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NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Plans Underway for 6th Annual Tavern Trot in Historic Windsor, Connecticut

Posted on May 5, 2012

2012 Tavern Trot Planning Committee- clockwise-Katie Murray, Ann Walsh, Mike Deneen, James Duncan, Perley Askerson, Rick Poirier and Paul Murray.

Story & Photo by: Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Save this date – September 16 – for the 6th annual Tavern Trot in the lovely hamlet of Windsor, Connecticut. Plans are underway for the sixth running of the 3.5 mile race through the historic center of Connecticut’s first town. Hosted by Union Street Tavern, the Tavern Trot is USATF certified and is a qualifier for the Manchester Road Race. Proceeds from the event will benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a national charity for research to fight childhood cancer.

The planning committee held its initial meeting Tuesday night, May 2, at the tavern which is located on 20 Union Street in Windsor Center.

“Last year we raised $20,000 and overall have donated $60,000,” noted planning committee member Paul Murray.

Members of the 2012 planning committee are Paul Murray and his wife Katie Murray, Ann Walsh, Mike Deneen, James Duncan, Perley Askerson and Rick Poirier.

Race day registration will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Start time is 12:30. Preregistration can be done by visiting http://www.unionstreettavern.com. The tentative cut-off date for preregistration is September 11. Free t-shirts will be given to the first 500 runners to register.  Water will be available along the route and afterwards there will be free refreshments, beer and food. There will also be live entertainment. Walkers are welcome.

A goal for the planning committee is to attract even more runners to the race which has been growing steadily.

“We’re hoping to attract 700 runners this year,” said Deneen, a part owner of Union Street Tavern and a runner himself.

Last year about 620 runners took part. Looking ahead, Deneen said he envisions even greater participation – “We don’t want to top out at 700,” he added.

The committee is tossing around ideas for incentives, such as a free Union Street Tavern commemorative glass, for past participants who sign up with a new runner for the 2012 race.

For Ann Walsh, a local volunteer coordinator for Alex’s Lemonade Stand, the continued support from the Tavern Trot for this charity is heartfelt.

“To me personally it has meant the Windsor community continuing to come together to support Alex’s Lemonade and the fight against pediatric cancer. Yes, they get some sponsors but this is a lot of work and these guys kick in some of their own money, “Walsh said, referring to the owners of the tavern.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand is named for “Alex” Scott, a little girl whose parents were originally from Windsor. Some of the tavern owners grew up with the Scotts and have maintained their friendships, Walsh pointed out.

“Maybe it’s (the trot) good business, but, that is not why it is done and that is what touches my heart. They have maintained their friendships which is rare in this day and age. This really means something to them,” said Walsh.

Categories: NEWS

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Destination: Green Dragon Tavern Boston, MA

Posted on April 28, 2012

 

Green Dragon Tavern Boston, MA

Article & Photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Steeped in American history, no visit to Boston is complete without stopping in at The Green Dragon Tavern. Visitors are greeted at the front door by a statue of a Redcoat – a reminder that the British army kept a close watch on the tavern, dubbed by historians as the “Headquarters of the Revolution” for Samuel Adams, Daniel Webster and Paul Revere. It was from The Green Dragon Tavern that Revere set off on his famous ride to Lexington – “The British are coming….” Revere was alerted to British military strategy against the Patriots by lanterns in the nearby Old North Church – “one if by land, two if by sea…”

Used as a meeting place by secret groups in pursuit of American independence, it was here that the Sons of Liberty devised “resistance to the British Throne and Parliament.” The Boston Tea Party is said to have been planned at the tavern.

Located at 11 Marshall Street, just off Union Street where the original building stood, The Green Dragon Tavern is walking distance from Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market and easily found by following the Freedom Trail. It has an old rustic feel and is also known as a popular night spot among college students.

The menu includes “Patriot’s Pleasures,” such as Loaded Musket Potato Skins or Redcoat Wings. As well as soups and salads, there are an array of sandwiches and Beantown Burgers- my personal favorite is the Ben Franklin. A favorite side is authentic Boston Baked Beans. Depending on the dessert offerings of the day, what could make a more perfect finish to a meal here than a slice of Boston Creme Pie.

Opened 364 days a year – Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.- 2 a.m and Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.

617-367-0055.

Categories: American history, Historic Boston, iconic restaurants, NEWS, Sons of Liberty

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Happy Birthday Fenway Park!

Posted on April 20, 2012

Happy Birthday Fenway Park!

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

The Boston Red Sox will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of historic Fenway Park today during a pre-game ceremony. The ceremony will take place just before the Sox continue one of the greatest of all sport’s rivalries, in a game with the New York Yankees, the same team the Sox beat 7-6 in eleven innings on April 20, 1912 – then called The New York Highlanders, according to redsox.com. Both teams are scheduled to wear their throwback uniforms. Expect the first pitch to be thrown this afternoon at 3:15 p.m.

My sister Candy seated beside the Green Monster at Fenway Park.

Yesterday a free open house was held at Fenway attracting 52,000 visitors, redsox.com reports. Wally the Green Monster roamed about and past and present players were on-hand to sign autographs. Though not today, walking tours of Fenway are generally available daily – $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and $12 for the military, students and children.

 

On display at Cheers in Faneuil Hall marketplace.

Visit the official Sox Website  to view other photos and interesting trivia about the team and America’s most famous ballpark. For example, it was Nathan Cobb, a writer for the Boston Globe who coined the term ‘Red Sox Nation’ in 1986.

It is “the intimacy” of Fenway Park that is said to set it apart, an open ballpark located in the heart of downtown Boston. The fictional Sam Mallone, played by Ted Danson on the popular 1980’s televsion show “Cheers” gained famed here as “Mayday Mallone ,” a relief pitcher for the Sox.

From May 7th to May 20th, fans of Red Sox Nation can vote on-line for the greatest ever Red Sox team by visiting redsox.com. A Tenth Man vote will begin May 22.

Categories: NEWS

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Red Sox Come Up A Game Shy of 2012 Home Opening Sweep

Posted on April 17, 2012

Red Sox Come Up A Game Shy of 2012 Home Opening Sweep

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

Boston Red Sox fans awoke Monday morning optimistic the day would bring a four game sweep in the 2012 season home opening set at Fenway Park. The Sox, however, were denied by the Rays in a 1-0 loss.

Boston’s new manager, Bobby Valentine, came under fire for leaving in Daniel Bard, described by sports pundits as a promising young pitcher whose performance was excellent earlier in day. In an interview posted on redsox.com Valentine defended the move though conceded it did not turn out the way he had hoped.

“Well, it was the wrong decision obviously,” said Valentine.

“It’s all building blocks, ” he went on to say.

The heat on Valentine follows a controversy he reportedly is being blamed for having stirred up, due to a negative critique of Kevin Youkilis on WHDH’s Sports Xtra in which Valentine said he did not think Youkilis was as “physically and emotionally into the game as he has been in the past.” Teammates are said to have rallied around Youkilis who did not play Monday due to a sore groin. Dustin Pedroia is quoted as having put Valentine on notice that faulting a player through the media was “not the way to go about stuff here.”

Maybe it should  come as no surprise that ‘shots’ were fired – after all game four did take place on Patriot’s Day which commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord.

Also making news at Monday’s game was attendance by former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, on track to become the GOP nominee in the upcoming presidential race.

In the midst of all this, let it not be overlooked that the Sox did come up with wins against the Rays in the games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Categories: NEWS

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Mini Mecca of Popular Chain Restaurants Expands on Buckland Street in Manchester, CT

Posted on April 13, 2012

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

 


Follow the Buckland Street exit ramp off I-84 east to the end and one is greeted by a quaint “Welcome to Manchester” sign surrounded this time of year by lovely pink blossoms. It is a look consistent with the Connecticut town’s nickname, “The City of Village Charm.”

Take a left or right onto Buckland Street, however, and reach a modern Manchester and an expanding mini mecca of popular chain restaurants. To the left are Chili’s, Friendly’s and Olive Garden. Take a right to find the latest addition, Buffalo Wild Wings scheduled to open April 16th. Despite its offering of free wings for a year to the first one hundred customers, town officials do not appear to be bracing for the same fervor to accompany opening day here that came when BWW’s next door neighbor, a Sonic restaurant, set up shop several months ago. Across the road, the long standing Wendy’s seems to be holding its own in the face of increasing competition. Meanwhile, just up Red Stone Road are two more eating places, Carrabba’s and the Texas Roadhouse, both are situated across from a cinema, Imax rave motion pictures.

All of these are a stone’s throw from numerous shopping areas. They include the Burr Corners Plaza, the BJ’s Wholesale plaza – home to Wooster Street Pizza , what is commonly called the ‘Buckland Hills Mall’, another retail plaza down from that and over the town line in South Windsor, the upscale Evergreen Walk. Mixed in are – what else- more restaurants. 

Categories: NEWS

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Despite Chill in the Air, 2012 Hockanum River Canoe & Kayak Race Held April 1

Posted on April 6, 2012

With a chill in the air, the 2012 Hockanum River Canoe & Kayak Race took place April 1 in CT

Write-up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Despite a chill in the air and cloudy skies, some hardy paddlers turned out April 1 to take part in the 35th annual Hockanum River Canoe & Kayak Race held in central Connecticut. Nonetheless, the weather may have been to blame for keeping others away. Participation was reportedly down to 75 entrants. Ironically, about a week before the area was experiencing record high temperatures which brought tree blossoms out early.

Mother nature also created some additional challenges to navigate this year. Although race organizers were said to have made every effort get the course cleared up in the aftermath of storms Irene and Alfred, there were downed branches along the way. As well, a local reservoir was opened to raise low water levels.

 

 

 

Typically a four hour race, it begins in Vernon, Connecticut with whitewater as part of the course which twists and turns through Manchester ending in East

Hartford. The event is open to men and women who sometimes compete as a team.

 

 

 

Paddlers often decorate their boats and, or themselves, making the Hockanum River Canoe & Kayak Race fun to watch for the spectators who position themselves at various locations to cheer on their favorite paddlers.

Categories: NEWS

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Windsor K-9 Team to Compete in USPCA Event – Honor 25th Anniversary Fallen Milford Officer

Posted on March 30, 2012

Write-up & Photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

The K-9 team of Windsor,Connecticut Officer Steve Vesco and Iko

The Windsor, Connecticut Police Department K-9 team of Officer Steve Vesco and Iko will compete in the upcoming  United States Police Canine Association Region 7 Police Dog 1 field trials, that is being held in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the in the line of duty death of  a Milford, Connecticut officer. The competition is scheduled for April 13, 14 and 15 in Milford, and is being hosted by the Milford Police Department to honor the memory of Milford K-9 officer Daniel Wasson, who died  in the line of duty in April of 1987.

“The hope is that a lot of Connecticut teams will attend, and a number of teams from New York are also expected,” Vesco said.

The three-day competition will include tests in obedience, agility, article search, group box search, criminal apprehension and handler protection with gunfire. The competition will be held rain or shine.

On Saturday, April 14 there will be a public demonstration at Foran High, 80 Foran Road at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free. Weather permitting, the K-9 teams will march onto the high school field in a parade like procession. Vesco noted it is also hoped there will be a strong public turnout. Following the demonstration, he said, there will be a chance to meet some of the police dogs.

The weekend marks the 25th anniversary of the “in the line of duty death” of then 25-year-old Milford, Connecticut Police Officer Daniel “Danny” Scott Wasson. According to a notice about the event, in the early morning hours of Sunday April 12, 1987, Officer Wasson was on patrol with his K-9 partner ‘General’ and radioed dispatch that he was conducting a motor vehicle stop along Boston Post Road near the Orange town line. It was a stop which proved to be fatal for the young officer.

“During the course of the motor vehicle stop Officer Wasson was fatally shot by the vehicle’s operator. Officer Wasson was found at 2:45 hours lying on the side of the road with a single gunshot wound to the chest from a .44 magnum. Officer Wasson was pronounced dead at Yale New Haven Hospital shortly after 03:00 hours.”

K-9 teams interested in participating in the event can register by going to http://www.uspca7.org. Registration should be completed before April 10. There are no fees for Region 7 members. For non Region 7 members the fee is $40.00

For more information contact Officer Matt Lima at mlima@ci.milford.ct.us

Categories: NEWS

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Countdown Is On To 2012 Opening Day At Fenway Park

Posted on March 23, 2012


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Fenway Park, Boston, MA

It’s not long now. The countdown is on to the Boston Red Sox 2012 regular season home opener at the incomparable Fenway Park, that is marking a historic 100-year anniversary. Opening day falls on Friday April 13, an afternoon game against the Rays.

Standing on Yawkey Way outside Fenway in downtown Boston, it is hard not to be in awe of  the nation’s oldest ballpark. I attended my first professional baseball game there with my dad. Walking towards the park, excitement always builds. Once inside, it’s all about the game – well – and the Green Monster, the 7th inning stretch and a chance to honor tradition by singing along to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame…”

For anyone interested in the history of Fenway, PBS is scheduled to air “Inside Fenway Park: An icon At 100” Monday at 10:00 p.m. According to an article by Zack Meisel/MLB.com, posted on redsox.com, actor Matt Damon does some narration for the film and former Boston Globe columnist Mike Barnicle is interviewed along with many others. The special is slated to air again Tuesday night at 8:00.

Categories: NEWS

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Windsor, CT Soldier Extends Birthday Wishes to Centenarian at Bart’s Drive-In

Posted on March 19, 2012

Staff Sgt. Danny Nolan offered birthday wishes to centenarian Mary Dumont at Bart’s Drive-In Restaurant. Also extending birthday wishes, Carol Engelmann and Mayor Donald Trinks.

Story & Photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

Add another chapter to the storied history of Bart’s Drive-In Restaurant in Windsor, Connecticut. Hometown hero Staff Sgt. Danny Nolan on leave from duty in the war in Afghanistan, took time last week to join a 100th birthday celebration at “Bart’s” for a local woman.

Serendipity was clearly at play Thursday, March 15 when Nolan took a break from visiting area schools to have lunch at Bart’s Drive-In. By chance, Nolan came upon Mary Dumont commemorating her recent February 29, milestone 100th birthday.

Joined by a friend and her caregiver, Ms. Dumont’s eyes lit up when Nolan, in uniform, sat down to chat with her.

“Sure, a handsome soldier comes along and forget about me. I’m just the mayor,“quipped Donald Trinks, part owner and gereral manager of “Bart’s.”

“Well, I am single. So, when I get home….,”Nolan said to the demure lady, flashing a broad smile.

Trinks and Carol Engelmann, co-owner of  an adjoining eatery, the Beanery, were  also on-hand to extend their good wishes to Ms. Dumont.

“She’s a leap year baby,” noted Ms. Dumont’s caregiver, “She has a great, great, great-granddaughter.”

According to her caregiver, although Ms. Dumont doesn’t get to “Bart’s” as often as she used to, it remains one of her favorite places. Still a Windsor resident, over the years she has enjoyed the restaurant. It opened in 1946 and has been a popular stop for celebrities, well-known sports figures and politicians.

It was noted the time he spent with Ms. Dumont is characteristic of Nolan, who also visited three Windsor elementary schools that day, Wolcott, Kennedy and Ellsworth. Nolan talked with students who have been writing to him and other Windsor soldiers deployed in the war zone. The youngsters communicate with the soldiers and help fill care boxes mailed to them through a community service project of WIN-TV called SEND HOMETOWN WINDSOR TO THE TROOPS or SEND, which is coordinated by Ann Walsh.

Walsh, who was also at “Bart’s,” has described Nolan as a “local ambassador of good will.”

As well, Nolan is SEND’s adopted soldier for Loomis Chaffee, a  private secondary school in Windsor. Loomis is on winter break, but Nolan said he hoped it could be arranged for him to meet and thank some of the Loomis students and their advisor this week.

In addition, Nolan is scheduled this week to visit a senior at Wilby High School in Waterbury, Andy Duvall, a young man whose story captured hearts across the state, as well as those of Nolan and his firefighting team in Afghanistan – the 246th Engineer Detachment of the Connecticut Army National Guard. Having lost his mother to cancer seven years ago, Duvall’s father died in August, 2011 from diabetes, leaving him an orphan with a mortgage and other bills to try to pay.  Nolan, a longtime Hartford firefighter, said he was alerted to Duvall’s story by a friend.

“Andy wants to be a firefighter,”  added Nolan.

Slated to return to Afghanistan on Friday, March 23, Nolan said he plans to devote the remainder of his leave to spending time with his family.

Categories: NEWS

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Destination: Tullycross Tavern & Microbrewery Manchester, CT

Posted on March 16, 2012

Writer’s note-Tullycross Tavern has closed as of Nov. 2013 – reportedly due to competition from the many chain restaurants in the area.      

    Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

 

Tullycross Tavern & Microbrewery in Manchester, CT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tullycross Tavern & Microbrewery in Manchester, Connecticut is a welcome addition to the Greater Hartford restaurant scene. An Irish pub, it also seemed like a great spot to check out so close to St. Patrick’s Day.

Huge brewing vats on either side of the front entrance greet visitors to TCT at 1487 Pleasant Valley Road. Located in the former John Harvard’s Tavern, the lighting inside TCT is soft, offset by long windows that surround the restaurant section. Booths and tables, full on this Thursday night, are dark wood. From here, the bar area, also full, is visible through a divider with small square pane windows,making it easy to catch a glimpse of the sporting events being televised.

What would a trip to an Irish pub be without sampling a wee bit of Irish whiskey?

Not to worry, TCT puts together a tasty Irish Coffee made with Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, brown sugar, hot coffee and creme de menthe. Also on the winter specialities drink menu is TCT Irish Creme created from house made Irish creme and Jameson Irish whiskey, served on the rocks.

TCT Irish Coffee

TCT offers a variety of hand-crafted beers brewed on the premises plus house made root beer, Clausthaker – a non-alcoholic beer, and hard cider.

The food menu entices the diner with unique dishes, as well as, typical pub items but with distinctive twists. The Smokehouse Mac & Cheese got rave reviews as “absolutely delicious” along with

a heavenly tasting Bailey’s Chocolate Cheesecake for dessert.

Starters range from Irish Nachos – consisting of kettle chips, garlic, mashed potatoes, cheddar, pepper-jack cheese with corned beef and scallions- to pan seared wings, Brew Master’s Mussels, soft pretzels with light honey mustard and Galway Calamari, as the list goes on… Soups and salads are available as is an array of flatbread pizza such as, Baked Potato Pizza, Tully’s Irish Red Bar BQ and a Butternut Squash & Sauage selection.

In addition to burgers, sandwiches and wraps, the

Tullycross winter entree menu includes: Tavern Meatloaf with mashed potatoes, broccoli spears & Silk City Beer Gravy – the latter an apparent tip of the hat to Manchester, A.K.A., the Silk City; TCT Shepard’s Pie, Fish & Chips; Tully’s Wharf- a combo of fried cod and shrimp with hand cut fires and coleslaw; Seared Salmon; Tavern Steak Skewer; Tavern’s Favorite Pasta served with smoked chicken, bacon, asparagus tips and fresh mushrooms in cream sauce with smoked Gouda, TCT Rib Eye; not to mention that traditional St. Paddy’s Day dish, Corned Beef & Cabbage.

Besides cheesecake on the TCT dessert menu is Grandma Lil’s Warm Apple Crisp, Chocolate Mousse Divine, a Homemade Cookie Sundae and Not for Kiddies vanilla ice cream topped with – well – to find out, stop in.

Perfectly delectable Bailey’s Chocolate Cheesecake.

There are jars of wrapped candy peppermints by the door near a display of TCT

T-shirts which are for sale. Next to those is a jar for a sayings contest, whereby customers can submit a favorite saying. If it is selected, it will be put up for viewing in the pub.Weekly events at TCT include live music on Wednesday nights starting at 9 p.m. On Sundays, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree.

According to the TCT Website, Sean Wansor opened Tullycross Tavern & Microbrewery in October of 2011. TCT is the realization of a dream he shared with his father “Tully.” The name of the pub, says Wansor, is derived from a “family legend” that their roots can be traced to the small, rural village in Ireland called Tullycross. Brewmaster at TCT is Brian Flach, pub manager is Jeff Carvalho and tavern manager is Joe Sheehan.

Good food, comfortable atmosphere and a pleasant staff. TCT is definitely a place that beckons one back!

For hours visit http://www.tullycrosstavern.com or phone 860-644-(BREW)2739.

Categories: Irish Taverns, NEWS

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