Week In Review: The Passing of the Torch, Business And Budget Cuts

First and foremost, Bill Thorndike, the former editor for Ledyard Patch, surrendered the Ledyard Patch over to me Thursday. Bill has developed some strong relationships in Ledyard that I can now reap the benefits and enjoy a warm welcome, so thank you Bill and thank you Ledyard, it’s nice to be here.

Moving’s a pain in the neck but a new home furnishings store is about to open in Gales Ferry. Seasonal Home is a new retail outfit that is not just furniture on consignment, new home furnishings, artisanal crafts and antiques but all of the above. The store is located in a restored church on Hurlbutt Road and will be opening soon. Stay tuned for updates on that new business.

Also, the tension surrounding Jazzercise came to a close as the class has moved to the former Gales Ferry School.

Punxsutawney Phil and Chuckles, Connecticut’s official groundhog, had their big day last week and wouldn’t you know it, , thereby declaring six more weeks of winter while and rooted for the Patriots to win today. I like the end of winter and I want the Patriots to win so I’m surprising myself right now and pledging allegiance to Chuckles.

And speaking of ominous sightings, Ledyard’s Claire Brennan and Sara DiBiasi spied (and photographed!) a bobcat…or is it? Check out the pictures, the feline may be a bit far away but definitely in focus, which is way better than any “big foot” photog can say!

The schools’ superintendent warned of deep budget cuts at a public forum this week, and the list of the proposed cuts included the music instruction for 5^th and 6^th grades, Project Oceanology and laying off a number of tutors and teachers.  All this because the district has two contrary obligations - to give teachers a raise and to deliver a zero-increase budget to the town.  What are your thoughts on the issue of school budget cuts and tax increases? A public forum is scheduled Tuesday, Feb. 7 at the Ledyard High School auditorim.

Foxwoods is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month and while they are offering a number of discounts and entertainment to mark the milestone, news also broke that they are planning  to develop a 85-store outlet mall. Foxwoods would not comment on the rumor about an outlet mall, but they will announce expansion plans on Feb. 15.