🌱 Camp Hazen Gets Grant For Summer Fun + Time For The Annual Fun Run

Hello, neighbors. Karena Garrity here with your fresh copy of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch newsletter, filled with all the local news you need to know right now. Including updates on:

• VRHS Captain Bailey Hilliar is a hard worker.
• Camp Hazen receives grant.
• Participate in the Deep River Congregational Church's 4th annual Fun Run.

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny. High: 71 Low: 51.

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

1. Congratulations to Valley Regional High School Senior Bailey Hilliar, the Valley Track team's captain who takes part in the 200, hurdle events, and being one leg of the 4x400 relay. Touted as a hard worker by her coach, Hilliar has aided her team in having a successful season. Using her keen sense of communication, she is an effective conduit between coaches and team members and works to keep the team moving forward. According to Zip06.com, Valley track head coach Jake Bocian had this to say about the athlete, “Bailey is very positive and holds teammates to expectations,” said Bocian. “She is very supportive in communicating with coaches and teammates, and she always lends a hand with whatever is needed. She is an extremely hard worker on the track. Our goals this year are success both for individuals, which can be as simple as beating a personal record or all the way up to a victory at the state-championship level, and as a team, such as winning dual meets and being competitive in the conference. We always aim to grow the program and to be more competitive both in the conference and at the state level. The future looks bright at Valley.”
2. State Sen. Norm Needleman (D-Essex) recently welcomed the state's announcement that $665,527 in state grants will be awarded to organizations in the 33rd Senate District including Chester's Camp Hazen YMCA, which will receive $100,000 distributed in $50,000 allotments in 2023 and 2024; Colchester's Summer Day Camp, which will receive $148,595 in 2023 and $148,803 in 2024; Old Saybrook's Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, which will receive $19,754 allocations in 2023 and 2024; and Westbrook's Valley Shore YMCA will receive $113,437 in 2023 and $115,184 in 2024. In a press release Needleman said, "Local children will have new opportunities to learn and grow, all while having fun, this summer thanks to these important grants," said Needleman. "I'm grateful to Gov. Lamont and the Department of Education for their support."' (The Office Of Senator Norm Needleman)
3. Enjoy the beautiful weather forecast for Memorial Day weekend by taking part in the Deep River Congregational Church's 4th annual Fun Run, which will be held on Sunday, May 28 at 1:30 p.m. Walkers, runners, and strollers of all ages are encouraged to participate in this free community event. Gather in the DRCC church courtyard at, 1 Church St. (between Main and Union streets) in Deep River and join the fun! (Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch)

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Spring Into Stories: Pre-K Storytime (Ages 3-5) (10:30 AM)
• Deep River Congregational Church Hosts Red Cross Blood Drive (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Deep River Parks & Rec: "Think Summer — Think Camp! Registration is open for the DR P & R youth summer camp, but spaces are filling up. Don't miss out. Register your child today! We are going to have FUN!" (Deep River Parks & Rec via Facebook)
  
• Essex Fire Engine Co. #1: "RV Safety Tips ~ RV Vehicle Fire & Life Safety Practices" (Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 via Facebook)
• Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch: "Check Out These Homes For Sale In Essex-Chester-Deep River. Our real estate roundup features the latest properties for sale in the area. See this week's top homes."(Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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