🌱 Consumption Advisory For Fish Caught In CT River + Alfresco Essex

Good morning, friends. It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch newsletter — here to tell you everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Today you'll find these stories and more...

• Honorary Essex Fire Engine Co. No. 1 Chief, Bill (William) Hawke has passed.
• Fishermen, be careful how many fish you catch and eat.
• It's almost time for Alfresco Essex.

But first, today's weather: Cloudy, a shower and t-storm. High: 81 Low: 59.

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

1. Honorary Essex Fire Engine Co. No. 1 Chief, Bill (William) Hawke has passed. Bill and his wife, Mellicent, have been supporters of the EFD for many years, and Bill was instrumental in attaining funding and approval for the new (in 1999) fire headquarters on Saybrook Road. The Essex Fire Engine Co No. 1 wrote on its Facebook page, "Bill was well loved and respected by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences to Mellicent, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For information regarding visitation and a celebration of Bill’s life - https://www.dignitymemorial.com/.../william-hawke-11325877" (Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 via Facebook)
2. Local fishermen take heed; the Connecticut River has made the list of waterways in the state that are currently under a consumption advisory due to the detection of "forever chemicals" in the water. The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is warning fishermen to reduce or modify the consumption of freshwater fish caught in 11 rivers in Connecticut. Click here for the full list of rivers. (FOX61 Hartford)
3. Mark your calendars for June 21 to start the celebration of the fifth annual summer Alfresco Essex which will run through Sept. 23. As part of the celebration, Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. from July 6 to Aug. 24, the Connecticut River Museum will host the weekly, free-to-the-public concert series, “Thursdays on the Dock.” In addition, beginning June 16, The Griswold Inn will introduce a new “Summer Spritz” menu and there will be other special offerings throughout the three villages of Essex, Centerbrook and Ivoryton. (Zip06.com)

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

Friday, June 16

• Spring Into Stories: Pre-K Storytime (Ages 3-5) (10:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Essex Library: "We are so excited to invite Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center back to the library! Sounds of Nature: July 6, 3 p.m. Sounds of nature are music to our ears! Meet some of our animal friends who love to make interesting noises." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Don't miss next week's craft program: Stories In the Stitches (Ages 5-8), June 22, 4-5:15 p.m. What kinds of stories can we learn from a quilt? How can the smallest details help reveal those stories?" (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Town of Essex – Government: "Measure Your Waste! The amount of trash you create should be about EQUAL to the amount of recycling. Who knew?? Do a spot check now to see how you measure up off the bat." (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "For us, Pride Month is about information sharing and community education. Check out this week's newsletter with little tips for individuals and communities to become a better ally to our LGBTQ youth. - https://mailchi.mp/ttysb/gt7pycu4ed..." (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "New writing group at the Essex Library! Second Wednesday of every month, 9 a.m. First meeting: Wednesday, July 12. Come meet fellow writers to socialize for half an hour, followed by an hour of writing time. No prompts. No critique. Just write!" (Essex Library via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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