🌱 'The Color Purple' Is At The Ivoryton Playhouse + The Smoke Is Back

Good morning, friends. It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch newsletter — here to explain all the most important things happening locally. Today you'll read about these stories and more:

• Get outside, be inclusive and walk for a good cause.
• See "The Color Purple" at the Ivoryton Playhouse.
• The wildfires in Canada are burning again.

But first, today's weather: Fog in the a.m.; mostly sunny. High: 80 Low: 62.

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

1. Support community inclusion and acceptance by being part of the Compassion Walk, which will be held in Deep River on Saturday, Oct. 14. According to Zip06.com, "The Compassion Walk will see participants travel by foot between half-mile to 3-mile distances, depending on their preferences and abilities. The 'gentle walk' will begin and end at Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau at 56 High St. Registration will run through the date of the event. For more information click here." (Zip06.com)
2. For the next three weeks, the highly acclaimed musical "The Color Purple," will take to the iconic stage at the Ivoryton Playhouse. According to the Middletown Press, "Director Todd Underwood said in a news release, 'The story of 'The Color Purple' transcends generation, class and race. This story of resilience can be universally understood and appreciated by all.' Performances are Wednesdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be an exclusive student matinee Oct. 10 at 10 a.m.
   Tickets are $60 for adults, $55 for seniors, and $25 for students. They may be purchased online at ivorytonplayhouse.org or through the box office at 860-767-7318." (Middletown Press)
3. You may have noticed some haze in the sky again yesterday. That's because the smoke and haze of wildfires from our neighbors to the north are back. According to a Patch article written by Rich Kirby, "Canada's wildfires are prompting a new round of air quality alerts in Connecticut and elsewhere in North America. The Canada wildfire season started early this year, and above-average wildfire activity is expected to continue through October in some places." (Patch)

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

Tuesday, Oct. 3

• Wiggle Worms (9:30 Session) (9:30 a.m.)
• Wiggle Worms (10:30 Session) (10:30 a.m.)
• Scarecrow Decorating & Pumpkin Painting (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Deep River Fire Department: "A big thank you to Joe Kuzaro from Professional Field Care for coming out on a Sunday morning to make Devitt Field perfect for our game." (Deep River Fire Department via Facebook)
• Deep River Public Library: "Why not check out what Stefanie is reading? A family saga at its finest!" (Deep River Public Library via Facebook)
• Ivoryton Library Association: "During October, we are collecting food for the Backpack Program." (Ivoryton Library Association via Facebook)
• Essex Library: " Teen Bring Your Own Book Club Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. Sign up at 860-767-1560 or e-mail staff.essexlib@gmail.com or just drop by! Come discuss the books you’re reading and share recommendations with others!" (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "New books are here! Stop by and grab your next weekend read or request it from the comfort of your own home." (Essex Library via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Join Us For An Evening of Faith, Hope and Love! (October 14)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. I'll see you around!

— 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