Week In Review: Political Positioning And A Mini Donkey

Ok, this being a graduation month we should definitely start out by acknowledging the UConn and , congratulations!

Second, I know that all the girls had their prom dresses picked out months ago but for those last minute shoppers or the people who want to get a nice, free dress…we’re running a that could do just that. All you need to do is tell Patch (and photograph) why Ledyard High School is the awesomest and voila, you’re eligible for a free dress.

Speaking of contests, cast your vote in the . It’s too late to submit your own but definitely vote and make a mom feel very, very special today.

, the regaled ice cream destination in these parts opened Friday with not a new, featured flavor (although that’s entirely possible) but with a featured . He’s a 6-month-old mini donkey and he stole the hearts people who stopped in for ice cream and/or greenhouse plants. He seems to love hanging out and certainly game for having his ears pet.

On other news, . If he is confirmed, he will resign as chairman of the Town Council and work in D.C.

Also, the conflict between . The Zoning Commission was in the hot seat while it considered the application to convert the retirement community into an all-ages affordable housing development. Residents opposed the application, citing health, peace of mind and well being as good reason to deny the admittance of younger people and families.

After two public hearings, the commission approved the application but one of the 27 conditions required the developer to maintain the 55+ age requirement and that seemed to satisfy residents. The developer may appeal the decision, but for now, residents are delighted that another condition of approval was that, in the event of an appeal, the age restriction stands until a court’s final ruling.

from the state senate this week, which created a political flurry. andboth announced that they’re interested in her seat, so there will be more coverage on that race as it develops.

And, since Ledyard is full of talent, some residents have been recognized for their accomplishments. This week, profiles on a school nurse and a young writer were featured though their contributions and impact have long been appreciated.

is a second-grader at wrote a story telling us how turtles came to grow a shell. The piece was rewarded by the Connecticut Writers Project and will be published in the organization’s magazine. And Teresa Fields, a Ledyard Center School nurse, was awarded at the Nightingale Awards ceremony this week for outstanding professionalism and spirit while serving the Ledyard school district.

, of Valentino’s Italian Restaurant, agreed to an interview this week where he revealed that he eats one slice of cheese pizza a day (with morning coffee) and moved to Ledyard when chickens still crossed Route 117. Vetrano and Valentino’s has been a Ledyard landmark for 20 years now and Vetrano, who was born and raised a New Yorker, sat down with Patch to tell us what brought him to Ledyard and what keeps him going.