Week In Review

We had a little bit of snow this weekend and since the weather is so friendly, Patch blogger Robin Franklin told us . And, Ledyard Patch user Bill Saums mentions that he has been maple sugaring for 10 years or so and has given readers some helpful tips on how to get it right and where to find supplies in town.

This week started off with on a high note with a nice article about Gianni Jannke-DeMuzzio, a Ledyard Middle School student who has impressed his teachers with his dedication and professionalism. Gianni is a member of the robotics team and band and he was recently received an award from the Connecticut superintendents for “outstanding scholars” who make “significant service contributions to their communities.”

Ledyard High School Marine Science students also made a lasting impression last weekend when they won the Quahog Bowl, a marine science competition between 16 high schools from the northeast. The team earned first place in the tournament, which came as a surprise to everyone, especially Cranston High School of Rhode Island as they have been taking first place for the past eight years. Ledyard will go on to represent the region in the national championship in April.

Ledyard’s Seasonal Homes of Gales Ferry opened Saturday and Trade Winds at Stonecroft became an official restaurant. I’ve heard good things, the mayor said he likes the prime rib and scallops and the chefs at Trade Winds will be posting their specials on the Ledyard Patch so check back often.

If the country restaurant will be receiving many more dinner guests, especially if the retirement community opens its doors to younger residents. The owners of Stonegate Village, which is currently zoned for people who are 55-years-old or older, submitted an application to revise their zoning regulations and convert the development into an affordable housing community, which would lift the age restriction for prospective residents. Residents I talked to were unhappy to hear the news.

State Rep. Tom Reynolds stopped into the public hearing about the school budget to tell folks that Ledyard needs to find a sustainable way to fund education. His announcement was hard to hear, but relevant as parents were also digesting the proposed budget that reduced funds for 5th and 6th grade musical education and a reading program, cuts Project Oceanology, and lays off teachers and tutors.

Here’s some video of the endangered music program from Gallup Hill Elementary School.

Pastor Brian Converse met with the mayor on behalf of parishioners at in Gales Ferry, who managed to pool together $5,000 and donated it, in the form of grocery store gift cards, to the social services department.