newsandviewsjb

NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Posts tagged “Windsor Connecticut”

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

Posted on March 19, 2012

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…

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

 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…

Categories: Love, NEWS, Valentine's Day traditions

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

Posted on February 12, 2012

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…

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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…

Categories: NEWS

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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…

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

Posted on January 21, 2012

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…

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

Posted on January 6, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com  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…

Categories: NEWS, Restaurants

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Once Again, Amazed By Windsor

Posted on November 13, 2011

  Once Again, Amazed by Windsor Commentary by Jacqueline Bennett For twelve years I covered the town of Windsor, Connecticut as a reporter for the local newspaper, and, it is a community for which I have an abiding affection. The activism, volunteerism, caring, compassion and depth of character among so many of the people with whom my path crossed here in Connecticut’s oldest town never ceased to amaze me. And once again I am amazed by Windsor. This time by Windsor’s veterans who have given so much of themselves in service to our nation, yet this Veterans Day looked beyond their own contributions to recognize the patriotic deeds of someone who is not a veteran, by welcoming her as the main speaker for their…

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Ann Walsh Honored by Windsor, Connecticut Veterans

Posted on November 11, 2011

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com For nearly six years Ann Walsh’s  irrepressible determination and big heart have been the  driving  force behind Send Hometown Windsor To The Troops, a community service project of WIN-TV.  Thanks to her ongoing efforts Windsor’s sons  and daughters serving in the military in Iraq and  Afghanistan receive care packages on a regular basis, boxes filled with basic necessities,  homemade  cookies, homemade breads, other goodies and cards and letters to remind them they are thought about  and  appreciated. This year Walsh was honored by Windsor’s veterans – chosen as the first person who is not a veteran, to give the keynote speech for the Veterans Day Ceremony held 11/11/11 at town hall. She spoke of the strong sense…

Categories: NEWS, People

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Trees of Honor for Connecticut’s Iraq, Afghanistan Fallen Heroes

Posted on October 14, 2011

Trees of Honor for Connecticut’s Iraq, Afghanistan Fallen Heroes by: Jacqueline Bennett “May they never be forgotten.” Plans are underway for a Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial, Inc. to pay homage to Connecticut’s military men and women who died in service to the nation in Iraq and Afghanistan. Initiated by a small group of citizens, currently looking for a 3 acre site in central Connecticut, the living memorial is envisioned as a “beautifully designed space” of serenity and reflection, to include a shade tree planted for each Connecticut military member who died serving in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraq Freedom and Operation New Dawn. A personalized plaque will be erected next to each tree and there will be walkways, flower gardens, benches, flagpoles, statues…

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