66 years after battle, Conn. Marine awarded Purple Heart

NOTE: Front page story in New Britain Herald By Brenda Maguire CORRESPONDENT NEW BRITAIN — It’s not unusual for a Marine to be awarded the Purple Heart. The one receiving the honor Wednesday was Pvt. George Haddad. He wore a gray suit that matched his hair, and wears hearing aids. But what’s extraordinary is toContinue reading “66 years after battle, Conn. Marine awarded Purple Heart”

Berlin native returns to promote role in ‘Dolphin Tale’

By Brenda Maguire CORRESPONDENT BERLIN — The last time Austin Stowell returned to Central Connecticut was to visit his mother. This time, it’s business. Stowell, a Berlin native, will be making an appearance Friday at Rave Berlin 12 Theater on Frontage Road in Kensington to promote the Warner Brother’s film “Dolphin Tale,” in which heContinue reading “Berlin native returns to promote role in ‘Dolphin Tale’”

Goodwin Tech debuts ‘E-House’

By Brenda Maguire CORRESPONDENT NEW BRITAIN — Last year as many students had their noses buried in a textbook, E.C. Goodwin Technical High School had a different plan for its students. A group of juniors worked together to build an “E-House,” a learning laboratory next to the school that emphasizes clean energy and allows studentsContinue reading “Goodwin Tech debuts ‘E-House’”

General picked for key Iraq post was once a New Britain paperboy

NOTE: Front page story By Brenda Maguire Correspondent Forty-five years ago Robert L. Caslen Jr. was just Bob. He was a kid who delivered the New Britain Herald to homes in the city. How times have changed. The boy has grown into a 57-year-old man who’s taking on one of the most daunting tasks theContinue reading “General picked for key Iraq post was once a New Britain paperboy”

Fitness studio opens after $15K renovation at YMCA

By Brenda Maguire CORRESPONDENT NEW BRITAIN — The New Britain-Berlin YMCA at 50 High St. in New Britain has rearranged its facility to open up a room for fitness classes. “Everybody is very excited for this dedicated space,” said Tammy Valk, membership director. “It’s been a long time coming.” The space that was once theContinue reading “Fitness studio opens after $15K renovation at YMCA”

Celebrating 30 years of workouts at The Powerhouse Gym

By Brenda Maguire CORRESPONDENT BERLIN — As George Flonnes walks into The Powerhouse Gym for his workout, he’s greeted with a smile by Jack Banks, co-owner of the gym. Flonnes has been a gym member since Banks and his partner, Paul Carson, first opened it in 1981. In fact, Flonnes helped them renovate their originalContinue reading “Celebrating 30 years of workouts at The Powerhouse Gym”

New Britain car show ready to roll

By Brenda Maguire CORRESPONDENT NEW BRITAIN — Whether it’s a Lamborghini, a classic car, or a hybrid bus, the New Britain Car Show is looking to please all visitors with a variety of automobiles. New Britain will be holding its fifth annual car show on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m at Central ParkContinue reading “New Britain car show ready to roll”

Walnut Hill Park hosting Substance-Free Family Day

By Brenda Maguire Correspondent NEW BRITAIN — After attending the downtown car show Saturday, visitors are encouraged to head over to Walnut Hill Park for the 14th annual Substance-Free Family Day Celebration, being held from noon to 5 p.m. Substance-Free Family Day is an event being held to promote a healthy lifestyle and good cleanContinue reading “Walnut Hill Park hosting Substance-Free Family Day”

Biennial City Guide to Debut this Fall

Staff Report NEW BRITAIN — The New Britain Chamber of Commerce, New Britain Herald and Hartford Publications are working together on the New Britain Chamber of Commerce 2012-2013 City Guide and Membership Directory, which is set to come out this fall. William Millerick, president of the Chamber, wanted to do something different with the biennialContinue reading “Biennial City Guide to Debut this Fall”