Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Fire Chief Retiring From Stratford Fire Department

Be sure to catch Large Estate Sale - Weston on the Stratford Patch calendar

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Good morning Stratford! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Stratford fire chief retires after 25 years of local service
  • How did Stratford crack WalletHub's Top 15 small cities list?
  • Why did Stratford's mayor suddenly fire two top development officials?

Also on today's calendar: Large Estate Sale - Weston and 27 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Mostly cloudy and humid, with a high of 72 and low of 62 degrees.
  • Friday: Sunny intervals; very warm, temps: high: 80, low: 56.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and less humid, with a high of 71 and low of 51 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Fire Chief Retiring From Stratford Fire Department (patch.com) — Stratford residents will soon see a leadership change at the fire department as Chief Jermaine Atkinson retires Friday after 25 years of service in town. Atkinson, who became chief in 2022 and previously held several key roles, is awaiting final approval to serve as Hamden's assistant fire chief, while Deputy Chief Eric Heath will lead Stratford's department until a permanent replacement is chosen.
   

2. Connecticut Town Named one of the 15 Best Small Cities in America (newsbreak.com) — Stratford has been ranked the 11th best small city in America by WalletHub, placing it in the top 1 percent of more than 1,300 communities studied. The town scored especially well for education and health and showed strong economic health, underscoring Stratford's appeal compared with small cities nationwide while still facing challenges in affordability and overall quality of life rankings.
   

3. Stratford mayor abruptly lets go 2 key economic development hires (ctpost.com) — Stratford residents should know Mayor David Chess has abruptly dismissed Economic Development Director Jim Capra and small business chief Anne Gaydos less than a year into his administration. Chess says he needs faster progress on economic growth as the town grapples with higher property taxes after revaluation, while local business leaders express surprise and stress the importance of maintaining strong support for small businesses.
   

4. Bird Conservation Director Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe Honored for Exceptional Environmental Stewardship (audubon.org) — Stratford's own coastal habitats are getting national-caliber care from Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe, who was just honored locally with the Terry Backer Environmental Champion Award. Her work restoring Great Meadows Marsh, boosting endangered shorebirds, and hiring Stratford teens as Wildlife Guards is drawing praise from local officials and statewide leaders for strengthening both the environment and community.
   

5. Martha Stewart's new restaurant among nominees for Connecticut's CRAZIES food awards (newstimes.com) — Stratford's own Cat's Kitchen is among the finalists for this year's statewide CRAZIES hospitality awards, putting a local business in the spotlight alongside top restaurants and caterers across Connecticut. Winners will be celebrated Dec. 7 at Foxwoods, and public voting runs through November, giving Stratford residents a chance to support their hometown nominee and other favorite spots.
   

📸 Around Stratford

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Once Again Biggs and Rehm Set the Tone for the Bulldogs —Curt Gowdy Read on Patch
  • David Paul Labbe, age 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 18, 2026. —Cody-White Funeral Home Read on Patch
  • Heaven Sent Thrift Shop at Stratford United Methodist Church - Sept. 28, 2026 —Chris Muller Read on Patch
  • ART IN THE PARK THIS SATURDAY 10-3:00 SEE DETAILS BELOW
    Lordship Art in the Park in Stratford, Connecticut, takes place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (with a rain date of Sunday,… (Nextdoor Lordship)
  • C&J change my ceiling fan switch for me at a very reasonable price.
    they also installed laminate plank flooring in two rooms in my house and it's an extremely good price. I will definitely be having them do all my… (Nextdoor Historic William Perry House)
  • LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION posted a job opening for Transmission Assembly Supervisor - Level 3 in Stratford. Apply here.
  • Vallen Distribution, Inc. posted a job opening for Storeroom Attendant - Integrated Supply in Stratford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Stratford here.

Ok Stratford! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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