The Week That Was, That Week That Will Be

1. The Week That Was: A busy week in Waterford, as far as setting the cost of government over the next few years. Monday night, the Board of Education that included raises around 2 percent per year and cuts to health insurance. Wednesday night, the finance subcommittee (that recommendation is usually pretty close to the actual tax increase).

Meanwhile, Patch’s election coverage kicked into full gear, with a story on Monday about , including both first selectman candidates.

In other news, this month is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. .

On Tuesday at Waterford High School, where 17-year-old students tried to figure out what they wanted to do for a career. The event reminded me of of , in which 26 recent college graduates were interviewed. Using the interviews, the largest indicator of success for a recent college graduate was not GPA, but rather if he or she took an internship or not.

Also, , a Waterford resident’s modern dance was showcased and . And finally, the talented Jayne Keedle profiled a cheese store hidden behind the commercialization of Waterford.

2. This Week In Weather: This week should start nice, and then end wet. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are all expected to be sunny, with highs above 70. Wednesday, clouds are expected as the high drops to 66. Then Thursday, Friday and Saturday, thunderstorms and scattered showers are expected, with highs around 67.

*All information used in this report is from The Weather Channel.

3. This Week In Events: First off, this morning is the event at Harkness Park at 9. The American Cancer Society is encouraging people to walk with their dogs to raise money for cancer. Cost to participate is $10 per person.

Also today, the continues and there is a free concert by the Coast Guard Band at 2 p.m.

Monday is Columbus Day. Schools and all government buildings, including Town Hall, are closed.

Tuesday is the between Republican incumbent Dan Steward and petitioning independent Kevin Ziolkovski. Patch is sponsoring the debate, and The Day will participate as well.If you have a question you would like asked, email it to paul.petrone@patch.com.

Thursday evening, Waterford Drama’s play, “The Marriage of Bette and Boo,” opens at 7:30 at Waterford High School. The show runs on Friday and Saturday at the same time, and tickets are $15 per person. The play is not recommended for children under 13.

Friday is a blood drive at Town Hall from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

4. This Week In Schools: For Waterford Public Schools, it’s only a three-day week for students. Schools are closed Monday for Columbus Day, and Tuesday as teachers have professional development.

And while it isn’t until next week, Oct. 19 (next Wednesday) there is a talk about financial aid at Waterford High School at 6:30. Also, as mentioned, the Board of Education approved a new three-year contract for the teachers union Monday night. The Representative Town Meeting has the choice to vote on that contract within 30 days of it being approved. If they choose not to vote on it, the contract becomes official automatically, although if they do meet they have the option to reject it. If they do reject it, the teachers and administration will go to arbitration.

5. This Week In Government: Tuesday night is a debate between both First Selectman candidates at 7 inside Town Hall. Patch will moderate the debate, and The Day will contribute as well.

On Wednesday night, the Board of Finance votes on a recommended 5.53 percent tax increase by the long range finance subcommittee.  And Thursday, the Conservation Commission meets and continues discussions about the Waterford High School renovation. Environmental Planner Maureen Fitzgerald issued two violations for work at the high school, although things appear to be turning around in a big way.

Quote of the Week “Democracy… is like Viagra; no such thing as free elections.” -George Montgomery