Tolerance Survey, Malloy Visits, Picky Eaters

February is Black History Month, and it was with that in mind that the Ledyard High School student magazine, The Colonel, surveyed student on their attitudes about race, and also sexual orientation. Taylor Johnson, editor-in-chief of The Colonel, authored the survey wrote the summary article, which appears in the January/February edition.

Gov. Malloy was in Groton Tuesday to speak to the Eastern Connecticut Chamber about his budget. Ledyard Mayor Fred Allyn Jr. was at that event, but never got a chance to ask the governor about the loss of PILOT funds to cover industrial tax credits. In Ledyard’s case, it could equal nearly $300,000 in lost revenue.

On the flip side of the state funding equation, the Town Council authorized the use of $131,000 – part of a $150,000 state grant – to spruce up the green in Ledyard Center. (Patch reader and columnist Andrea McKenzie duly noted that Ledyard Center looks like Rockefeller Center compared to Gales Ferry center. Good point.)

Today fishing columnist Peter Jacobson talks about an impending demise of the striped bass fishery.  Beekeeper Stephen Dinsmore recently spoke to the Ledyard Garden Club about the declining population of honey bees, a prospect that could be catastrophic.

As always, lots of stuff for moms this week, including yet another Moms Chat that was chock-full of ideas on how to get your picky eaters to eat something besides junk food. Parenting columnist Michelle Tracy discussed sibling rivalry, and there were plenty of suggestions for things to do with the kids.

Plus, a fancier-than-usual recipe from Gary Williams and Amber Graham – Pan-Roasted Salmon with Mandarin Orange Salsa and Roasted Red-Pepper Couscous. Picky eaters take notice: you don’t know what you’re missing!

And if you just don’t feel like cooking, try dinner out at the Fireside Brick Oven Creations in Gales Ferry.

This week we met Patch Whiz Kid Kathleen Ferrie, who is a star fifer with the Nutmeg Drum and Bugle Corps, in addition to a talented young equestrian. We also celebrated President’s Day, and Philip Delvin shared with us a brief history lesson on George Washington’s frequent visits to the Nutmeg State. Seems he really did sleep here.

In sports, Ledyard High wrestlers fought hard in the state tournament last weekend, hoping for an unprecedented 18th Class M crown. The effort fell just short, as Bacon Academy claimed the title for the third straight year. Congratulations to the Bobcats, and also to Colonel wrestlers Dean Gilbert and Matt Jones for winning their individual Class M weight titles.

In case you missed it, we ran honor rolls from the high school and the middle school this week. Great job, everyone!

We ran a bunch of other things this week, too, but the day is wasting and the kids are clamoring to get out and enjoy this beautiful Saturday. So I will leave you with this photo gallery of Nancy Brewer’s Winter Story Time. Enjoy.