Cats, Town Budget, Restaurant News

A public hearing Monday on a $49 million town budget proposal was attended by about 30 people. Also discussed at the hearing was a $5.4 million plan to extend water service to the Aljen Heights ssubdivision. Two public hearings on that project are scheduled for next week, on May 2 and May 5.

There was good news at that public hearing this week. State Rep. Tom Reynolds, D-42nd, reported that the state would reimburse the town for lost tax revenue on industrial machinery and equipment after all. The town had been anticipating a loss of about $365,000.

Even with the restored funds, the Town Council decided not to include a new position of assistant engineer requested by the Public Works department before adopting the $49 million package that voters will consider at referendum on May 17.

This was a little different... the Ledyard Patch extended an invitation to anyone who has an interest in blogging on the website. This is your chance. Email Bill Thorndike if you’re interested.

A bunch of displaced cats were settled into the Agri-Science Department at Ledyard High School last weekend. The students will care for the cats, which will be available for adoption.

Fireside Brick Over Creations owner Stephanie Nicholson is hoping the addition of outside seating will help attract new customers to her Gales Ferry restaurant. In related news this week, Raya’s will soon become Florentine’s, although only the restaurant. The bar will still be Raya’s.

Winston Averill of SCRRRA, “Recycle Man,” visited Ledyard Center Nursery School this week with a message about recycling, and what becomes of all the trash we recycle.  And on that subject, The Town Council awarded a two-year curbside collection and single stream recycling contract to Sterling Superior Services this week.

Home-school columnist Andrea McKenzie discussed teaching kids about chores this week, and it also was the topic of our weekly Moms Chat.

The Thames River Big Band was featured this week. (Monday's concert is at the Mystic River Homes Congregate.) Phil Hubbard showed us how to make sweet potato pone, and we shared great appetizer recipes from Fay Abrahamsson for those royal wedding parties.

Coach George DeLeone led a seminar for high school football coaches at Ledyard High School this week. Eighth-graders at Ledyard Middle School just finished their field trip to Gettysburg (watch for our story).

Friday was Arbor Day, but on Wednesday students and teachers at Ledyard Middle School gathered outside the school to plant a tree in memory of David Isbell.

Today is the 17th annual Agri-Science/FFA Open Horse Show at the Ledyard Fairgrounds. Perfect day for it.