🌱Annual Water Lantern Celebration Postponed + Volunteer Opportunities

Hello there, Essex-Chester-Deep River. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including news about...

• Water Lantern Celebration.
• Chess Tournament this weekend.
• Volunteers needed.

But first, today's weather: Breezy in the afternoon. High: 65 Low: 52.

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Here are the top stories today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

1. Change of plans! Inclement weather is predicted for Saturday, May 20, so A Little Compassion, Inc’s. 4th Annual Water Lantern Celebration will now take place at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 21, at Plattwood Park in Deep River. The event will include hundreds of environmentally safe and hand-decorated lanterns displayed on the waters of Plattwood Pond. According to hk-now.com, "All guests will enjoy food, music and a sensory friendly area for decorating and viewing. The Water Lantern Celebration is a beloved community event open to all. The pay-what-you-can fee structure will [e]nsure that everyone can attend regardless of their ability to pay. All Connecticut students have free admission! Visit ALC’s website at www.alittlecompassion.org for details. (hk-now.com)
2. The Deep River Chess Club Tournament will be held on May 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Deep River Library. This program is open to kids and teens. Chess experience is needed to participate. Registration is required. (Deep River Library)
3. Is your student looking for volunteer opportunities? Tri-Town Youth Services is currently recruiting students in grades 6 through 9 for its revamped Youth Action Council. As a youth-led program, this is an opportunity to have a seat at the table, become empowered to plan and implement fun initiatives and be part of creating positive change in our community. There will be an Open House Pizza Party where we will provide more details. For more information and to sign up, e-mail Faith Sprigg at Faith@ttysb.org. (Tri Town Youth Services)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Spring Into Stories: Pre-K Storytime (Ages 3-5) (10:30 AM)
• Endangered Animals (Ages 8+) (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Chester CT Historical Society: "From the Hartford Courant, May 19, 1982. Enjoy the memories." (Chester CT Historical Society via Facebook)
• Deep River Public Library: "We are pleased to share that 'Anglerfish: The Seadevil of the Deep' has been honored with the Bank Street College of Education's Cook Prize for excellence in STEM literature." (Deep River Public Library via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Next week is our Distracted Driving Presentation for Teens in Grades 9-12: May 25 at 4 p.m. Contact 860-767-1560 / staff.essexlib@gmail.com to register. Reckless driving is the number one cause of death for teens in America." (Essex Library via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Steward Outdoor Day School's Open House (May 20)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (May 23)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you around!

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com