newsandviewsjb

NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Posts tagged “Jacqueline Bennett”

National Intercollegiate Polo Championship Hosted by University of Connecticut

Posted on April 10, 2015

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Like a flash of lightning, six competitors – three on each team – atop muscular horses, mallots in hand chased a small white ball inside Horsebarn Hill Arena Thursday night. The University of Connecticut Women’s Polo Team took on Cornell April 9, during the National Intercollegiate Championship being held in Storrs, CT from April 6-11.     Fervor inside the arena replaced the pre-match calmness of horse walking to ready the athletes for competition only moments before. A pattern of stillness followed by speed and swiftness repeated itself throughout the match which consisted of “chukkers” or periods. Meanwhile, the home crowd shouted from the stands, UCONN – HUSKIES!   “I like the intensity, the fast pace,”…

Categories: College Polo, NEWS, Polo Championship

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If I Could Write a Happy Ending for “Sam & Diane”

Posted on April 9, 2015

Commentary by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Having stumbled upon the old “Cheers” program with Ted Danson and Shelly Long showing on a Hallmark Channel in the wee hours of the morning, I  am even more certain an ideal resolution is desirable for their rocky romance. The “last call” for this long-running situation comedy set in a Boston pub came in 1993, but the storyline lives on in American culture.   Sam “Mayday” Malone, played by Danson, had been a hot shot closing pitcher for the Red Sox, a playboy and recovering alcoholic who owned the “Cheers” bar when Diane Chambers, played by Long, a smart albeit overaged graduate assistant, found her way into the cozy pub “where everybody knows your name”. On the heels…

Categories: Cultural icons, NEWS, Television happy endings

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Native Son Takes Over Head Pro Spot as New Era Dawns for Golf Club at Windham

Posted on April 5, 2015

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Native son Patrick Kozelka has taken over the head pro position for the “Golf Club at Windham” where a new era is on the horizon. The Kozelka family name is well-known in Windham in that for years they ran Republic Oil on Ash Street, in what was the Willimantic section of town before the two entities were consolidated. For half of the near century the country club has been in existence – it was founded in 1922 – the Kozelka family has been a part of it. At one time a private club, it still offers memberships but is now a “fully public facility”.   “This is home. I learned to play here. My father learned…

Categories: 21st Century Golfing Philosophy, Connecticut golf courses, Golf, New England golf courses, NEWS, Public Golf Courses

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It’s Chocolate Covered Raisins Day – Head to Munson’s

Posted on March 24, 2015

Write-up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   On this date in 1927 Nestle’s produced the first Raisinets, apparently making this chocolate covered raisins day. That sounded like a perfect excuse to head to a candy shop. Fortunately, New England is home to a top of the line chocolate maker, Munson’s, where they create delectable dark chocolate covered raisins. In addition to the terrific taste, dark chocolate covered raisins are also considered one of the healthiest of candy choices. Dark chocolate has been linked to heart health and raisins are said to have all around nutritional benefits, including potassium and vitamins.   According to an article on nutrition and health put out by the mayoclinic.org, although the verdict may still be out on whether or not chocolate…

Categories: Chocolate makers, Chocolatiers, New England chocolate makers, NEWS

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Fresh New England Snowfall on the First Day of Spring

Posted on March 20, 2015

Write-up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb   Metrological predictions of a fresh snowfall in southern New England on this, the first day of spring were accurate. Estimates range from 2 to 8 inches here in Connecticut depending on the location, the shoreline or inland near the capital city of Hartford.   Even as press releases have begun to arrive about the Travelers Championship – PGA stop each summer,  the Connecticut Golf Show, and Red Sox baseball news gradually dominates the New England Sports Channel – old man winter simply is not ready to say good-bye, in what has been a season of many, many snowstorms and record accumulation in nearby Boston, MA.   On a day when light weight jackets would typically have been enough, turtlenecks, corduroys and wool sweaters were still…

Categories: N ew England weather, NEWS, Spring snowfall

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Connecticut State Police Lt. J. Paul Vance – a Man of Integrity

Posted on March 19, 2015

Commentary by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   When the name Lt. J. Paul Vance of the Connecticut State Police is announced on any newscast or reported in any newspaper, it comes with a level of credibility that may well be unequaled throughout the state of Connecticut. The reassuring sound of his voice, and his candid, yet well-chosen words, have come to symbolize the best in public service and true transparency in government. He represents law enforcement and the uniform he wears with distinction.   The high regard that the citizens of Connecticut hold for Lt. Vance became even more apparent recently when he was reassigned by the new commissioner from the high profile position of  head of public information to traffic control – a position he is slated to begin…

Categories: Character, Credibility, Law Enforcement, NEWS, Trust

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Mom’s Recipe Box: Crockpot Corned Beef & Cabbage – Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on March 17, 2015

                  Crockpot Corned Beef & Cabbage   In honor of St. Patrick’s Day 2015, a first time attempt at preparing a traditional, homemade corned beef & cabbage dinner. After searching through on-line recipes that offer oven or slow cooker approaches, the (slow cooker) crockpot has been selected. All the ingredients were purchased at Big Y World Class Supermarket yesterday – small red potatoes, a head of cabbage, baby carrots, turnip, a small onion and a few thin slices of corned beef from the deli rather than a brisket.   This is a nutrient-packed meal. Potatoes are known to be loaded with vitamin B6 and potassium. Notoriously good for the eyes, carrots have vitamin K that is said to facilitate…

Categories: Food, Holidays, NEWS, Recipes, St. Patrick's Day, Traditions

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Weather Postpones 2015 Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade to March 21

Posted on March 14, 2015

Write-up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Due to the forecast of cold, rainy weather, and possible early morning icing, the 44th Annual Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade – originally to be held today – has been rescheduled to March 21.   One of the most popular and delightful events to take place each year in Connecticut’s capital city, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade typically attracts tens of thousands of spectators and is a boon to the local economy.   Sponsored by the Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Committee, the committee posted a statement on their website: “The goal of the Greater Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee is to produce a quality event that celebrates the heritage of Connecticut’s Irish and Irish Americans and that…

Categories: NEWS, St. Patricks Day Parades

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“Beware the Ides of March”

Posted on March 11, 2015

Essay By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   I awoke on this breathtakingly beautiful March morning, with my birthday but three weeks away, contemplating what it means to be a writer/journalist and the great joy I take in writing. As any contemplation of writing always does for me, it led me to “The Bard of Avon.” So gentle reader, please indulge me my admiration of William Shakespeare and this essay.   I would dare say Shakespeare is my favorite author/playwright. Each year as his April birthday nears, I cannot help but ponder the thrust, impact and longevity of Shakepeare’s body of work. It is truly amazing as evidenced by the phrases from his writings that remain part of modern language with relevant meanings.   With the approach of March 15, the first…

Categories: education, Famous quotes, literary quotes, NEWS, Reading, William Shakespeare

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Classy Farewell from NE Patriots Vince Wilfork & Salt in an Old Wound

Posted on March 6, 2015

Commentary by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Whenever a popular player from one of my favorite teams, who has not only performed well but with loyalty and integrity, is shown the door it feels like salt in an old wound for me. That being the devasting 11th hour trade of Ronnie Francis from the former National Hockey League Hartford Whalers.   Known to virtually everyone in Connecticut by his first name during his time with the Whale, “Ronnie” was traded on March 4, 1991. He was traded along with Ulf Samuelson and Grant Jennings to the Pittsburgh Penguins after Francis spent close to ten seasons with the Whalers, most of those as captain, reportedly scoring 264 goals, 557 assists and “setting nearly every offensive record in franchise history.” Rightfully so, he was beloved…

Categories: New England, NEWS, NFL, Sports

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