🌱Black Bears Are Waking Up All Over CT + Careers With Animals!

Welcome back, Essex-Chester-Deep River! I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. In today's issue, you'll learn about these stories and more...

• News from the Chester Harbor Management Commission
• Careers with animals!
• Beware of black bears!

But first, today's weather:

A morning shower in spots. High: 57 Low: 41.

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

1. The Chester Harbor Management Commission has updated the Mooring Permit Request form accessible on the Town’s website or by contacting the commission directly at Chesterharbormanagementcomm@gmail.com .The HMC also created a Facebook page where the community can access the latest and greatest news, events, and information impacting the boating community. Click here to access the page! (Town of Chester Connecticut via Facebook)
2. In an effort to expose kids who like animals to future careers involving furry friends the Connecticut Humane Society is coming to Essex Library. The Pet Professions program for kids in grades 5 through 12, will be held on May 17 at 4:30 p.m. If you or someone you know is interested in working with animals when you get older come see what the program is all about!" (Essex Library via Facebook)
3. Spring is a very special time in the area, the grass is finally green, the flowering trees have bloomed in abundant shades of pinks, purples and whites and the tulips are standing tall and beautiful, but it is also a time we need to be aware of the wildlife in our backyards. Slumbering black bears are out and about and have been sighted in local neighborhoods. According to a recent post on the town of Deep River's Facebook page, "much of Connecticut is now forested and is suitable for black bears. The rapid increase in the bear population is expected to continue. As the bear population expands, interactions between humans and bears will increase. People should learn what to do if they see a bear and how to avoid unnecessary conflicts by keeping food away from bears. Report bear sightings to the Wildlife Division (or call 860-424-3011). For tips regarding Human / Bear interaction, follow this link to the Wildlife Division of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Fact-Sheets/Black-Bear" (Town of Deep River via Facebook)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Nintendo Switch Night! Ages High School - 30 (5:30 PM)
• Author Talk with Richard Conniff (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Town of Chester Connecticut: "22 Chester Elementary students participated and 12 Valley Regional High School players helping, in the Chester Parks and Recreation Lacrosse Clinic today. What a great turnout!" (Town of Chester Connecticut via Facebook)
• Ivoryton Library Association: "We’re having our annual book and plant sale, 9-noon May 13. See you there!" (Ivoryton Library Association via Facebook)
• Deep River Public Library: "See the new Top Choices at the Deep River Public Library at: http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb... This week's six new Top Choices include "Poverty, by America", "Romantic Comedy", and "Homecoming"." (Deep River Public Library via Facebook)
• Town of Chester Connecticut: "The 2023 application period is open for MCRC’s Business Operating Grant Program! Are you a small business in Middlesex County? You may be eligible for a grant up to $25,000 to fund projects that will have a measurable impact on your business." (Town of Chester Connecticut via Facebook)
• Essex Fire Engine Co. #1: "Electric Cord Safety Tips - don't overload power strips" (Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 via Facebook)
• Essex Library: “Unique Eats and Eateries Of Connecticut” Book Talk With Mike Urban Tuesday, May 2, 7:00 p.m. in the Program Room Registration requested but not required. Let Mike Urban be your guide to the most delicious culinary treasures C..." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Hey, hey, hey! You aren't going to want to miss us! Faith will be there on Saturday, May 13th with a button-making station for the kids! Remember the buttons from our youth that we put on our denim jackets and messenger bags?" (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "We've got resources inside this week's newsletter if you are are looking to decrease alcohol use! Next week starts Mental Health Awareness Month so be sure to follow along because it's going to be awesome!" (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Farm & Landscape Equipment auction (April 29)
• Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords 33rd Spring Concert (April 29)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (May 2)
• Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Clinton! BOGO WEDNESDAY! (May 3)
• Dancing and Great Food with String of Pearls Big Band! (May 12)
• Add your event

Featured announcements:

• Guns/Ammunition Wanted Consignments Performed (Details)
• Add your announcement

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update!

— 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