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NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade Draws Thousands of Spectators

Posted on March 13, 2012


Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

Bagpipes,step-dancers,marching band renditions of “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” and thousands of spectators awash in green, were all part of the 41st annual Greater Hartford St.Patrick’s Day Parade held March 10 in downtown Hartford, Connecticut. The day even included an impromptu marriage proposal.

Spirits were high from the moment the two and a half hour parade kicked off at 11 a.m.at the State Capitol under sunny skies. Clad in various hues of green and lining the streets on the way to Memorial Arch, viewers came prepared for crisp, yet comfortable, temperatures in the 40’s.

Sister Peggy Evans, an East Catholic High School faculty member, was the Parade Grand Marshal and local television anchor, Irene O’Connor of WFSB, marched – in green high, high heels -as

Grand Marshal Sister Peggy Evans.

Irene O’Connor

the Irish Person of the Year. Governor Dannel Malloy, his wife Cathy Malloy, and Lt.Gov.

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, Gov. Dannel Malloy and his wife Cathy accompanied by security detail.

Nancy Wyman also sporting green high heels, were among the dignitaries in the parade. Participating as well, were U.S.Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressmen Joe Courtney and John Larson, Secretary of State Denise Merrill and many local officials including Hartford Mayor Pedro Seggara.

Hartford Mayor Pedro Seggara

Step-dancers from the Mulcahy Academy of Irish Dance and the Griiffith Academy were among those who entertained the crowd, as did high school marching bands from throughout the region.The Windsor Fife & Drum Corps and Manchester Regional Police & Fire Fife Band took part. As usual, labor unions had a strong presence in the parade and received applause as they passed by. A real crowd pleaser was the float by the International

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Windsor Fife & Drum Corps

Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

depicting pole workers repairing high wires. Korean War veterans also marched and as is their tradition they carried a sign which read “Freedom is Not Free.”

Staff Sgt.Danny Nolan,a longtime Hartford firefighter, greets vehicle Frank Droney is riding in – Droney is one of the last surviving firefighters who battled the Hartford Hospital fire in 1961.

On leave from duty in Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. Danny Nolan of Windsor, a longtime Hartford firefighter, surprised his colleagues greeting them on the parade route. Before passing away, Nolan’s father retired from the HFD as deputy chief and was a co-founder of the Hartford St.Patrick’s Day Parade. Nolan said he was especially glad to be able to attend this year because the HFD chose the event to honor Frank Droney, who rode in the parade. According to Nolan, Droney is among the last surviving firefighters who responded to the Hartford Hospital fire 51 years ago, which resulted in changes in hospital safety procedures and building codes throughout the nation. Droney fought that fire side by side with Nolan’s father whose company was the first to respond.

“Frank Droney and my father grew up together in Ireland and emigrated to the U. S.at the same time.They joined the army together and both fought in Korea and when they came home they joined the Hartford Fire Department,” he noted.

Spectators

Bella, Laura, 5 month old Weston and Lauren from Farmington

Kara Sundlun and Denise D’ascenzo wave to the crowd

The parade featured several on-air personalities from WFSB, such as anchors Denise D’ascenzo, Kara Sundlun and Dennis House. However, none appeared to be more popular on this day than weatherman Mark Dixon who reacted with a smile when he received an impromptu “shout out” marriage proposal along the way. The proposal came from Erin who identified herself as a schoolteacher.

 Mark Dixon

How serious was she? “Very serious,” she said. If Dixon is interested, how can he let her know? “Report the weather is going to be HOT!,” Erin said,laughing.

The parade was put on by the Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Committee.

Candy and Dixie enjoyed the parade

Erin’s proposal

Irish step dancers

Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Committee banner

Categories: Holidays, NEWS, Parades

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Hartford, CT to Host 2012 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday March 10

Posted on March 9, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Write-up by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

There couldn’t be a better day to go green in Hartford, Connecticut then Saturday, March 10, when the city hosts the 41st annual Greater Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade. One of Hartford’s most popular events, the parade kicks off at 11 a.m.and is expected to draw thousands of spectators lining the parade route from the State Capitol to Memorial Arch at Bushnell Park.

Many Hartford restaurants and pubs are slated to open early, including Vaughan’s Public House and McKinnon’s Irish Pub. Check out McKinnon’s witty verse on Facebook which captures the traditionally light-hearted, upbeat spirit of St. Patty’s parade day in Hartford. It reads – Here’s to a long life and a happy one, A quick death and an easy one, A pretty girl and a honest one, A cold beer and another one!

Units are scheduled to march from the municipalities of East Hartford, Glastonbury, Hartford, Hebron, Manchester, Newington, Rocky Hill, South Windsor, Suffield, West Hartford, Wethersfield and Vernon. The parade will begin on Capitol Avenue then turn left onto Main Street, left onto Asylum Street, left onto Ford Street and end by the arch. It will be broadcast live on WTIC-TV Channel 61.

(Look for parade photos on an upcoming newsandviewsjb)

Categories: NEWS

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Windsor, Connecticut Police K-9 Team Continues Winning Ways

Posted on March 2, 2012

Windsor, CT Police Officer Steve Vesco and K-9 Iko

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

The tougher the competition the more motivated Officer Steve Vesco is to excel. So, it should come as no surprise that even now Vesco and his K-9 partner, Iko, are preparing for a police dog competition that is months away.

Already an award-winning K-9 team, Vesco and 4-year-old Iko will head to a Region 4 event this summer, described by Vesco as “extremely competitive and very strict.” So stringent is the judging that a slight nod of the head or small hand movement can be interpreted as a double command from the canine handler, which would result in being marked down. In competition there is no room for error, the expectation is that teams arrive ready to perform at the highest levels, noted Vesco. That is just fine with this 18 year veteran of the WPD who served as a Marine in the Persian Gulf War.

“The less commands, the better. It is very strict, there are a lot of rules,” Vesco said during a recent interview at the Public Safety Complex in Windsor.

A year after Iko, a handsome-looking, solid black, pure bred German Shepard became Vesco’s partner, the pair began training for their first competition. In 2010, they triumphantly walked away from the United States Police Canine Association  Certification Competition, held in Worcester, MA, with a first place trophy in the novice division.

“That represents first place overall,”Vesco said,”We also took first place in obedience, first place in apprehension and third place in suspect search. We ended up coming away with four or five trophies.”

In 2011, Vesco and Iko fared well again competing in Merrimack, New Hampshire in the open division.

“It’s a whole different field, very, very tough – an even higher level of competition. I couldn’t believe it, I was floored when we took 4th place overall,”Vesco recalled.

Their success did not stop with that award. Teamed with Joel Wun, a sheriff in Ludlow, MA who is also one of Vesco’s trainers as a handler, and two officers from Manchester, New Hampshire, they placed first as a Four-Man Team.

“That is very prestigious,”Vesco explained, adding, “that was exciting.”

Working police dogs must  be recertified every year but participation in competitions is not required. Although it demands extra hours of training, Vesco says -first and foremost- competing keeps Iko’s skills top-notch, and the awards strengthen his credibility as a police canine. As well, Vesco said he is proud to be able to represent the department and state.

Statue of Jag.

Being half of an award-winning K-9 team is nothing new for Vesco. Iko is his second K-9 partner and the dog had some big paws to fill, following behind the legendary Jag. As Vesco’s K-9 partner for 10 and a half years, he and Jag stacked up award after award not to mention a stellar record in police work throughout north central Connecticut as part of the regional SWAT team. They put in countless hours of public appearances and visits. After being retired from the WPD, Jag passed away but was so beloved by the community that he is immortalized by a statue on display in the lobby of the Public Safety Complex.

Three years after coming on board at the WPD, it was Vesco who approached the department’s top brass about re-establishing a K-9 unit. Subsequent to losing Jag, Vesco recalled he was approached by colleagues who encouraged him to take another K-9 partner, but he needed some time. Eventually, Wun introduced Vesco to Iko, at the time still a puppy that had just arrived from the Netherlands. Vesco felt a connection with the pup, he said, and was impressed with Iko’s demeanor and intelligence.

Aware of the time commitment involved in training a police K-9 and the fact that Iko would be living with Vesco, he introduced the dog to his wife and two children. The meeting went well, so Vesco decided to pursue acquiring Iko from Wun for the WPD. According to Vesco, that was made possible by Wun’s generosity in keeping the cost down and a grant from Milk Bone and the local Price Chopper grocery store.

Vesco initiated early training of Iko with Doug Humphries of East Windsor which evolved to training with Wun. Now, Vesco and Iko are one of two WPD K-9 teams; the other is Officer John Simon and Kane.

Not long ago, Iko reached a milestone and became a papa. Iko was bred and fathered nine puppies, each of which is spoken for and have homes.

On the immediate agenda for Iko is passive gunfire training – whereby, canines learn to stay calm when shots are being fired. The most challenging part of training, said Vesco, is maintaining consistency and staying on top of the large number of tactical maneuvers in different environments. Due to the time involved, Vesco opted not to continue with SWAT.

“It’s tough on a family. You’re on call 24-7,” he said.

Training and working with a police K-9 can be extremely rewarding, Vesco pointed out. “Catching the bad guy, finding narcotics” and “seeing an inexperienced dog and bringing him up to where you go to a demonstration and people ask ‘how are you able to do that?’.”

Vesco and Iko also visit schools, nursing homes, Cub Scout groups, and other civic organizations.

“Iko is always in a good mood, loves kids and is very social,” Vesco said, “He is my shadow.”

Categories: NEWS

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Successful Season for iQuilt Hartford Winterfest Skating Rink

Posted on February 24, 2012

Skating rink -Hartford, CT

Successful Season for iQuilt Hartford Winterfest Skating Rink

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.wordpress.com

Popularity of the iQuilt Winterfest skating rink in downtown Hartford, Connecticut continued through to its closing day on February 20. During the 2011-2012 season, it attracted an approximate 50,000 visitors – since the November 25 opening.

Stephanie and T'nya look forward to getting on the ice

From novices who grasped the rink’s edge as they navigated around the ice to those gliding along with ease, skaters turned out on Monday to take advantage of the final hours of the free activity. It was made possible through a combination of money from the city, corporate and private sponsors, and donated skates. In its second season, attendance at the rink located in Bushnell Park, is said to have been up a whopping 30,000, from the inaugural 2010-2011 season. As well as local residents, skaters came in from surrounding suburbs.

From Southington-Jessica, Ryan, McKenzie, Abigail, Scott and Caroline

Bushnell Park Feb. 20, 2012

For the Lee  family from Southington – Jessica, Ryan, McKenzie, Abigail, Scott and Caroline -Monday’s outing was their fourth time using the rink. T’nya and Stephanie, both 11 and both from Hartford, had also been to the rink several times this winter after learning to skate there last year. A woman from Massachusetts noted she came upon the rink while in town to see her son who works at a Hartford insurance company. She was back for her second day of skating.

“I think it’s absolutely wonderful,” she said.

“We have fun,” agreed T’nya and Stephanie.

Categories: NEWS

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Colchester Community Theatre Presents “Anything Goes”

Posted on February 21, 2012

Reno Sweeney and Billy Crocker played by Michelle Rocheford Johnston and Brett Michael Wilson

Review and photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Colchester Community Theatre wrapped up its run of the musical comedy “Anything Goes” February 19 with a full matinee house and wonderful, energetic performance at Bacon Academy in Colchester, Connecticut.

Set aboard the ocean liner SS American on voyage from New York to London, “Anything Goes” is the tale of young Wall Street broker Billy Crocker who stows away in order to win the girl he loves, heiress Hope Harcourt. Her family’s business is in financial trouble and she is engaged to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. On board Crocker is aided by his friend, nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and Moonface Martin, a gangster disguised as a cleryman. Originally performed on Broadway in 1934 with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, “Anything Goes” offers tunes that became popular hits and vigorous tap dance routines.

Brett Michael Wilson and Jenna Solari share the spotlight as Billy Crocker and Hope Harcourt

The CCT production opened in a Manhattan bar with the song “I Get a Kick Out of You” sung by Michelle Rocheford Johnston as Reno Sweeney. By day, Johnston is Director of Alumni Relations at Southern Connecticut State University. In her debut with the Colchester drama company, Johnston reprised a role she played in college. Complimenting her excellent acting performance, Johnston’s strong voice was featured throughout the show in other numbers, including duets of “You’re the Top,” “Friendship” and “The Gypsy in Me,” as well as, ensemble numbers “Anything Goes” and the especially powerful “Blow, Gabriel, Blow.”

In the roles of Billy Crocker and Hope Harcount were Brett Michael Wilson and Jenna Solari. Wilson studied at The Hartt School of Music and brought to the Colchester stage a long list of threatrical credits and accolades, most recently a nomination for best actor in a musical on BroadwayWorld.com for his performance in Titanic-The Musical in 2011. Solari is a Head Start Education Manager/Teacher; this was her fourth show with CCT. The two shared the spotlight for a particularly charming, on ship rendition of “Easy to Love,” in addition to “It’s De-lovely.” They were joined by the Sailors for “All Through the Night.”

Jennifer Rykowski as Erma

Crowd pleasing comedic farce performances were delivered by Richard Gallacher as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh and Michael Puscas as the “slightly sloshed businessman” Elisha Whitney. Crocker’s boss, Elisha Whitney is also on the trip and takes to pursuing Hope Harcourt’s mother, Mrs. Evangeline Harcourt played by Dianne McBroome. This marks Gallacher’s tenth year with CCT. Puscas too has been in several of CCT’s musical productions. Outside of community theatre, McBroome does Readers Theatre with her second graders.

A tap dancing cast

More comedic antics came from Erma played by Jennifer Rykowski as the blond bombshell accompanying Moonface Martin, played by Christopher Ozmun. This was the third CCT production for Rykowski, a member of Commedia Mania, a Commedia del Arte Troupe that performs in Connecticut and Massachusetts. It was a second appearance with CCT for Ozmun, the Coordinator of Math and Science for the Vernon School System.

Wallis Johnson directed with choreography by Lesley Gallagher and musical

Reno Sweeney

direction by Pawel Jura. Set design was 1930s art deco.

According to Diane Ozmun, CCT president and one of the ship’s passengers in the production, for most of her fellow cast members it was a first foray into tap dancing. Rehearsals were held four nights a week for seven weeks, at times with “seventy people on stage tap dancing.”

Ozmun said the goal of CCT is take audiences away from everyday stresses through the enjoyment of a few hours of entertainment.

Wedding scene

“That’s the prize,” said Ozmun.

Take a bow

In its 14th season, a dream for CCT is to build an arts center in Colchester as a home for their community theatre and other local artistic and cultural endeavors. Ozmun, a 4th grade teacher in Manchester,  has also been Music Director for CCT”s  Summer Children’s Theater Workshop for the last six years.

Ozmun emphasized she is extremely appreciative of the continued advertising and sponsorship support from area merchants and the audiences which faithfully attend each season.

The CCT production was presented via special arrangement with TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY, INC. and costume rental from Broadway Costumes (TM), Inc. “Anything Goes” ran Feb. 17, 7:00 p.m., Feb. 18, 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Feb. 19, 2:00 p.m.

Categories: Community theater, NEWS

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Area Friendly’s Restaurants Seem To Be Weathering Bankruptcy Filing

Posted on February 18, 2012

Friendly’s on Buckland Street in Manchester, Connecticut is open for business.

 

Write-up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

At one time Friendly’s Restaurants, with their quaint-looking ice cream parlor exteriors and interiors, and wholesome all-American image seemed to be located in most every town in several states along the East Coast. Their original owners were brothers who started out by opening an ice cream shop in Massachusetts in the 1930s. Eventually, Friendly’s became a chain and a go-to spot for sandwiches and sundaes.

In addition to having unique eating places as an option, more and more chain restaurants are now available to consumers. As well, a sluggish economy has impacted how consumers spend their money.

Not long ago, Friendly’s filed for bankruptcy and closed several of  what have been described as the weaker restaurants. However, more than 400 shops have remained opened. In Connecticut’s Greater Hartford area, a number of  Friendly’s remain open for business, including one on Buckland Street in Manchester and another in Vernon. Thus far, both appear to be weathering the financial storm as customers continue to stop in for Big Beef Chesseburgers and Happy Ending Sundaes.

A Facebook campaign is underway called “Save Friendly’s in Connectciut.” Apparently, folks in the Nutmeg State are hoping Friendly’s story will have a happy ending.

(Writer’s note: As I come across additional Friendly’s that remain open, that information will be added to this post.) 

Also still open in CT:Avon on Rt. 44, East Windsor, Southington, Unionville, Windham on west end of Main Street, Wethersfield Plaza…

Windham,CT

Wethersfield Plaza, CT

Sign change-Unionville, Ct 2/20/2012


Unionville, CT

Friendly’s in Vernon, CT also remains open

A February 17, 2012 delivery at Friendly’s in Vernon, CT

Categories: NEWS

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Cupid Hits Mark in Windsor, CT with 50 Year Free Valentine’s Day Marriage License Tradition

Posted on February 15, 2012

Sealed with a kiss! Pat and Mike Kuszik renewed their wedding vows.

 Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Cupid hit his mark February 14 in Windsor, Connecticut helped by a 50 year tradition of free Valentine’s Day marriage licenses offered by the Town Clerk’s Office in Town Hall, where seven couples wed and two couples renewed their vows. Others who received free marriage licenses in Windsor over the past 50 years turned out as well for a special reception to commemorate the golden anniversary of the license give away.

“It’s not  just a Hallmark holiday, it’s our holiday,” said Troy Ruff.

Last Valentine’s Day Ruff and his wife Erin got married here, following in the footsteps of her parents, Windsor Fire Chief Bill Lewis and his wife Rita, who took advantage of the free license 35 years ago. Then couples scurried to be the first ones in the door in order to get a host of complimentary items that came with that first free license of the day, recalled Bill Lewis. At that time, however, a waiting period was required before marrying and Bill and Rita waited until March to get hitched. However, with the waiting requirement no longer in place, Troy and Erin decided to tie the love knot on the spot last year.

Bill & Rita Lewis with their daughter and son-in-law, Erin and Troy Ruff

Fire Chief Bill Lewis and wife Rita hold their photo from 35 years ago.

“We gave everyone two hours notice and afterward headed over to Union Street Tavern and we plan to do the same thing today – head over to the tavern,” noted Erin Ruff.

Heather Wlochowski and her husband Joseph Martin, of East Hartford, got their free license and wed at Windsor Town Hall ten years ago with their then 3-year-old daughter Hannah as flower girl. She was with them yesterday.

Joseph Martin, Heather Wlochowski and daughter Hannah

“I remember I wore a red dress,” said Hannah.

Gerlie and Ron Bell,  got a free license and married on Valentine’s Day here three years ago after a mandated 90 day wait because of Gerlie’s visa.

Ron and Gerlie Bell

“We married that day. I had brought her to the U.S. on a fiancee visa from the Philippines,” said Ron Bell, “We read about the free licenses in The Reminder.”

They now have a son, Phillip, and a special memory. “Valentine’s Day has a double meaning for us,” they agreed.

Pat Kuszik’s, who works at Town Hall and her husband Mike Kuszik’s 1966 Valentine’s Day license snapshot was part of a 50th Anniversary photo collage on display. Officiated by Justice of the Peace Anita Mips, they renewed their vows on Tuesday standing close to that photo.

Thinking back to 1966, Pat said, “We got married the following Saturday at St. Gabriel’s.”

According to Pat, she and Mike went for the free license because her father was friends with George Tudan, the Windsor Town Clerk who began the tradition in an effort to garner attention for his re-election bid. Back then, town clerk was an elective office.

Tudan was Betsey Lepak’s father so for her, there was never any doubt she would go for the free Valentine’s Day license.

Betsey & Peter Lepak renew vows, Anita Mips officiates

“I knew before anyone proposed to me that because of my dad, I wanted to go for the free license,” she said.

The proposal she wanted from her Windsor High School sweetheart came in 1977 but  her father tried to stop the marriage from happening, the Lepaks remembered.

“I was young, 19,” said Betsey.

“He found out I planned to propose on Christmas Eve. I had long hair and was on the road with a band,” noted Peter Lepak, “I told Betsey and she said, ‘give me that ring’. ”

“I felt it was our lives,” Betsey said.

The Lepaks point to their 1977 photo with her father

Nonetheless, when the day arrived for Betsey and Peter to pick up their license, her dad was there to kiss Betsey on the check. Peter kissed her on other check, creating another of the photos found in the collage. They too renewed their vows.

New memories were made for other couples.

Newlyweds Michelle and Malcolm Freeman, Jr. join the Kusciks and Lepaks as part of Windsor, Ct town history

Malcolm Freeman, Jr. and Michelle Palmer of East Hartford said they were pleased to become part of Windsor’s town history. Michelle’s mother Gwendolyn Palmer, was among relatives there to share in the young couple’s joy.

“I’m a romantic. I think it’s wonderful,” said Gwendolyn.

After exchanging their vows the newlyweds listened to the Lepaks and Kucziks share advice about what makes for a happy marriage – they spoke of forgiveness, flexibility and maintaining a sense of humor. All the couples concurred a Valentine’s Day marriage makes for an easy to remember anniversary.

A gift basket from Town Clerk Agnes Pier for the bride, Michelle Freeman

It was noted that this was the first year when every couple who got a free license also got married right away. Each couple received a complimentary gift basket of goodies thanks to local merchants and there were refreshments, including a heart shaped cake. The team that put the day together without a hitch – well with several happy hitches – includes Town Clerk Agnes Pier, Deputy Town Clerk Anna Posniak, Pat Kuszik and Deb Bouvier, administrative clerks for the town clerk, and Enita Jubrey, assistant to the town manager.

Team that put the day together: (front) Pat Kuszik, Agnes Pier ( back) Anna Posniak, Enita Jubrey and Deb Bouvier.

Categories: Love, NEWS, Valentine's Day traditions

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Fire Reduces Manchester, CT Auto Shop To Rubble

Posted on February 13, 2012

Fire Reduces Manchester, CT Auto Shop to Rubble

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

Dark smoke billowed into the air from a February 10 fire that reduced an auto shop at 185 Main Street in Manchester, Connecticut to rubble and displaced nearby residents. Wind carried the smoke, which could be seen for miles in the distance,  in a northeasterly direction. Manchester Auto Repair LLC was set back from the street and surrounded by residences and businesses including two pediatric dental offices.

Manchester auto shop reduced to rubble

According to broadcast reports, firefighters responded to a call that came in around 3:40 p.m. Friday. Neighbors told of hearing explosions at the site. Some people were evacuated and six residents have been displaced. Two firefighters were reported to have sustained minor injuries. Although the fire decimated the three stall auto shop and damaged a duplex behind it on Henry Street, firefighters were able to contain and knock down the blaze in the densely populated neighborhood.

Boarded windows in Henry Street house

Windows on the top floor of the damaged Henry Street home are now boarded up. The fire is under investigation.

It is another in a series of fires that have occurred across Connecticut in the past few months, most notably a Christmas Day blaze in Stamford that claimed the lives of three young sisters and their grandparents destroying their Victorian home, the remnants of which have since been demolished.  According to The Atlantic Wire, officials determined the origin of that fire was fireplace embers disposed of in a rear mudroom. The Wire reported it is unclear if battery-operated smoke alarms were in the the house built in 1895 and predating Stamford requirements for smoke detectors – it  was being remodeled with plans for hard-wired smoke alarms.

On New Year’s Day fire also destroyed the historic Congregational Church in Somers. That fire also remains under investigation.

Just yesterday there were reports of two more houses fires. One in New London is said to have sent an elderly woman to the hospital in serious condition and one in Waterbury displaced several residents.

Categories: NEWS

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Fundraiser Set For Little Alissa, Battling Leukemia Prayers & Pennies Needed

Posted on February 12, 2012

Courtesy photo of Alissa Thomas

By: Jacqueline Bennett  newsandviewsjb

Another little one and her family are facing the battle of their lives and need whatever help can be given.

Little 5-year-old Alissa Thomas was recently diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, according to an e-mail forwarded by Ann Walsh of Windsor, Connecticut. Walsh has been active for many years with “Alex’s Lemonade Stand,” a non-profit foundation formed to raise money for pediatric cancer research.

“Kids, and cancer in particular, are my passion. I would like to see it gone in my lifetime,” noted Walsh.

According to Walsh she was contacted about Alissa by the family of a child who attends the Montessori School in Windsor with one of Walsh’s grandchildren. Alissa’s family needs assistance to cover the cost of hospital bills expected to accrue as the result of lengthy hospital stays for the little girl over the next three years.

A fundraiser is scheduled for Alissa on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at the Knights of Columbus in Enfield, Connecticut, located on 371 Washington Road. It will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Donation is $20. Donations can also be mailed to: Alissa Thomas c/o Savings Institute, attention: Crystal Hill, 85 Freshwater Blvd., Enfield, CT 06082.

“No gift is too small,” is the message from friends of Alissa’s family. Even pennies, they say, would be appreciated and “prayers, prayers and more prayers.”

Donations of raffle items from businesses are being sought for the fundraiser. Contact Ann Walsh at 860-688-5821.

Categories: NEWS

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50 Years of Getting Hitched for Free on Valentine’s Day Continues in Windsor,CT

Posted on February 10, 2012

50 Years of Getting Hitched for Free on Valentine’s Day Continues in Windsor,CT

 

 

 

 

by: Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.wordpress.com

Since 1962 the Town Clerk’s Office in Windsor, Connecticut has been offering marriage licenses for free on Valentine’s Day – a tradition which began with then Town Clerk George Tudan. This coming Tuesday, February 14, marks fifty years that Windsor has been playing Cupid’s helper.

“It began with George when he wanted to get re-elected and was looking to get his name out there, and, it just took off,” Windsor Town Clerk Agnes Pier said in a phone interview February 10.

“Over the years it has evolved with each town clerk. Now we offer it for same sex,” noted Pier.

As Connecticut’s first town settled in 1633, Pier pointed out Windsor is big on traditions and leading the way. So it has been a privilege, she said, for each subsequent town clerk to continue offering the free Valentine’s Day licenses.

The town has invited all couples who got a free marriage license in Windsor on Valentine’s Day in the past 50 years to a special reception to be held at the Town Clerk’s Office Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The celebration will include a cake, punch and a drawing for a large gift basket courtesy of local merchants – all part of the love fest at Windsor Town Hall.

Thus far, said Pier, they have heard from about half a dozen people including Pat Kuszik, currently an assistant in the Town Clerk’s Office, who got her license in 1962, and Betsey Lepak, Tudan’s daughter. Fire Chief William Lewis received one of the free Valentine’s Day marriage licenses and is expected to be there as is Lewis’ daughter, Erin, who got her free Valentine’s Day license just last year.

Anita Mips, a Justice of the Peace, will be on hand to offer “affirmations,” renewals, to interested couples.

Those planning to get married in the next 65 days are invited to the Town Clerk’s Office between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on February 14 to pick up a free license. Both parties must be present and each needs to bring photo identification For couples who want to marry that day, Mips will be available to perform ceremonies but prior arrangements must be made.

Call 860-285-1902.

 Look for photos from Valentine’s Day at Windsor Town Hall in an upcoming newsandviewsjb

Categories: NEWS

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