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NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Posts tagged “Windsor CT

Windsor, CT’s Brown’s Harvest Hosts 3rd Annual Sunflower Festival

Posted on August 16, 2020

  Write-up & Photos By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Sunflowers, sunflowers everywhere ….  With so many events cancelled due to the COVID pandemic , here’s one that is still on ~ the 3rd Annual Sunflower Festival at Brown’s Harvest in Windsor Connecticut. It ran two weekends, including through 4 p.m. today ~ Sunday, August 16th.. Tickets are available upon arrival.   Brown’s Harvest is a fourth generation farm that soon enough will have pumpkins galore on hand but presently they are bringing ‘sunshine’ to those who stop by to see multiple variations of sunflowers they planted. At $5 for the younger ones and $17 for adults you can venture into the sunflower field and of course bring one home. Everywhere one looks the sunflower…

Join the Journey ~ Windsor Monarch Project

Posted on May 22, 2019

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Butterflies hold a mystique. “Universally” butterflies are said to symbolize metamorphosis, renewal and beauty ~ with the grandest beauty of the species being the Monarch ( auntyflo.com ) . On a spiritual level Monarch butterflies are believed to represent good luck, an omen that one is on the right path or a need for change, even communication of well-being between the living and the dead. Practically, Monarch butterflies pollinate plants critical to the health and preservation of our delicate ecosystem.   Given the value of Monarchs, Windsor resident Suzanne Urban set out to reverse a disturbing trend that she cautions, has positioned these insects as nearing endangered. Inspired by a similar, successful effort with a different…

At the Capitol With Connecticut State Representative Jane Garibay

Posted on March 30, 2019

  Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   It was an interesting day spent March 28 with State Representative Jane Garibay at the Capitol in Hartford, Connecticut. Garibay represents the 60th District, covering Windsor and Windsor Locks.   A freshman legislator, Garibay won election in November 2018, defeating a Republican incumbent. In her first year on the hill, she has already co-sponsored a bill.   “I am honored to serve the people of the 60th district and to share this incredible journey,” she said, “I am proud to serve with so many dedicated legislators working for the good of the people in their districts and state.”   Part of the journey is learning the ropes at the state Capitol. With a desire to…

Democrat Jane Garibay Elected To 60th House District, Unseats Incumbent

Posted on November 8, 2018

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Elation describes the mood at Union Street Tavern in Windsor, Connecticut Tuesday night November 6, where newly elected State Representative Jane Garibay celebrated with supporters. In a vote of 5,454 – 4,863, Garibay, a Windsor Democrat, unseated one term Republican Scott Storms of Windsor Locks, to represent the district which includes Windsor Locks and part of Windsor.   “It took a great team of people to do this,” Garibay said.   Literally logging tens of thousands of steps, Garibay went door-to-door intent on communicating directly with voters and listening to their concerns firsthand.   “And each time I brought someone with me,” she said of her door-to-door campaign.   Her first time elected to a state…

NFL Star Chris Baker Returns To Windsor & Bart’s – Continues Efforts to Inspire Youth

Posted on June 24, 2018

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   National Football League star Chris Baker, a native of Windsor, Connecticut returned to his hometown this past weekend to continue with his efforts to inspire area youth. And, as everyone knows, a visit home to Windsor is not complete without a stop at the iconic Bart’s Drive-In Restaurant. In Baker’s case, he was there on June 21 to sign autographs and mingle with fans. However, a hotdog from Bart’s Magic Grill was a must.   Baker has made a stop at Bart’s part of his annual visits to Windsor for a number of years. He and Mayor Donald Trinks, owner and general manager of Bart’s, share a mutual admiration.   “Mayor Trinks, he’s been my number…

Survey Says : Windsor Feud Marks Successful 15th Anniversary

Posted on March 7, 2018

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com     An evening of fun and fundraising marked the 15th anniversary of the Windsor Feud held Saturday, March 3 at the Windsor, Connecticut town hall. Based on the popular television game show, Family Feud, teams from area businesses and civic groups participated in the friendly competition organized by the Windsor Chamber of Commerce with team Hampton Inn named the 2018 champs.   Through pledges, the event raises money for numerous WCofC community, education and business programs. According to Jane Garibay, executive director of the WCofC, as of March 7 a tally showed the event had raised $7,000.   “Still rallying up,” added Garibay.     Inside the town hall, council chambers was transformed into a realistic replica of…

11th Tavern Trot Raises Another $65,000 For Alex’s Lemonade Stand

Posted on September 19, 2017

                              Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com The 11th Annual Tavern Trot raised another $65,000 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which is dedicated to pediatric cancer research. Hosted by the Union Street Tavern the event was held September 17 in Windsor, Connecticut under sunny skies with temperatures reaching the low 80 degrees.   Attracting 950 participants, a number up from 300 in year one, over eleven years the Tavern Trot has raised $300,000 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, according to Mike Deneen, part owner of the Union Street Tavern. That amount is part of $150 million the non-profit organization has raised for the cause since its inception, inspired by…

“Mums” the Word at Iconic Bart’s – Three Windsor CT Events to Help Animals

Posted on September 15, 2017

By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   “Mums” the word Saturday, September 16 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m at Windsor, Connecticut’s iconic Bart’s Drive-In Restaurant on 55 Palisado Avenue (a.k.a. BartsBeanery.) For those who have yet to stop by Bart’s or those such as myself who stop by often, tomorrow may be the perfect chance to enjoy a chili dog from the Magic Grill while at the same time helping the Windsor Pet Food Pantry.    It took the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to raise awareness about the powerful bond between people and their pets. As the country currently deals with Hurricanes Harvey and Irma – once again the importance of pets is being seen.   Of course, pets need food. The Friends…

Saying Good-Bye To K-9 Iko

Posted on May 24, 2017

Story by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com  Photos courtesy of Ofr. Steven Vesco   Don’t Grieve for Me I served you well. I loved you more than you could ever tell. I am now an angel in blue. I laid my life on the line for you. I wore my badge with honor everyday to keep citizens safe and out of harm’s way. So when you see a badge worn with pride, remember their comrades and friends that have died. – author unknown     Officer Steven Vesco was joined Monday morning, May 22, by fellow first responders in Windsor, Connecticut to say good-bye to retired police K-9 Iko. It was just a few months ago that Vesco was optimistic about Iko’s prognosis for recovery following…

Shad Derby Festival Green & Parade – A New England Tradition

Posted on May 22, 2017

  Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   A beloved New England tradition for more than half a century, sunny skies graced the 2017 Shad Derby Festival Green and Parade Saturday, May 20 in Windsor, Connecticut. Festival and parade-goers turned out in large numbers on this gorgeous day to enjoy what is a signature event of  Connecticut’s first town.   It started with a small – socially conscious – fishing derby in 1955. First held to clean up the Connecticut River and its banks in Windsor, which is situated at the confluence of the Connecticut and Farmington rivers and neighbors the state’s capital city. Over the years the Shad Derby has grown to become a highly anticipated spring ritual attracting thousands.   One…