out of West Hartford, currently training at Camp Niantic.

“We’ve been here before. We heard about it by word-of-mouth,” said Sgt. Jimenez.

It was the first time for mother and daughter, Raina and Kellie Cox of Southington, who happened upon the spot and plan to return.

Mother and daughter Raina and Kellie Cox of Southington.
Check out those onion rings!

Said Ms. Cox, “We will be back.”

Definitely worth coming back to, Dad’s Restaurant is opened seasonally from the end of April to Labor Day. Located at 147 Main Street, it is an easy stroll to the new Niantic Bay Boardwalk.

860-739-2113

Categories: NEWS, Restaurants

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Governor Speaks at Connecticut Trees of Honor Site Selection – Middletown, CT

Posted on June 8, 2012

Gov. Dannel Malloy spoke June 5, at Veterans Memorial Park in Middletown, Connecticut where a “Trees of Honor” living memorial will be built.

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

“This is such an inspired idea. A way to honor in a living fashion, a growing fashion, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy told those gathered June 5, at Veterans Memorial Park in Middletown, CT.

The governor said he did not want to miss the opportunity to be present Tuesday afternoon for the announcement that the park had been selected as the site for a “Connecticut Trees of Honor” living memorial to the state’s fallen soldiers from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He spoke of the visits he and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman have made to the families of Connecticut’s fallen soldiers since taking office, noting that every time – “our hearts go out to the families.”  The living memorial that will be “observed and enjoyed by children and adults” he said, is “a warm way for those families to remember their loved ones.”

Recalling the absence of  public ‘welcome homes’ for American soldiers who returned from the unpopular war in Viet Nam, his brother and other family members among them, Malloy took a moment to thank all of America’s  past soldiers for their sacrifices during the time of our republic. Malloy also thanked Sue Martucci, who originated the idea for the living memorial and chairs the Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial, Inc. Committee, the other committee members that include Ann Walsh, Nancy Rousselle, Jean Risley, Gold Star Mother Diane DeLuzio, Matt McDonald and Sophia Lighari, as well as, expressing appreciation to landscape architect Tom Linden and Middletown Mayor Dan Drew.

Sue Martucci, chairperson of the Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial, Inc. Committee originated the idea for the living memorial.

Malloy said it was a credit to “this young mayor” for showing leadership in the city’s “willingness to embrace this idea to give a portion of itself in remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.” Connecticut has lost 63 of its own in the two wars. “I hope that these conflicts soon finally come to an end and that we will end at 63. I fear that will not be the case, and I fear that other Americans will be called on to make the sacrifice that so many have made,” said Malloy.

Middletown, Connecticut Mayor Dan Drew.

“This is a fitting tribute and an honor for the city of Middletown to be able to pay homage, and in a permanent way show the respect that the men and women of our country who fell in the service of our country deserve,” Drew said – adding that in so doing , Middletown is also honoring the principles upon which the United States was built.

With the sun shining and a slight breeze in the air, Martucci of Bloomfield stepped up to the microphone.

“I am pleased, excited and grateful,” she said, “Three years ago I had an idea. The idea became a dream, the dream became a passion and that passion started to become a reality, to honor those in this state who have served in these wars that have lasted over 10 years.”

Larry McHugh, president of the Middletown Chamber of Commerce pledged a $1,000 donation for the Trees of Honor Memorial.

Phil Cacciota, commander of American Legion Post 75.

“So many families and friends have borne the heavy burden of loss and suffering,” Martucci went on to say,” We cannot bring these men and women back to us, but we can honor and remember them through this memorial tribute so that our generation and those who come after may know who they are… and the price they paid for our freedom.”

Phil Cacciota, commander of American Legion Post 75 told the group,

“As a lifelong resident, I’m proud of the city for the way we honor our veterans.”

Larry McHugh, president of the Middletown Chamber of Commerce pledged a $1,000 donation for the memorial.

Ann Walsh of Windsor,CT., a member of the Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial, Inc. Committee shoots video of the June 5 memorial site selection for WIN-TV.

According to Martucci, towns throughout central Connecticut were looked at but after careful consideration the Middletown site was chosen.. “After a yearlong search, we finally found the right home for the Trees of  Honor memorial,” she said.

Wearing his Purple Heart medal, McDonald of Wethersfield who served and was wounded in Iraq, said later being part of the memorial committee has been a healing experience for him. Just the day before, McDonald had visited Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as part of Operation Gift Card which is organized by the Disabled American Veterans and AmVets. McDonald said seeing other soldiers who were wounded even more seriously than himself and their indomitable spirits gave him perspective.

“I’ve been through a lot. I call it ‘the long road back’,” he said, “I appreciated what the governor had to say, it (the memorial) gives life to the sacrifices, it’s unique and inspiring.”

The memorial will be funded and constructed with public donations and will include a tree planted for each of Connecticut’s fallen who gave their lives serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and a personalized plague displayed next to each tree. It will be a reflective area featuring walkways, flower gardens, benches, flagpoles, statues and lighting.

With the site for the Trees of Honor Memorial in the background are: left to right, Nancy Rousselle, Jean Risley, Middletown Mayor Dan Drew, Gov. Dannel Malloy, Sue Martucci, Matt McDonald, Ann Walsh, Tom Linden and Diane DeLuzio.

Fundrasing for the memorial is underway with a goal of starting construction in about a year. The Trees of Honor Memorial, Inc. will host a fundraiser on June 22 in Windsor at Dom’s Broad Street Eatery from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., a pasta dinner is slated at the Elks Club in Windsor sometime in June and a September 13 wine tasting fundraiser will be held at the Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown.

Donations can be made for the memorial by making checks payable to: Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial, Inc. (CTHM, Inc.) c/o Colleen Dowd, Treasurer, P.O. Box 234, Windsor, CT 06095. For more information visit: CTTREESOFHONOR.COM

Categories: NEWS, war memorials

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2012 Memorial Day Parade & Monument Dedication Enfield, Connecticut

Posted on May 29, 2012

Dedication of the new veterans monument May 27, 2012 in Enfield, CT

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

“All gave some, some gave all,” the speaker’s voice cracked as he spoke those emotion-filled words Sunday May 27, when Enfield Connecticut held its 2012 Memorial Day Parade and dedicated a new veterans monument on the town green.

Another speaker, Veterans Council Chairman Ted Pladmonton told the crowd that Enfield is known for its patriotism. While some towns no longer hold Memorial Day Parades, Enfield has for the past 50 years, he noted. “And we will continue to as long as I’m alive,” he promised.

During the Memorial Day ceremony, State Senator John Kissel (R-Enfield) said his hope is that the United States will someday soon again be at peace.

State Senator John Kissel (R-Enfield) recalled his youth, noting that before he was graduated from high school the war in Viet Nam ended. In addition to showing gratitude to those who have served the nation, Kissel asked that everyone join him in his hope that someday soon the United States will once again “be at peace.”

The ceremony featured the unveiling and dedication of a new veterans monument meant to recognize all branches of the service and all veterans who gave their lives for their country. Located near the World War II Honor Roll Memorial, the new multi-section monument is stunning black,  with a mirror effect. On one side, each branch is listed while on the other side are their mottos.

Enrico Fermi High School and Enfield High School Marching Bands played the national anthem

“If you stand in the middle you can see your reflection in each section and sound echoes back, that is intentional,” explained one woman.

Marching bands from Enfield High School and Enrico Fermi High School capped the ceremony with a rendition of the “Star Spangled-Banner.” It may be one of the last Memorial Day Parades for Enrico Fermi students because Enfield plans to combine its two high schools.

Prior to the speeches the hour long parade began at 1:00 p.m. at the Felician Sisters complex, making its way down Enfield Street.

 

 

Some Gave All Lyrics – Billy Ray Cyrus

 I knew a man called him Sandy Kane – Few folks even knew his name- But a hero, yes, was he – Left a boy, came back a man-still many just don’t understand-About the reasons we are free-I can’t forget the look in his eyes – Or the tears he cries – As he said these words to me – “All gave some and some gave all -And some stood through for the red, white and blue – And some had to fall – And if you ever think of me – think of all your liberties and recall – Some gave all -Sandy Kane is no longer here _ but his words are oh so dear – As they echo throughout the land -For all his friends who gave us all – Who stood the ground and  took the fall- To help their fellow men- Love your country and live with pride- And don’t forget those who died – America can’t you understand? – All gave some and some gave all – and some stood through for the red, white and blue – and some had to fall – And if you ever think of me – Think of all your liberties and recall- Some gave all – And if you ever think of me- Think of all your liberties and recall- Some gave all.

Veterans Council Chairman Ted Pladmonton 

 

A little girl steps out and offers flowers to a marching soldier.

Categories: NEWS, patriotic songs

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Destination: Pancho Loco Restaurant, Vernon, CT

Posted on May 26, 2012

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Have a taste for Mexican food? Well, a terrific spot to try is Pancho Loco in Vernon, Connecticut. Inside, the decor is colorful and fun and includes a tribute wall to singer Jimmy Buffet – famous for the hit tune Margaritaville and his army of Parrothead followers.

Server Emily Leopard is among the pleasant wait staff at Pancho Loco

A complimentary basket of nacho chips and salsa gets the meal started. From there, the menu features traditional Mexican plates such as fajitas – be prepared for the “honk, honk, ring, ring” sound effects that accompany each delivery of sizzling fajitas. As well, there are tacos, burritos and chimichanga. Pancho Loco’s offers combination plates, salads, quesadillas, nachos, wings, enchiladas, steak & ribs selections, chef’s specials, lunch specials, Loco favorites, as well as burgers & sandwiches, a nino (children’s) menu and a-la-carte items like rice & beans, fries and baked potato. On Taco Tuesdays, it’s buy one, get one free (excluding take-out), on Wild Wing Wednesdays, 20 wings “of your choice” come with a pitcher of Coors Lite for $24.99 and on Sizzling Sundays, take $2 off any fajita.

With permission from their parents, Gabby and Logan had a chance to ring the sizzling fajita bell helped by staffer Kimberly Rick.

Under appetizers, the potato skins are delicious. They are topped with jack/cheddar cheese and bacon and served with a side of sour cream – however, if a side of salsa or blue cheese is preferred the wait staff here is pleasant and quite accommodating. Other savory  dishes experienced on this visit included veggie burritos, soft chicken tacos and a traditional burger, all accompanied by “homemade” rice and beans.

Although the menu is very good, Pancho Loco’s is more than just a nice place to meet and eat with friends and the family – it is also a popular watering hole. On Margarita Mondays, 12 ounce Margaritas cost $4 and on Thirsty Thursdays, take $1 off all Jose Cuervo 16 ounce Margaritas. Monday through Friday, Happy Hours runs from 4-6 p.m., with $1 off draft beers, Cabo Wabo, Patron or Herradura Margaritas. On Saturdays, they have live music from 8-11 p.m.,$3 Mexican beers and $7 Dos Lunas Silver Premium 16 ounce Margaritas.

Located at 218 Talcottville Road (Rt. 83), Pancho Loco’s is about a mile from I- 84. It has an outdoor deck and a take-out menu.

860-871-1819 or visit http://www.PanchoLoco.net

Categories: NEWS

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Students Explore Colonial History of Connecticut’s Oldest Town

Posted on May 21, 2012

 

Sage Park Middle School 8th graders stopped during a field trip exploring the history of Colonial Windsor for a lunch break at Bart’s Drive-in Restaurant now with The Beanery. Bart’s part- owner and general manager, Windsor Mayor Donald Trinks (back row) took time to pose for a photo with the class.

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

Sage Park Middle School students in Dar McCormick’s 8th grade social studies class had the opportunity May 18 to explore firsthand the history of their hometown of Windsor, Connecticut. Settled in 1633, Windsor is the oldest town in the state and is rich in the history of the nation and its Colonial past. According to Ms. McCormick, the excursion was originally slated for last autumn but had to be rescheduled due to a fall storm.

The field trip featured stops in the town’s Historic District including First Church. Established in the early 17th Century, it is the oldest congregational church in the country and third oldest in the world. In nearby Palisado Cemetery, the students studied the evolution of the grave stones there through the centuries. They were asked to investigate how materials and forms used for gravestones changed over time and which gravestones had religious or secular design elements. As a bonus exercise the students could determine the GPS coordinates for the grave of Rev. Ephraim Huit, said to be the oldest surviving gravestone in Connecticut.

At the Dr. Hezekiah Chaffee House, students planned to divide up into groups and role-play, switching so each group could take on the identities of the owners of the house and then the family’s slaves. Other stops included the John & Sarah Strong House and the Windsor Historical Society.

As well, the young people had a chance to blend learning about of the history of Colonial Windsor with experiencing an iconic part of the town’s modern history – a lunch stop at the storied Bart’s Drive-In Restaurant opened in 1946 and now with The Beanery, located on Palisado Avenue by the banks of the Farmington River and bordering the Historic District. Ever the good sport, Mayor Donald Trinks, part-owner and general manager of Bart’s, took time away from working the grill to pose with the students for a photo.

Are you as smart as an 8th grader? Care to try responding to some questions aimed at bridging the centuries and posed to Windsor, Connecticut’s Sage Park Middle School students ? Here they are……

1.What were Windsor’s major agricultural exports in the 19th Century?

2.When did the railroad open in Windsor? What are three benefits of railroad transportation?

3.Where are Windsor’s tobacco leaves sent after being cured?

4.How many bricks did Wilson Brick Company produce in 1906?

5.Name at least three examples of a ‘modern’ house in Windsor in 1930

6.What type of government system does Windsor use? How many members are on the Town Council?

Categories: NEWS

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2012 Shad Derby Day Parade & Festival on the Green – May 19 – Windsor, CT

Posted on May 18, 2012


Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

A little after 11:00 a.m. this morning Robert and Stephen McKay pitched the first tent on the town green in Windsor, Connecticut in preparation for the 2012 Shad Derby Day Parade & Festival on the Green scheduled for Saturday, May 19. The father and son, both Masons, were putting up the tent that will house CHIPS, a child safety identification program sponsored by Masonic Lodge #70. On the southern end of the green, orange fencing had been erected and picnic tables set up inside what will be the Beer Garden.

The Beer Garden is ready for tomorrow’s festival goers.

By the same time tomorrow, expect one end of the green to the other to be filled with tents, an abundance of activities, music, games, vendors offering a variety of food and beverages, as well as, crafts and much, much, more as Windsor puts on its annual signature event to celebrate the return of the shad that migrate north,swimming up the Connecticut River each year to spawn.

Father and son, Robert and Stephen McKay pitched the first tent in preparation for Saturday’s Shad Derby Day Parade & Festival on the Green.

“The Shad Always Return” is the motto of the event that has been going on since 1954. The Shad Derby Day Parade is scheduled to kick- off at Windsor High School at 12:30 and make its way to the town center by 1:00 p.m. There it will pass the reviewing stand. Among those to look for in the parade are the Governor’s Horse Guard, the Windsor Fife & Drum Corps, 2012 inductees in the WHS Sports Hall of Fame, the Mystic Highland Pipe Band, the Manchester Regional Police & Fire Pipe Band, the Warehouse Point Ancient Fife & Drum Corps, a number of Sphinx Shriner’s units such as the Funsters, the WHS Marching Band and the Queen’s Float carrying the recently crowned 2012 Shad Derby Queen and her court.

Organized by the Windsor Jaycees and held the third Saturday in May, Shad Derby Day is one of those wonderful hometown events – a bit of Americana.

Mayor Donald Trinks, a former Windsor Jaycee who was active in the Shad Derby for many years, noted how pleased he is that the group is carrying on the tradition. “I’m so proud of them. The group has grown, and, the excitement level,” he said earlier today.

The festival on the green runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., admission is free . A sunny, warm day is forecast – perfect for getting out and enjoying the festivities in Connecticut’s oldest town!

For more information visit http://www.windsorshadderby,com

Categories: NEWS

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“There are places I remember…” Good-bye to UConn’s Memorial Stadium

Posted on May 14, 2012

UConn’s Memorial Stadium in Storrs, CT 5/13/2012 – slated to be dismantled starting this week.

“There are places I remember…” Good-bye to UConn’s Memorial Stadium

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.wordpress.com                                                                                                                             

“There are places I remember all my life -Though some have changed- Some forever, not for better- Some have gone and some remain…” Beatles lyrics.                                                                                                                                                                                                                

This week dismantling begins of Memorial Stadium in Storrs, Connecticut, home to University of Connecticut football from 1953-2002. Though replaced by Rentschler Field in 2003 ( a 40,000 seat stadium located in East Hartford) Memorial Stadium has remained standing – until now.   

In the great scheme of things it is not a tragic loss, yet for me it is an ending that evokes a bit of melancholy as I recall my days as a UConn coed, walking up Fairfield Avenue on a crisp, cool autumn Saturday afternoon headed for a game at Memorial Stadium, the UConn Marching Band running onto the field there, the roar of the crowd after a UConn touchdown – but most of all, old friends.

The old scoreboard,next to the visitor’s side bleachers, at soon to be dismantled Memorial Stadium.

Yesterday I drove out to the Storrs campus to take a last look at the stadium. Now in disrepair, it was once a vibrant facility. “The Hill” just outside the southern gate was a popular viewing spot but hardcore fans stood and watched near the end zone closest to the Field House. More intimate than its bigger replacement, the stands at the 16,200 seat Memorial Stadium offered a bird’s eye view of the action on and off the field – as folks strolled up and down the cement concourse below, where the cheerleaders did their thing. On each end of the stadium there where refreshment stands that are already gone.

A particularly strong memory for me is attending a game, by then an alum, not long after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States. Among the crowd I felt a powerful sense of unity and determination as everyone stood, and together solemnly sang our national anthem – “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Of course, many happy, carefree moments also came to mind.

The process of dismantling Memorial Stadium is expected to continue through June. A new, multi-million dollar basketball practice facility will be built on the site.

                                                                                                                                                                                

Categories: NEWS

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Field of Flags Honors American Lives Lost in Iraq & Afghanistan

Posted on May 11, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

“Field of Flags” South Congregational Church-East Hartford, Connecticut

The visual impact is daunting. A “Field of Flags” with more than 6,000 American flags, one for each American casualty in Iraq and Afghanistan, is on display at South Congregational Church in East Hartford, Connecticut.

Described by organizers as “a silent, patriotic and poignant reminder of the cost of war,” the “Field of Flags” is meant  to not only represent individual casualties but also family and friends impacted by the losses, respect for those who have served and are currently serving in the military and “our hope for peace in the future.”

“It takes your breath away,” said Debra Dahms.

Debra Dahms and James St. James of East Hartford, CT looked over the names of American casualties when they paid their respects at the “Field of Flags.”

She and James St. James, both of East Hartford, stopped to pay their respects while they were out for a walk last weekend. Although she said the memorial is “absolutely beautiful,” Dahms added it saddened her to think of so many lives lost.

 

 

A sea of flags spans across the front lawn of the church leading to a name board where the name and rank of every American casualty is listed by state. On top of the board is a tally of the total losses which as of May 3, 2012 were recorded to be 6,437. A hardcover notebook to write in, is available there for visitors who want to share their thoughts.

Originally dedicated in October of 2005, at Somers Congregational Church in Somers, Connecticut, the “Field of Flags” drew such a wide and strong response that it has become a traveling tribute. The idea for the “Field of Flags” came from the Memorial Garden Committee at Somers Church, which was destroyed by fire on New Year’s Day 2012 – plans are underway to rebuild , services are currently being held at Johnson Memorial Hospital in nearby Stafford Springs.

Since that first dedication of the “Field of Flags,” in addition to other towns in Connecticut, it has been displayed at churches in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Florida and New Jersey. It will remain at the South Congregational Church in East Hartford through Memorial Day – May 28, then moves on to the United Methodist Church in Bristol, CT June 1, the First Congregational Church in North Adams, Massachusetts June 29, Warren Congregational Church, Warren, CT July 27, Vernon Congregational Church Vernon, CT August 24, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southbury, CT September 22 and the First Congregational Church of Branford, Branford, CT October 26.

Churches interested in having the “Field of Flags” can call the office for Somers Congregational Church at (860)763-4021. Memorial Garden Committee members will bring the flags and name board and help set up the “Field of Flags.”

Categories: NEWS, Tributes, War Dead Iraq Afghanistan

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UConn Baseball at Dodd Stadium

Posted on May 9, 2012

Senior David Fisher was on the mound first for UConn in a May 5 doubleheader at Dodd Stadium .

Write -Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

As beautiful as the Storrs campus is, it is a nice change for fans when the University of Connecticut Baseball Team plays an occassional  home game at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Connecticut as it did this past Saturday. In a doubleheader with the Cincinnati Bearcats, the Connecticut Huskies came up with a 4-3 win in the afternoon opener but fell 1-0 in the second game. In game one, junior LJ Mazzilli had the winning hit enabling two runners to score late in the match-up.

The Huskies were the 2011 Big East regular season champions.

Autographs for young fans.

The winning runs in game one.

LJ Mazzilli at bat.

Sweet victory

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