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NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Manchester Parkade on West Middle Turnpike Buoyed by Fitness Center

Posted on February 10, 2012


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

Although the older, blighted Broad Street Parkade in Manchester, Connecticut is slated for demolition, the West Middle Turnpike portion of Manchester Parkade is open for business, buoyed by the addition of a fitness center.

Since the arrival of Cardio Express, which took over an empty storefront, more and more cars fill the lot on the west end of the shopping strip daily. Anchoring the eastern end is busy Stop & Shop Supermarket.

An approximate half mile walk from one end of the shopping strip to the other, it is a good mini workout unto itself. In between are a number of stops, including women’s clothing stores Fashion Bug and DOTS, the low cost retail Joey’z Shopping Spree, Radio Shack, Majesty Bible & Books, a dollar store, health shoppe and a candy store.

 

As well there is a second hand store for baby clothes and accessories such as carriages. Columbia Dental has a branch here and there is a military recruitment office.

Shady Glen at the Parkade

Continuing as one of the biggest attractions at the Parkade is Shady Glen restaurant, an ice cream and sandwich shop that also serves breakfast. Unique to Manchester, Shady Glen at the Parkade is one of two in town – the original is located on Route 6 headed towards Bolton. Shady Glen is best known for its crispy cheese on hamburgers and frankfurters and their own ice cream in an abundance of flavors. There is also a Royal Buffet restaurant. Within the Parkade, but in stand alone buildings across the way, are a Bank of America branch and a law firm. Around back, across the road is the revived Parkade Cinemas, currently showing some of the latest releases like Joyful Noise. 

The Parkade is in central Manchester. It is easy enough to access – virtually a straight line to drive off Route 6 from the east or off I-84 coming from the west.

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Tough Loss for Tom Brady & the New England Patriots

Posted on February 6, 2012

By: Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

From the first ball possession things did not go well for the New England Patriots yesterday in a 21-17 Super Bowl XLVI loss to the New York Giants in Indianapolis. Sunday’s game was a Super Bowl rematch between the Patriots and Giants and quarterbacks Tom Brady and Eli Manning.

An apparent mistake by Brady who grounded the ball while under pressure from the Giants defense in their end zone put the Giants on the score board first with a two point safety. Soon after, in what television commentators described as another “un New England Patriots like” error, the Pats were penalized for having twelve men on the field.

Though Brady had good moments, his concentration appeared to be off – that usual laser like look of determination missing in his eyes. Despite Brady’s well earned status as one of the National Football League’s premier quarterbacks, some say the best of all time, whenever he goes up against a Manning – in this case Eli- it seems to get under Brady’s skin. Perhaps it goes back to his low draft pick entrance into the NFL versus the mystique of the Manning name, there’s the father, but in particular Eli’s brother Peyton Manning, hailed as a phenom virtually from day one of his pro career. Four years ago, following a perfect season up to that point, in Super Bowl XLII the Giants and Eli Manning delivered Brady and the Patriots their only loss.

Though theoretically a neutral location, Indianapolis is home to the Colts, Peyton Manning’s team, so it it no surprise that Sunday’s crowd favored the Giants. In a pre-game interview, sportscaster Bob Costas asked Brady if Coach Bill Belichick’s aloof manner was to blame for the Patriots being “reviled” outside of New England. Brady said the Patriots are a class organization whose members try to conduct themselves as such and that whatever Belichick does, he does for the players. In fact, Brady added he might not want to play for any coach other than Belichick. If it is true that the Pats are “reviled” beyond home territory, one cannot help but wonder if it comes down to jealousy. Perhaps it gets under other region’s collective craws that New England, which is rich in American history, renown for intellectual, literary and educational acumen, not to mention home to major league baseball, basketball and hockey teams synonymous with the sports, is now also a pro football powerhouse. 

Nevertheless, crowd sentiment was unlikely a game changer on Sunday. No one really knows the extent of pain Brady may have been dealing with due to a previous shoulder injury that appeared to have been aggravated by a hit during the February 5 game.

Admittedly, as a Patriots fan this was a tough loss. It would have been nice to see Brady, whose talent and skill have guided the New England Patriots to five Super Bowls, get this rematch win against Manning and the Giants. On the bright side, fellow Nutmegger, Bristol native Aaron Hernandez made a catch for a Pats touchdown.

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Go Pats! New England Patriots Head to Super Bowl with Connecticut Presence

Posted on February 4, 2012

by: Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

It does the heart of a University of Connecticut alumna and New England Patriots fan good to scroll the the Patriots roster and under college read “Connecticut.”

As the Patriots head for Super Bowl XLVI Sunday, February 5 to take on the New York Giants in Indianapolis, they do so with former UConn football standout Donald Thomas primed to play in the position of offensive guard. Thomas represents a significant Connecticut presence with the Pats that includes two other players plus the wizard himself – Coach Bill Belichick. Quite an accomplishment for a small New England state, especially one – with the exception of UConn basketball- better known for its prominence in the defense industry, “insurance city” as its capital and where author Mark Twain penned some of America’s greatest novels.

Aaron Hernandez of Bristol racked up all kinds of awards during his high school career here in the Nutmeg State. This season with the New England Patriots, he has made seventy-nine receptions, carried for 910 yards and connected for seven touchdowns. Hernandez also has a UConn tie, his brother D.J. Hernandez was a Husky gridiron star. Yet another Connecticut presence with the Pats is Niko Koutouvides. Born in New Britain, Koutouvides attended Plainville High School and Milford Academy. Last, but far from least, is Belichick who played football at Wesleyan. During media day this week the coach said at Wesleyan he learned discipline and critical thinking skills. Now, with a little help from Connecticut, oh yes and quarterback Tom (could he be any cuter) Brady, Belichick is taking the Patriots to the Super Bowl for the fifth time.

Go Pats!

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Cure Cabin Fever at Northwest Park

Posted on February 3, 2012

Cure Cabin Fever at Northwest Park               

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

In light of New England’s mild winter thus far, cabin fever – irritability and listlessness due to long periods of confinement-may not be an issue. Nonetheless, Northwest Park in Windsor, Connecticut is still slated to host its annual Cabin Fever Festival on Saturday, February 4. With clear skies and temperatures in the mid 30s predicted it seems like a great place to spend some time outdoors before hunkering down to watch Super Bowl XLVI on television for the Sunday night showdown between the New England Patriots and New York Giants.

Northwest Park is not easy to find but it is worth the effort of following twists and turns on the drive to 145 Lang Road. Saturday’s event is scheduled to include contests, games, prizes, exhibitors and educational activities, ice carving, sleigh or hay rides, a birds of prey exhibit and live music. Even though it appears the weather is not cooperating for this weekend, one of the great attractions of Northwest Park is the availability of cross country skis and snowshoes. Certainly something to keep in mind for a return visit.

Cabin Fever Festival is scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m. with a bonfire. Refreshments will be for sale. Age 2 and under, admission is free, residents pay $3 per person and non-residents pay$5 per person.

For more information call 860-285-1886.

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Steven Tyler Unfairly Maligned

Posted on January 27, 2012

Commentary by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Give me country crooner George Strait over Aerosmith any day. That said, Steven Tyler, lead singer for the Boston-based Aerosmith rock band and American Idol judge, has been unfairly maligned for his rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” during the American Football League championship game between the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens January 22, in Massachusetts.

The Internet has been burning up with condemnations of Tyler for “screaming” the national anthem. When doesn’t Tyler sound like he is screaming?

Critics charge that at 63, age and hard living have caught up with Tyler who struggled to reach the high notes. Though somewhat deteriorated, Tyler’s performance last Sunday did not sound all that different from his renditions at a 2004 World Series game in Boston or at the Indianapolis 500 in 2007. Both are available in online videos. Sunday’s cold temperatures in Foxborough may also have put a strain on Tyler’s vocal chords.

Comparisons have been made between Tyler and Roseanne Barr’s butchering of the anthem – apples and oranges. Barr was a stand-up comic turned comedic actress, not a singer, who never should have been invited to sing the anthem at a major league baseball game. She should have respectfully declined.

On the other hand, Tyler is a professional singer – albeit hard rock – whose heart seemed to be in the right place and as far as I could tell, put himself on the line and gave it his all to honor his country and his home team in his own unique way. Clearly in Tyler’s corner, the crowd at Gillette Stadium appeared to sense that and began singing along with him towards the end.

Pot shots at Tyler have extended beyond his vocalization to his appearance, under fire for sporting a “flashy” New England Patriots scarf. A rocker with a penchant for flash is hardly news.

As it turns out, the scarf was handmade for herself by a Sturbridge woman who works as a receptionist for the Patriots. On ABC40, Scott Coen reported the scarf was made by Kerry McCormack, who through a chance encounter with Tyler’s fiancee let Tyler borrow the scarf and wear it. Tyler then autographed the scarf and returned it.

Tyler is not the first professional singer to scream “The Star Spangled Banner” at high profile events. The onus is on those extending the invitations. Surely, somewhere in Beantown there is a singer who may not be well-known, but could deliver an anthem that would send chills up one’s spine – in a good way.

One of the most beautiful renditions of “The Star Spangled Banner,” executed with the utmost respect, was offered at the XXXIX Super Bowl by the combined choir of the United States Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy accompanied by the U.S Army herald trumpets.

Worth keeping in mind.

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Dom’s Eatery in Windsor CT Supports Troops &”Pay It Forward” Project

Posted on January 21, 2012

Jason DiBella

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

A benefit for the troops at Dom’s Broad Street Eatery in Windsor, Connecticut was a perfect fit for the launch of a “Pay It Forward” project put together by a Windsor soldier and local police detective.

Every third Friday of the month Dom’s Eatery hosts a benefit for SEND HOMETOWN WINDSOR TO THE TROOPS from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A steady stream of patrons arrived January 20 to enjoy supper and and support SEND, a WIN-TV project coordinated by Ann Walsh. Through SEND, care boxes have been mailed to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past six years. For restaurant owner Jason DiBella the monthly benefits are an opportunity to support American troops and show appreciation to the community for its outpouring of love and assistance when his father Dom DiBella was battling cancer.

“It’s a community tradition. They came out to support my dad,” Jason DiBella said.

This past Friday also featured a kick-off for a collaborative effort by Detective Russ Wininger of the Windsor Police Department in response to a “Pay It Forward” initiative from Windsor soldier Dan Nolan, who is deployed in Afghanistan. A member of the Connecticut Army National Guard, Nolan leads the 246th Firefighter Detachment and previously served in Iraq.

Russ Wininger

“Dan and I have been friends for 20 years,” noted Wininger.

According to Wininger, the “Pay It Forward” initiative was launched by Nolan, a longtime Hartford firefighter in memory of his friend and fellow Hartford firefighter Matt Dirrane. In December 2010, Dirrane died as the result of a motor vehicle accident while he was on vacation in Costa Rica. In honor of the compassionate way Dirrane lived his life, Nolan asked that “Pay It Forward” deeds of kindness be done  in November and December of 2011 and recorded on a memorial Facebook page.

Popularized by a movie of the same name released in 2000, the “Pay It Forward” concept encourages people to make the world a better place with random acts of kindness.

Wininger responded to Nolan’s appeal with an idea to have t-shirts made up for his detachment.

“I knew they wanted t-shirts,” Wininger explained.

So Wininger set out to make that happen. When Nolan learned of the project he decided to ask his army superiors if the rendering from the “Pay It Forward” project could become the official t-shirt of his detachment, recalled Wininger. With a few items added in the design, approval came.

“It was quite a feeling receiving word of the approval from Afghanistan,” he said.

The t-shirts were ready “hot off the presses” on January 18, ideal timing for Walsh to have them available at Dom’s SEND benefit. Army fatigue green, the shirts show the detachment number on the front. The back reads “Honey Badgers” with a firefighter depiction, American flag, Connecticut state flag and a shamrock with Dirrane’s initials inside. They are available to the public for a $20 donation to cover the cost of production, any amount beyond that will go to SEND. Contact Walsh at: 860-806-2662.

Ann Walsh and Tara DeLuco

Patrick and Peggy Sayers

As for the benefit itself, some of those in attendance such as state Rep. Peggy Sayers (D-Windsor Locks) and her husband Patrick make a point to turn out as often as possible, they said.

“Ann does so much for the troops, so much for Windsor. We wanted to be here,” said Sayers.

Walsh’s Breakfast Club attends every fundraiser at Dom’s -Walsh, Fran and Marian Murphy, Mary Jane Shay, Peggy Eberle, Joyce Phillips, Margaret Putnam, Gay Healy, and Corky & Chuck Ericson.  A photo of the group is even on the wall near the regular spot where they sit at a long table in the back of the restaurant.

Breakfast Club

Support for SEND is personal to David and Mary Lou Peters whose son Zachary is serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan and has served in Iraq. They were joined by friends Fred and Jane Girmshaw.

“It’s a great community,” said David Peters.

Paul and Tammy Girard brought their children Mitchell and Alyssa described by Walsh as “faithful packers” for the SEND boxes.Tammy Girard said her son’s and daughter’s involvement with SEND has taught them a true understanding of the sacrifices being made by the troops.

Girard Family

“Alyssa remembers their names, and, named her new dollhouse character after one of the soldiers,” said Tammy Girard.

Former Windsor Republican Town Committee Chairman David Raney and his wife Loretta said they believe it is important to continue showing support for the troops. With them was Windsor Town Council member Lisa Marie Boccia. For a number of years, she and her husband Phil Lucas have bought the items to fill boxes for their ‘adopted’ Windsor soldiers from SEND. Their most recent adopted soldier just returned home but they plan to continue with another adoptee.

Loretta and David Raney and Lisa Marie Boccia

“I’m so happy when they come home…. you become emotionally attached,” said Boccia.

As folks exited many did so with the 246th’s “Pay It Forward” shirt in hand, which gratified Walsh who by the end of the evening was wearing one herself!

Lindsey Sienkiewicz serves the great food at Dom’s

Shirts are available for a $20 donation  

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285th Annual Meeting Planned for Somers Congregational Church Destroyed by Fire

Posted on January 20, 2012

Somers Congregational Church

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb                                                                                        

“The Building is Gone – the Church Remains.”

As reconstruction efforts advance the 285th Annual Meeting will be held Sunday for the Somers Congregational Church in Connecticut destroyed by fire on New Year’s Day, according to the church website. In addition to worship service, the Annual Meeting is scheduled for January 22 in Somers Town Hall across from the church remnants at 599 Main Street. Although the church was built in 1842, the congregation is said to date back to 1727.

“We have lost our beautiful historic and memory filled Meeting House but the spirit of community and cooperation and the affirmation of the presence of God no matter what we face are strong and clear as we move on,” Rev. Barry Cass wrote on the site.

Not even 150,000 gallons of water Cass said were poured on the Somers Congregational United Church of Christ’s Meet House, Bugbee Center, offices and church-owned house at 603 Main Street by firefighters from Somers and area towns could save the structure from the blaze which is still under investigation. It began just before midnight and raged into the early morning hours of January 2 when a stunned community awoke to the devastating news reported on television stations and in newspapers throughout the state.

Destroyed too was the church organ and some Nativity displays. Siding on the town hall blistered from the fire’s heat. However, Cass credited firefighters and structural features for salvaging a newer rear section of the church, home to their preschool. Also salvaged were the pastor’s “preaching robes and stoles” which were cleaned and expected to be worn again by the reverend.

A benefit fundraiser pasta dinner was held earlier this week at a local restaurant and the Somers Fire Department is slated to host a benefit pancake breakfast this Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon. Other reconstruction efforts underway include determination of the value of the church building prior to the fire and its contents for insurance claims, according to the church Website. A committee has been appointed, as well, to consider possible restoration of the church bell and other items. As of January 29, it was noted,worship and Sunday School will be moved to Johnson Memorial Hospital, Chestnut Hill.

Indicative of the spirit of the congregation which is an integral part of the community, a large sign was put up in front of the church thanking firefighters and emergency workers for their response. The church also housed a food pantry, and in 2005 it created a Field of Flags to honor each American casualty in Iraq and Afghanistan which drew appreciation well beyond the small town of Somers.

Donations can be made to Somers Congregational Church, P.O.Box 295. Somers, Connecticut 06071 – include a memo “Building Fund” or online at the Connecticut United Church of Christ Website -click the Somers Congregational Church Fire Fund box.

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Silk City Chorus – A Connecticut Gem

Posted on January 13, 2012

Silk City Chorus recent performance

Write-up and photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

Follow the blissful harmony inside Manchester’s Second Congregational Church on Monday nights and it will lead to rehearsal for a Connecticut gem, the award-winning Silk City Chorus. Practices are preparation for various competitions and performances throughout the year, including the group’s big 50th annual show, “Everybody Loves a Hero,” scheduled for Manchester High School, January 14, 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This year’s performances will feature Crossroads Quartet, the 2009 International Champions and Da Capo, the 2011 Harmony Sweepstakes National Champion.

Organized in 1963 and growing ever since, Silk City Chorus is an 80-man chapter of the Barbershop Harmoney Society, an international body “dedicated to preserving the particular style of singing in four-part a capella harmony,” according to the chorus’ website. Current members are said to range in age from 20 to 70 and come from many communities and other states to participate under the direction of Todd Lamson. Over the years, the Silk City Chorus has stacked up award after award making it one of the foremost barbershop singing ensembles in New England, as noted on the website “consistently” ranked among the top ten choruses in the Northeast Division during the last decade and the “reigning Yankee Division 2005 Champions.”

Anyone familiar with the Greater Hartford area also knows that come February 13th and 14th, Silk City Chorus quartets just might break into song virtually anywhere with Singing Valentines such as, “Let me call you sweetheart I’m in love with you….” Clad in tuxedos, rose in hand, the quartets will visit homes, offices and restaurants to offer personal serenades!

 

Categories: Music, NEWS

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Destination: Bart’s Restaurant & The Beanery Windsor, Connecticut

Posted on January 6, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com 

Don Trinks at Bart’s “Magic Grill”

Bart’s Drive-In Restaurant in Windsor, Connecticut is a friendly place where new and familiar faces are welcomed with warmth. “Cruise back in time” at Bart’s – the deep turquoise walls and garage front doors are a homage to the era of hot rods and rock&roll. Opened year-round, Bart’s Magic Grill has been pleasing palates for more than six decades transforming what began as a hot dog stand in 1946 into a local institution. The Beanery Bistro at Bart’s is an added attraction sharing the restaurant’s location for the last three years on the banks of the beautiful Farmington River at 55 Palisado Avenue, offering gourmet coffee, signature sandwiches and yummy baked goods.

“The walls are this color intentionally,”said part-owner and general manager Don Trinks, “We’ve had efficiency experts come in and suggest changes, some to ‘improve flow’ but no, no, no. On a day when drivers come by and see those garage doors up they know spring has arrived.”

By the way, that’s Mayor Trinks. Since 2001 Trinks has been mayor of Connecticut’s oldest town, settled in the early 17 th century. He and two business partners bought Bart’s on Valentine’s Day in 2005 to maintain it as a “local icon.” It is named for one of the original Dillon family owners depicted on a hand painted mural commissioned by the Dillons for the dining room, which is now shared by Bart’s and The Beanery. Trinks is quick to point out it was the Dillon family that built Bart’s reputation and set the high standards for customer service which are being carried on. Current events and local issues are often topics of conversation at Bart’s, making it part of the pulse of the community. Over the years, celebrities, high profile politicians and sport figures have stopped in, and, marriage proposals are even said to have been made here.

Hot dogs with mustard, relish and onions or with chili, remain Bart’s most popular menu item, according to Trinks. That isn’t just any chili though, it is Trinks’ own award-winning recipe. Each autumn he puts out a special Fall Harvest Chili, adding nutmeg, molasses, maple, pumpkin and his “secret sauce.”

“And, we cut back a bit on the peppers,” he explained.

Of course, there is much more than hot dogs on the traditional Americana fare menu – such as burgers, grilled chicken, whole belly calms, fries, onion rings, and another favorite – traditional thick vanilla milkshakes, also available in other flavors. Not to mention a nice breakfast variety.

Carol Engelmann

Step through the adjoining door from Bart’s into The Beanery Bistro to experience an array of signature sandwiches made with TLC – tender loving care-by Carol Engelmann and her crew. Owned by Engelmann and her sister Jane Garibay, The Beanery relocated from a couple other spots in town.

“We have found a home here,” Engelmann said.

Soups, salads, and a long list of specialty sandwiches with interesting names are on this menu, including a top-seller, ‘The Popeye,’ made with spinach, artichokes and a special sauce.

The Popeye

“It’s vegetarian but you don’t have to be vegetarian to enjoy it,” said Engelmann.

Baked goods at The Beanery are made on site or brought in from Diana’s Bakery in Enfield. Tasty delights either way and a perfect compliment to a cup of gourmet ‘Joe.’

During warm weather, Wednesday nights are cruise nights at the restaurants. As well, community service is a big part of the Bart’s/Beanery philosophy. Causes they are associated with include: Mary’s Place, a non-profit organization to help grieving children, Alex’s Lemonade Stand non-profit foundation for pediatric cancer research, and, the non-profit SEND HOMETOWN WINDSOR TO THE TROOPS, a WIN-TV project sending care boxes to American military men and women.

Community service is important to Carol and Don

Thanks to a boat launching dock out back, it is also possible to visit Bart’s Drive-In Restaurant and The Beanery Bistro by canoe or kayak.

Open 7 days a week and they cater. 860-688-9035

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Blighted Broad Street Parkade Set for Demolition

Posted on December 30, 2011

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com                                                                               

The New Year will bring a much anticipated landscape improvement in Manchester, Connecticut where the blighted Manchester Parkade on Broad Street is slated for demolition.

The outdoor shopping plaza was purchased by the town for about $1.85 million, taken from an $8 million bond approved by voters in a 2009 referendum to renovate the Broad Street commercial area. Plans include the widening of Broad Street, a  busy connector between West Middle Turnpike and Center Street.

A thriving shopping center at one time, the plaza was even host to a popular nightspot- David’s. Business dropped off subsequent to the departure of an anchor store, the Stop & Shop supermarket which relocated to a new, larger space not far away, in the West Middle Turnpike shopping section. A few years prior to the departure of Stop & Shop, a bowling alley located across the street was torn down. After Bradlee’s department store went out of business, gradually store after store moved from the Broad Street plaza or closed. All that remains are dilapidated graffiti covered structures.

Environmental clean-up has been underway at the site as part of remediation to remove hazardous materials, asbestos. Federal approval will be sought to remove polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs, though the latter was reportedly not found in the former supermarket. The town recently selected the low-bidder, a Massachusetts company, for demolition which should begin by summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Manchester Redevelopment Agency is handling the revitalization project.

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