Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Groton Schools 'Devastated' After 'Sudden Loss' Of Popular Teacher

You won't want to miss Winter Solstice Sound Bath and Intention Setting Meditation on the Groton Patch calendar

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Hello Groton! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Groton schools alter schedules after sudden loss of beloved teacher
  • See how USS California’s crew came home to Groton for Christmas
  • Groton community mourns Navy veteran Rodrigo A. Dariano, 77

Also on today's calendar: Winter Solstice Sound Bath and Intention Setting Meditation.

Find out what's happening in Grotonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Grotonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Breezy and colder, with a high of 38 and low of 35 degrees.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and windy, temps: high: 45, low: 23.
  • Monday: Sunny and breezy, with a high of 36 and low of 29 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Groton Schools 'Devastated' After 'Sudden Loss' Of Popular Teacher (patch.com) — Groton families are being asked to adjust plans after Groton Public Schools closed Mystic River Magnet School and dismissed all other schools early so staff can grieve the sudden death of teacher Kerry Nystrom. Superintendent Susan Austin said the district is devastated and outlined changes to childcare, preschool, and athletics as the community comes together to support one another.
   

2. USS California returns to sub base in time for Christmas (theday.com) — Families in Groton welcomed the USS California back to the Naval Submarine Base on Friday, just in time for Christmas, with Santa riding in for the homecoming. After a seven‑month European deployment covering 34,500 nautical miles, the crew celebrated promotions, new “dolphins,” and four new babies awaiting their returning sailors.
   

3. Recent Death Notices From New London County: Lowell, Ryley, Cardone (patch.com) — Groton readers are being notified of the recent passing of Rodrigo A. Dariano, a 77-year-old U.S. Navy veteran from town. The brief roundup also shares death notices for several other longtime New London County residents with ties to Norwich, Oakdale, Stonington, Niantic, Waterford, and Montville High School.
   

4. Foxwoods Resort Casino to reopen Two Trees Inn next spring amid tourism rebound (stamfordadvocate.com) — Groton’s role in eastern Connecticut’s economy is highlighted through the Mystic Marriott and Electric Boat’s large Groton shipyard workforce as Foxwoods prepares to reopen the nearby Two Trees Inn in Ledyard next spring. The move signals a strong rebound in regional tourism, with new hotel jobs, rising room rates, and added attractions like Great Wolf Lodge and the future National Coast Guard Museum boosting visitor demand.
   

📸 Around Groton

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Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Groton PatchAM possible:

  • Monaco Ford of Niantic — (860) 739-5437
    Experience The Monaco Difference. Extra Value. No Extra Cost
  • California Closets — (203) 924-8444
    Custom Storage Solutions for the Whole Home
  • Kinderplay — (860) 910-8363
    New Play Space Located Right Here in Groton
  • Deans Mill Farm — (860) 245-5487
    Rustic-chic private farm venue in scenic Stonington, CT
  • Werrlein Companies — (860) 785-0125
    Coming to the Mystic Area January 2026

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Last minute handmade gifts.
    Will be on Mitchell street on Saturday between 9 am and 12 pm. (Nextdoor Groton Bank Thames River)
  • Healthcare Services Group posted a job opening for Floor Tech / Heavy Housekeeper in Groton. Apply here.
  • Kentucky Fried Chicken posted a job opening for Team Member in Groton. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Groton here.

Ok Groton! 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: I dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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