newsandviewsjb

NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Posts tagged “Manchester CT”

No Christmas Tree Shortage for Manchester Fire Department

Posted on December 21, 2019

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Contrary to dire predictions of Christmas Tree shortages across the United States, in Manchester, Connecticut the local fire department has plenty.  The Manchester Fire Department 8th Utilities District, a volunteer department, will be selling trees until at least tomorrow ~ December 22 ~ and a good selection is still available.   Braving cold temperatures, Chief Dan Langer and Chad Hahn of the MFD, were on hand Saturday Dec. 21, manning the tree lot at 18 Main Street. Both said about a supposed tree shortage, the department had not felt the impact. However, they agreed sales this year were slower than usual, which each attributed to Thanksgiving coming late in November, plus some rainy weather last weekend.…

Categories: Christmas Tree Shortage, Fire Department Has Ample Christmas Trees, NEWS

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“Thank You” from Accomplished Herald Photojournalist ~ Sylvian E. Ofiara

Posted on May 13, 2019

By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Treasures found are one of the great outcomes of spring cleaning. Such is the case for me this May when I came across a “thank you” note from Sylvian E. Ofiara.   An accomplished and locally renown photojournalist, Mr. Ofiara worked for the then Manchester Evening Herald, Manchester, Connecticut, for many years. By the time I began reporting for “The Manchester Herald” he had retired or was retiring and had become a popular professor of photography at Manchester Community Collage.   I do not recall the milestone that brought me to interview him in 1991, nonetheless, I do recall what a tremendous compliment it was to be given the assignment by my editor – who made it clear it…

Categories: Manchester Connecticut History, NEWS, Photojournalist

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Fresh Snowfall Belies Chuckles’ Early Spring Prediction

Posted on February 21, 2019
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My Potter’s Bench awaiting the early arrival of spring – ha! Photo by Jacqueline Bennett

 

By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewjb.com

 

A fresh late February snowfall is not unusual in New England, however, on Ground Hog Day 2019 both Punxsutawney Phil, and Chuckles at the Lutz Chidren’s Museum here in Connecticut promised us an early spring. So what pray tell is this new white stuff all about?

 

Despite the century-old tradition of turning to a groundhog for a long-term weather report, these a.k.a. woodchucks that are of the marmot species – basically, large squirrels., have been accurate only 40 percent of the time, according to a CNN report. Nonetheless, thousands of spectators continue to turn out annually to witness the sleepy animal’s forecast in Punxsutawney, PA. In Manchester, CT, home to the Lutz and the state’s official groundhog, the mayor and other local dignitaries were present for the prediction.

 

How did it come to pass that a big ole squirrel is thought to hold the answer which certified meteorlogists are paid to know? The phenomenon is said to date back to ancient Christian times when people brought candles to services for winter blessings and somehow it evolved to include animals., says CNN.

 

No shadows were seen by Punxsutawney Phil or Chuckles meaning bye, bye winter. Only in theory this year, as across the country bitter cold and heavy snowstorms have been the trend. Another four to six inches of snow fell this morning for us with an icy mix. Warmer temperatures are expected by tomorrow, into the low 50s, likely to result in melting. Still, I wouldn’t pack away the wool sweaters and mittens yet ~ it appears the earliest spring will arrive in the Northern Hemisphere is, as the calendar states, March 20th.

Categories: NEWS, weather

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New England Patriots Cheerleaders Visit Express Service Friendly’s ~ Manchester CT

Posted on June 19, 2018

  Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett   New England Patriots cheerleaders and team mascot Pat Patriot were on hand Monday, June 18, to welcome customers to the newly converted Express Service Friendly’s on 240 Buckland Street in Manchester, Connecticut.   “It’s going well, ” noted store manager, Hector.   For those of us who grew up with wholesome Friendly’s ice cream and sandwich shops throughout New England, where we went to enjoy burger melts on grilled bread, crispy French Fries and a Fribble –  meeting up with classmates there on Friday nights, standing in line with family for a booth, or counter seats, where waiters and waitresses then took our orders – is a part of our cultural history. Remember waiters clad in sharply…

Categories: Friendly's Shop Changes to Express Service, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS CHEERLEADERS, NEWS, Restaurants

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Delightfully – A Concurrent Celebration of Reading & Coffee Ice Cream

Posted on September 6, 2017

By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Delightfully, September 6 is a day to celebrate two of my favorite things ~ reading a book and coffee ice cream. Upon opening my daily e-mail from National Day Calendar this morning I was pleasantly reminded of the concurrent celebrations.   At an early age I learned the joy of reading. My parents and my sister read to me from the time I can remember. Holding a book in my hands became as natural to me as breathing, and soon enough I was reading to myself. Reading aloud to youngsters not only sparks their interest in reading but enables them to learn the proper expression intended by the writer.   As a child I was especially fond of the…

Categories: National Coffee Ice Cream Day, National Read A Book Day, New England Food Traditions, NEWS

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Connecticut Republican Linda McMahon Tapped to Head Small Business Administration – Remember When She Stopped by the Peach Festival?

Posted on January 25, 2017

By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Connecticut Republican Linda McMahon has been tapped to head the Small Business Administration by President Donald Trump. In a show of bi-partisan support, she was introduced at her confirmation hearing on Capital Hill January 24 by two former political opponents, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, both Connecticut Democrats.   “I think she would be an excellent fit for this agency, “Blumenthal said at the hearing, “She knows, as I do, that small businesses are the backbone of the economy.” Blumenthal went on to say that McMahon has utilized her expertise to help veterans and women realize their dreams.   Various news organizations featured a side-by-side photo of McMahon, Blumenthal and Murphy at the confirmation hearing.…

Categories: Bi-partisan Support, NEWS, Politics, Small Business in America

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Successful Reuse of The Hilliard Mills – George Washington Would Be Proud

Posted on December 21, 2016

Article & Photos By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Another American presidential inauguration is but weeks away, this one for a billionaire able to afford the finest clothier. It is fascinating to think the woolen worn by George Washington at the country’s first inauguration in 1789 was made in a mill in Manchester, Connecticut – America’s oldest woolen mill site established in 1780.   The Hilliard Mills opened in 2006 as part of an ongoing effort in New England to repurpose once vibrant factories. The goal as stated on their website, is “to preserve one of Connecticut’s finest architectural and historical treasures.” According to a history of the site, circa 1780 it housed a woolen factory belonging to American industrialist Aaron Buckland – a name…

Categories: Entrepreneurial Spirit, Interesting Fact About George Washington Inauguration, NEWS, Remnants of the Industrial Revolution, Reuse New England Factories, Smart Growth, Successful Repurposing

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80th Manchester Road Race Running on Thanksgiving Day 2016

Posted on November 13, 2016

By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   The 80th running of the Manchester Road Race will take place Thanksgiving Day, November 24, slated to start promptly at 10:00 a.m. One of the largest sporting events in the Nutmeg state, MRR was honored in May with the presentation of the 2016 Connecticut Sports Writers’ Alliance Award recognizing the race’s “significant contribution to sports in Connecticut”.   As of early this morning, online registration remained open with 10,416 runners signed up, according to the MRR website. Visit https://www.manchesterroadrace.com/ for information about registration which will be capped at 15,000. Online registration will end November 17, at 14,000, this year there will be no evening or same day registration. However, walk-in registration will be held at the Sports & Fitness…

Categories: Manchester Road Race, Thanksgiving Day events in New England, Thanksgiving Traditions

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Dedicated Peach Cutters Make Firefighters’ Annual Festival a Success

Posted on August 29, 2016

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   For forty years, Jan Adams, 93, has been faithfully cutting peaches for peach shortcake served at the annual peach festival held by volunteer firefighters in Manchester, Connecticut. This year was no exception. Mrs. Adams and a host of other dedicated peach cutters helped the Eighth Utilities District Fire Department mark the 67th peach festival held Saturday, August 27.   “I love it!” said Mrs. Adams, “Anything for the fire department.”   Her reign as peach cutter extraordinaire began when her son, Jim Adams, served as chief of the department. A member of the fire department auxiliary, Mrs. Adams has been cutting peaches for the popular festival ever since, displaying the same type of devotion that clearly…

Categories: As American As Peach Shortcake, August Traditions, Just Peachy, Last Hurrah, New England Summer Festivals

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Destination: Meg’s Inspirational & Spiritual Boutique – Manchester, CT

Posted on March 19, 2016

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   After many years on East Center Street, Meg’s Inspirational & Spiritual Boutique will soon mark one year in its new location on 38 Main Street in Manchester, Connecticut. For owner Margaret “Meg” DiPietro Peterson her shop has been a vital part of her life journey.   “It’s my purpose,” she said March 17, 2016.   The most rewarding aspect of which she says has been “helping people”.                   Located next to the old, historic Eighth Utilities District firehouse, the shop has two front entrances, one with a few steps and an adjacent handicapped entry accessible by ringing a bell. Once inside, the store has a light, airy feel.…

Categories: Healing, NEWS, Ostara - Spring Equinox, Positive Affirmations, Tools to Heal Body & Mind

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