🌱Chester Is Writing A Charter + Water Lantern Celebration Coming Up

Hello all. It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch newsletter. Keep reading for the most important things happening in town. Today you'll find these stories and more...

• No more Blue Oar.
• Chester Charter.
• Get ready for the Water Lantern Celebration.

But first, today's weather:

Cooler; an afternoon shower. High: 65 Low: 52.

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

1. The season for waterfront dining is upon us, however, one Connecticut River waterfront restaurant won't be opening this year for the season. After more than two and half decades the owners of the Blue Oar Restaurant have announced they are closing for good. According to an article written by Patch staff member Brian McCready, '"After 26 years since opening the Blue Oar it is with a heavy heart and careful consideration we've decided to close," owners Jim and Jody Reilly said in a social media post. "There are many reasons for making this decision, most are out of our control. We would like to thank our amazing and loyal customers, friends and employees. For those that don't already know, we also own (for the past 18 years) Simon's Marketplace in Chester. Please come by and visit us in Chester and our seasonal outdoor cafe at Ballek's Garden Center in East Haddam (opening again soon)."' (Patch)
2. The Chester Board of Selectmen has voted to move forward with writing a charter for Chester. The town is currently looking for people with diverse backgrounds and experience to be a part of this process. For more information follow this link. (Town of Chester Connecticut via Facebook)
3. The annual Water Lantern Celebration will once again be happening at Plattwood Park in Deep River on Saturday, May 20. The event is a way for the community to celebrate disability acceptance, inclusion and awareness. For more information click here. (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• DRFD Annual Lime Sale (8:00 AM)
• STEAM Saturdays: Robotic Hand Model (Gr. K-6) (10:00 AM)
• Canfield Hike followed by Happy Hour (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Essex Fire Engine Co. #1: "EFD joins in too! We’ll be at fire headquarters on Saybrook Road. We’re looking forward to seeing you and your donations! Today, Saturday, April 15th, 9am - 1pm." (Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 via Facebook)
• Rotary Club of Chester, CT: "WooHoo! Buy your ducks here https://www.homewardboundct.org/chester-squirrel-days-2023/" (Rotary Club of Chester, CT via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Authors In Conversation: "The Exceptions" Author Kate Zernike in Conversation with Sam Tanenhaus Saturday, April 15, 4:00 p.m. in the Program Room Registration required. " (Essex Library via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Clinton! BOGO WEDNESDAY! (May 3)
• Dancing and Great Food with String of Pearls Big Band! (May 12)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right! See you all tomorrow for 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