🌱Congratulations Dr. Jerrold Kaplan + Below-Zero Wind Chills Expected

Hey, everybody. I'm here right on time with your fresh copy of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily, full of all the community news you need to know right now. Including updates on:

• Congratulations to Dr. Jerrold Kaplan who has been honored as a 2022 Healthcare Hero.
• Teens invited to teen takeover.
• CT's severe cold weather protocol enacted.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy in the morning. High: 18 Low: 12.

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

1. "Chester resident Dr. Jerrold Kaplan has been honored as a 2022 Healthcare Hero. Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, a nonprofit rehabilitation-focused healthcare system headquartered in Wallingford, is proud to announce that Dr. Jerrold Kaplan was recently honored by the Hartford Business Journal and New Haven Biz with the 2022 Healthcare Hero Award. Dr. Kaplan, a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor for more than three decades, has dedicated his career to “helping people enjoy life again” by treating conditions that have resulted in a patient’s loss of function. He currently serves as Gaylord’s medical director of outpatient and workers’ compensation services and medical director of Gaylord’s COVID-19 recovery and rehabilitation services." (Patch)
2. Teens in grades 7-12th are invited to sign up to come to the next Teen Takeover, which is being held Friday, December 30, at 5 p.m.! Hang out with friends, have snacks, play Switch games and try out this month's featured activity: paint a lightswitch plate to personalize your room! All materials provided, first come first served. Registration required. Call 860-767-1560 or e-mail staff.essexlib@gmail.com. (Essex Library via Facebook)
3. According to a press release, "Governor Ned Lamont [has] announced that based on a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut may experience below-zero wind chills over the weekend, he will be activating the state’s severe cold weather protocol beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 23, and remaining in effect through 12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 26, 2022. This is the first time the protocol is being enacted during the 2022-2023 winter season. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters. (Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 via Facebook)
   

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Christmas Eve - Essex Library Association (12:00 AM)
• Operation Holiday® Donors Invited to “Adopt" those in Need of Help (9:00 AM)
• Library open 10-1 - Essex Library Association (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Essex Fire Engine Co. No. 1: "The Essex Fire Department was on the scene of live wires burning on Mares Hill Road. Mares Hill Road is shut down between Birch Mill Trail and Old Dobbin Lane. When there are fire trucks and barricades up, this means to stay away. " (Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 via Facebook)
• Visit Chester CT: "@thebrushmill We will be closed today and Sunday. Keep an eye out next week for our special New Year's Eve menu! Happy Holidays! #visitchesterct" (Visit Chester CT via Facebook)
• Deep River Public Library: "Just don't poke an eye out with your book!" (Deep River Public Library via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "A reminder that the Essex Library Association closes for federal holidays and will close early at 1 p.m. today and will be closed on Monday, December 26 in observance of Christmas. The library re-opens Tuesday Dec. 27." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Created by a Valley Shore Collaborative subcommittee, here is a list of critical phone numbers if you are someone you know is having a hard time. This season is so hard for so many. Please be gentle and kind to one another. 🫶" (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— 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