Dear Neighbor,
What does it take to be a good neighbor? In this week’s issue, we take a closer look at Mayor Chess’s announcement of the Mayor’s Do Good Fund, a new nonprofit that lets Stratford residents both give and receive philanthropic support — including a straightforward way for anyone who needs a little financial help to ask for it.
We’re also excited to share our new initiative, The Neighborhood Beat, which gives high school students the chance to engage in civic life through journalism. Please join me in welcoming our first group of reporters from Stratford High School: Ana, Ahilyn, Angel, and Elivia. Over the next few weeks, I hope you’ll read their articles on the topics that matter to them, and see our community through their eyes — starting with Elivia’s piece, STARS: A Cause For All Paws.
As you consider my question, what does it take to be a good neighbor, let’s also consider what it takes for our neighbors to feel safe? You are invited to join in a Vigil for Unity on Saturday, July 25th, to stand with and remember those who did not, and do not, feel safe in their own community. You can learn more in this week’s calendar.
And finally, back to the question I opened with: what does it take to be a good neighbor? A recent joint announcement from the Stratford Police Department, Mayor Chess, and Stratford C.A.R.E. offers one answer, inviting business owners and residents alike to educate, inform, and build stronger community relationships for a safer, healthier, more unified Stratford — neighbor to neighbor.
Be well,
Your Neighbor, Nikkya
