🌱 Beware Of Bears + Hospitality Businesses Get Grants Soon

Hello and happy Wednesday! I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening these days in Essex-Chester-Deep River.Keep reading for the latest.

Now, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and not as warm. High: 82 Low: 70.

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

1. Bears are becoming more regular residents of Connecticut towns. That's why it is important that people learn to adapt to the presence of bears and take measures to avoid damage and problems. "The rapid increase in the bear population between the early 2000s and today is expected to continue. People should learn what to do if they see a bear and how to avoid unnecessary conflicts," according to a Facebook post on the town of Essex page. If you see a bear: Observe it from a distance. Advertise your presence by shouting and waving your arms or walk slowly away. Never attempt to feed or attract bears. Report bear sightings to the Wildlife Division (or email deep.wildlife@ct.gov). Bears are attracted by bird feeders, garbage, outdoor pet food, compost piles, fruit trees and berry-producing shrubs. To avoid attracting bears: Never feed bears. Bears that associate food with people may become bold, aggressive and dangerous. This may lead to personal injury, property damage and the need to euthanize problem animals. Remove bird feeders from late March through November. If a bear visits a bird feeder in winter, remove the feeder. Wait until the morning of collection before bringing out the trash. Add a few capfuls of ammonia to trash bags and garbage cans to mask food odors. Keep trash bags in a container with a tight lid and store in a garage or shed. Do not leave pet food outside overnight. Store livestock food in airtight containers. Do not put meats or sweet-smelling fruit rinds in compost piles. Lime can be sprinkled on the compost pile to reduce the smell and discourage bears. Thoroughly clean grills after use or store in a garage or shed. Encourage your neighbors to take similar precautions. For more information visit https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Fact-Sheets/Black-Bear (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)
2. More than 1,700 of Connecticut's hospitality sector businesses can expect to receive their cut of $30 million in COVID-19 relief grants beginning this week. According to a Patch article written by Rich Kirby, "restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, breweries, wineries, travel services, transportation services and other such businesses can anticipate receiving checks ranging in amounts from $7,500 to $49,999. The funding is part of the Connecticut Hospitality Industry Support Program, sourced through the federal government's American Rescue Plan Act." (Patch)
3. The Chester Historical Society is hosting a free concert on the Chester Green by Michael Hotkowski, on Sunday August 21 at the Chester Meeting House from 5 to 6 p.m. Michael is a Chester native and folk singer with an interest in local history. Since February he has been the newest member of the Jovial Crew at the Griswold Inn. Michael sings a variety of folk music ranging from shanties, labor songs, ballads and bawdy tunes. He has also written several songs "In the tradition," three of which are closely tied to Chester’s maritime history. Bring a picnic and chairs/blanket. In case of rain, the concert will be held inside the Meeting House. (Chester Historical Society via Facebook)

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Kids Animal Adventure Camp - Essex Library Association (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Essex Library: "Today is Tie-Dye Day at the Essex Library! Come visit the library wearing tie-dye and get a small prize! While you're here, get your booklet stamped for meeting your reading goal last week to be able to win amazing prizes." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Don’t forget, Thursday!" (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)
• Bushy Hill Nature Center: "Some great advice from our local officials!" (Bushy Hill Nature Center via Facebook)

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• Mammoth Security Inc. Old Saybrook — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Clinton! WISHLIST WEDNESDAY! (August 10)
• Giant Tag Sale at Trinity Lutheran Church, Centerbrook (August 13)
• Art's and Crafts Fair (August 13)
• Free Zoom meeting about CCTV security cameras near Old Saybrook (August 20)
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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around!

— Karena Garrity

About me: I am a native of Connecticut, who currently resides in the Tri-Town community of Chester, Deep River and Essex. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my small town 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 Daily? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com