The Week That Was, That Week That Will Be

1. The Week That Was: The theme this week was neighborhood protests against new developments.

First, the never-ending battle about Seaside continued, with the planning and zoning commission finally about its feelings on the proposed regulations. The group appeared in favor of the zone changes proposed by developer Mark Steiner, but questioned if the changes should be made now or later, when Steiner comes back with a full plan.

Then, the neighbors of 30 Strand Road claimed victory, as the zoning board of appeals a request by real estate agent Paul Smyth to build a 1,700 square foot house at the property. The ZBA did allow for Smyth to submit plans for a smaller house with a more specific plan for the septic tank.

And finally, New London and Waterford got together to protest a new . While the tower stands in New London, Waterford and New London residents both argued it would be an eyesore and lower their property values. The tower could fetch New London $1.2 million over 20 years, not that it would help the Waterford residents any.

Police news filtered in this week, most of it bad, but at least ended on a positive note. for spray painting Waterford High School as a senior prank, and was in a terrible accident early Sunday morning. However, Tyler Tonucci, Corey’s brother, said Corey is doing better and . Judging by a picture of the car after the accident, it is clear that Corey Tonucci is one lucky guy.

Also, the latest and last sent Waterford and the rest of America into a tizzy. At 11:15 p.m., despite the fact that everybody already pre-bought their ticket (everything was sold out), the parking lot at Waterford’s Regal Cinemas was completely packed for midnight showings. Overall, there were six midnight showings of the movie at Regal Cinemas, and all sold out hours before.

Also, Monday evening Patch conducted an 80-minute interview with , who is running for first selectman in November. Ziolkovski is running with no party, and is refusing to seek endorsements, saying that if people like what he has to say, they can vote for him.

In other news, Clark Lane Principal James “Jim” Sachs discussed his , an old, ugly boat finally found a home and former Waterford resident , author of “Without Reservation” and “Little Pink House,” came to the Waterford Public Library to discuss his new book, “Poisoned.” Plus, for Waterford’s schools, both showing improvements, especially at the high school. 

And finally, Waterford’s were our Whiz Kids of the Week.

2. This week in weather: This is a San Diego forecast. Sunday, a high around 84 and sunny. Monday, a high around 85, although some thunderstorms are expected later that night (the only blip for the entire week). Tuesday through Saturday are all are the same: highs around 85, mostly sunny, with no rain or storms predicted. Nice week.

*All information used for this report is from the National Weather Service.

3. This week in government: The Republicans caucus Tuesday night. It is a foregone conclusion that First Selectman Dan Steward will seek and get the party’s endorsement. However, the party has the chance to send another representative to the board of finance, and other spots are open on the board of education. Additionally, all members of the Representative Town Meeting are seeking re-election, with two Republicans, , already saying they would not seek another term.

Also Tuesday, the planning and zoning commission will discuss two new plans by . Buffalo Wild Wings is moving into the Crystal Mall, where Charley's used to be. The restaurant is seeking a separate entrance, next to the mall entrance on the west side of the mall.

4. This week in schools: Obviously, school is out, so not much to report for day-to-day activities (although steel keeps going up at Waterford High School, which is exciting). But Thursday, a special meeting is being held by the board of education to evaluate Superintendent Jerome Belair. He started in February and has had to deal with a stunning amount of issues: (reconfiguring February break due to snow days); a budget that for the first time anybody can remember; ; the hiring of a new and (a principal or the business manager had not had to be hired since 2005); while managing the construction , a $67 million project.

Generally, when a superintendent is reviewed, a raise is forthcoming if the board determines he or she is doing a good job. However, Belair, along with Assistant Superintendent Craig Powers and all the administrators, have agreed to a wage freeze, so no raise will be given. The evaluation will still be interesting.

5. This week in youth: I’m sure it remains a struggle to keep the kids busy during the summer. So, here are a few things going on.

First, tickets are still available at Waterford Youth Services for a bus trip to Yankee Stadium on Friday, when the Yankees play the Oakland Athletics. And at Ocean Beach, three free nights in a row: car night on Monday, movie night Tuesday and boardwalk magic night on Wednesday (those happen every week in the summer).

Plus, there is youth sailing all week at Mystic Seaport,  $140 to teach your kid (must be at least 8) how to sail.

Quote of the Week

“Any American who is prepared to run for president should be automatically, by definition, be disqualified from ever doing so.”

-Gore Vidal

Trivia of the Day

What is so fragile that it breaks at sound of its own name?

Friday’s Answer: Gerald Ford played college football at Michigan.