The Week That Was; The Week That Will Be

1. The Week That Was: The most dramatic news this week happened Thursday night, when the Exxon station at 76 Boston Post Road was . The cause of the fire remains unknown.

The biggest news this week in government happened Monday, when the that dictate how the town’s fire services are run. The RTM approved the ordinances despite criticism from Quaker Hill Fire Company. Proponents of the ordinances addressed the criticism .
The Animal Shelter Committee took when the board of selectmen rejected a plea for $4,000 for printing brochures and tabled a $120,000 appropriation for design of a new animal shelter. However, Committee Chairwoman Margaret Ormond and Animal Control Officer Robert Yuchniuk have both told Patch that  they will keep fighting for a new shelter.

Also, the Strand-off public hearing , Patch took a look at the between the board of education and gifted students, residents reacted to , and all the while the town wrestled with 90-degree temperatures during the first heat wave of the year. Also, a well-known , Waterford Police , and the town historian made a plea to keep.

2. This Week In Weather: It could be a wet week. Today, showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the day and night. Monday and Tuesday, there is a slight chance of rain, with highs around 70 and cloudy. Wednesday should be mostly sunny with a high at 75, with Thursday and Friday both having a chance for thunderstorms and showers. Saturday, finally a clear day, with a high of 74.

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

3. This Week In Schools: It is a regular, five-day week at Waterford schools. There are few events going on, with everybody gearing up for graduation.

At Clark Lane Middle School, the Eighth Grade Dance is Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. On Tuesday, Oswegatchie Elementary School and Quaker Hill Elementary School have field day.  Also, at Quaker Hill Elementary School, fifth-graders spend Monday at Mystic Seaport, Tuesday at Waterford Beach and then have their promotion ceremony Thursday.

4. This Week In Government: Two big events are set for Monday, one about a new housing facility that wants into town, the second about “” differences between New London and Waterford-East Lyme.

First, the Ad-Hoc Animal Shelter Facility Study Committee is meeting with New London Police Chief Margaret Ackley and Police Captain Michael Lacey, who heads the city’s animal control division. Waterford-East Lyme is willing to build a shelter with New London, but only if the city signs on with Waterford-East Lyme’s adoption policy, committee Chairwomen Margaret Ormond said.

Second, the planning and zoning commission is holding a public hearing on proposed changes to the zoning regulations of the Seaside District. The changes are put forth by Mark Steiner, who is about to purchase the property from the state. Steiner wants to waive the regulation keeping the housing is exclusive to individuals 55 and older, and to be able to knock down the buildings and rebuild, rather than just renovate them.

Neighbors have protested the changes.

The rest of the week is routine, with the board of finance meeting Wednesday, although no controversial items are on the agenda.

5. This Week In Events: Today, there is a breakfast at the community center from 9 a.m. - noon for everybody interested in joining town cheerleading and football in the fall. And Saturday night, The Gambler himself, who gambled on far too many facelifts, Kenny Rogers performs at Foxwoods and tickets are still available.

Quote of the Week

“Oh yea, I’ll tell you something,

I think you’ll understand

When I say that something

I want to hold your hand.”

-John Lennon and Paul McCartney

Trivia of the Day

What always runs but never walks, often murmurs, never talks, has a bed but never sleeps, has a mouth but never eats?

Friday’s Answer: The most days without sleep is 11, according to the Guinness World Record almanac.