🌱Coast Guard Gives Safe Boating Tips + Principal Popsicle Greetings

Good morning, neighbors! It's Wednesday in Essex-Chester-Deep River and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Because community information is power! Let's dive right in.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny; hot, less humid. High: 91 Low: 67.

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

1. Boating safety is a big concern in Southeastern Connecticut, especially after a man lost his life in a boating accident this past weekend on the Connecticut River. An estimated 80 percent of U.S. boating deaths last year were from drowning after falling overboard, according to the Coast Guard’s report and a New Haven Register article. And of those who drowned, 83 percent of them were not wearing life jackets. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in boating accidents and the primary reason for 16 percent of accidents nationwide, the report said. The great majority of boating accidents in the United States occur because people fail to pay attention, wear life jackets, or are using substances, said Walt Taylor, recreational boating safety specialist for the U.S. Coast Guard in Boston. (New Haven Register)
2. Mark your calendars for Summer Story time at Grove Street Park in Essex Thursday, July 14th at 11 a.m. The Essex Library will host a new Thursday story time weekly at Grove Street Park through August 18 “Summer Story time.” Bring a blanket to sit on while we read books and sing songs! This story time is free for families with children of all ages. In the event of rain, the program will be held in Essex Library’s Program room at 33 West Ave., Essex. (Essexct.com)
3. If you would like to meet the new John Winthrop Middle School principal, now is your chance! On Thursday, July 14 there will be a meet and greet event, "Popsicles with the Principal," on the patio in the back of the JWMS building, between 1 and 2 p.m. you can come and enjoy a sweet treat and meet Ms. Morgan-Hostetler. The whole family is welcome, and there is no need to register. Hope to see you there!
4. Paying homage to the indigenous central Connecticut Wangunk Tribe, the Middletown revitalization project involving the downtown riverfront along the Connecticut River will reportedly have a lot to offer all ages. Although the timetable for the project has not yet been solidified, with the help of a New York architecture firm Cooper-Robertson, the development plan is moving forward. (Eyewitness News 3)

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Finance Committee quarterly meeting - Essex Library Association (4 p.m.)
• Food Riddle Bingo @ Deep River Library (4:30 p.m.)
• Kids Animal Adventures Camp - Essex Library Association (5 p.m.)
• Capturing the Essence with Alan James @ Deep River Library (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Do you have what it takes to be a mentor to youth? Check out our latest newsletter to see if you do! If we're being honest though, our neighbors in Deep River, Essex, and Chester DO have what it takes!" (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Get no-cost meals for kids under 18 all summer! The CT Summer Meals Program is federally funded by the USDA and state-administered by the Connecticut State Department of Education. endhungerct.org/services/summer-meals." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Town of Chester Connecticut: "Link to the plan and the public comment page: https://www.rivercog.org/rhp/c... to the video presentation of the RHP from the Regional Planning Committee meeting of June 27: Please contact the Rivercog if you have any questions." (Town of Chester Connecticut via Facebook)
• Deep River Public Library: "We still have spots for some foodie fun with Food Explorers!" (Deep River Public Library via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good 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