Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Leading Retailer Plans To Open Store In Prominent Waterford Location

Spotted on the Waterford calendar: Dream Big: School Choice Fair

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Good morning to you Waterford! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Western retailer Boot Barn set to fill former Party City space
  • What changes will Waterford see after Chief Balestracci steps down?
  • Which Waterford gymnasts made the state’s must-watch list this season?

Also on today's calendar: Dream Big: School Choice Fair and 7 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the shovel say to the dirt? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: A bit of afternoon rain, with a high of 49 and low of 39 degrees.
  • Saturday: Rain and drizzle in the p.m., temps: high: 45, low: 39.
  • Sunday: Rain and drizzle in the a.m., with a high of 43 and low of 27 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Leading Retailer Plans To Open Store In Prominent Waterford Location (patch.com) — Waterford shoppers can expect a new Boot Barn store at Waterford Commons, with a tentative opening in fall 2026 at 915 Hartford Turnpike. The western and workwear retailer will fill the former Party City space next to Dick’s Sporting Goods, adding to a busy shopping center that already draws millions of visitors annually.
   

• After 25 years as a Waterford police officer, Chief Marc Balestracci is moving on (theday.com) — Waterford’s longtime police chief, Marc Balestracci, plans to retire in March after 25 years with the department, saying he’s ready for a new career while leaving the force in strong shape. He highlights expanded community outreach, mental health support, and leadership development as key achievements, while the Board of Police Commissioners begins searching for his successor and the town prepares a public sendoff.
   

• Here are 15 Connecticut CIAC high school gymnasts to watch in the 2025-26 season (thehour.com) — Several Waterford gymnasts competing on the Ledyard/Waterford/St. Bernard co-op team are highlighted among 15 athletes to watch in Connecticut’s 2025-26 CIAC gymnastics season. Standouts like Olivia Gionet, Alyssa McLeod, and Capri Sferraza are recognized for strong State Open and New England results, giving local fans plenty of reasons to follow this year’s meets.
   

📸 Around Waterford

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Waterford

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📣 Waterford Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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

  • Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
    Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!
  • Werrlein Companies — (860) 785-0125
    Coming to the Mystic Area January 2026
  • Deans Mill Farm — (860) 245-5487
    Rustic-chic private farm venue in scenic Stonington, CT
  • California Closets — (203) 924-8444
    Custom Storage Solutions for the Whole Home

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hi neighbors!
    It was so nice to see everyone out shoveling yesterday. Such a great community spirit (Nextdoor Rope Ferry Road)
  • Project: clean and move the table
    Outcome: move and clean everything from the shelves that are above the table, clean the top of the refrigerator, clean the items on the refrigerator,… (Nextdoor Waterford)
  • Stop & Shop posted a job opening for PT Night Crew-Clerk - Grocery - 0667 in Waterford. Apply here.
  • Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. posted a job opening for Kitchen Team Member/Cook in Waterford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Waterford here.

🗞 Nearby News

New London

  • Vigil held in New London for Minneapolis shooting victim Renee Good (wfsb.com)
  • Friday Night Folk to feature Geoff Kaufman (theday.com)
  • Orsted's NY Wind Project Challenges US Suspension of Lease (insurancejournal.com)

Groton

Montville

Ok Waterford! 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 really dig you!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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