🌱Creative Chester Doesn't Disappoint + Looking To Adopt A Pet?

Hey, friends! It's Friday in Essex-Chester-Deep River and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Without further ado...

First, today's weather:

Sunshine and beautiful. High: 80 Low: 59.

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

1. Creativity abounds in Chester and The Chester Historical Society's 10th Creative Challenge is a great example. Bidding online for this year's creations has opened. The 2022 "Challenge" is based on scrap oak boards and hand-forged iron nails from the Chester Meeting House floor of 1793. You can view all 32 amazing creations made by local artists, at https://event.auctria.com/753226e5-5648-4c2a-8f21.../ Bidding will end at the Chester Historical Society's reception on Saturday, September 17 at the Meeting House, which will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets for the reception will be sold at the door. Tickets are $30." (Chester CT Historical Society via Facebook)
2. Want to add to your family and give back to the world at the same time? Adopt a dog, cat or other kind of pet from a local shelter or organization! Across Connecticut, there are thousands of dogs, cats and other animals of all ages and sizes without a home — and many of them are located not too far from you. For those looking to adopt, a great place to begin your search for a new four-legged companion is at Valley Shore Animal Welfare League, where Poppy the cat is waiting patiently. Patch and Petfinder have you covered. We've compiled this week’s list of pets available for adoption near you. Whether you’re looking for cuddles or companionship, one of these animals could be the perfect fit for your family. If you're a cat person, meet Ollie, a Domestic Short Hair up for adoption. Or if dogs are more your thing, there are several great dogs available, too. (Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch)
3. Mark your calendars for the Fall Back Spring Ahead Arts and Crafts Fair hosted by the Chester Hose Company Incorporated on Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be food, free parking, free admission and a prize drawing. Hope to see you there! (Chester Hose Inc. via Facebook)

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Meeting-Essex Garden Club - Essex Library Association (10 a.m.)

• Life After Loss Support Group (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Town of Deep River: "Celebrate Deep River Saturday, Sept. 17! Please celebrate Deep River Day sponsored by the Deep River Merchants Association and the 75th anniversary of the “official” naming of Deep River." (Town of Deep River via Facebook)
• Essex Board of Trade: "It’s that time of the year! Start brainstorming for the scarecrow FestiFALL! Everyone is welcome to submit a scarecrow to be hung up in town. The more, the scarier! " (Essex Board of Trade via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Put your dancing shoes on with the Shoreline Jazz Quartet! Saturday, September 10, 5 - 6 p.m. in the Essex Library parking lot (weather permitting). It's free and open to the public!" (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Chester Public Library: "Support Friends of the Chester Library Yumraising event! We have begun our on-line fundraiser through See's Candy, just in time for holiday gift giving or just to have when friends come over! A portion of sales go directly to the Friends who fund library programs and services not covered by the towns budget. To order, copy and paste the link: https://www.yumraising.com/secure/chesterpl_friends__chester_public_library25/SteRom4117/ Please place orders by December 3." (Chester Public Library via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Don’t forget to come play games with us on the church green near the horse shoe pits! " (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)
• Deep River Public Library: "The Friends of the Library are still looking for bakers to donate treats!" (Deep River Public Library via Facebook)
• Essex Fire Engine Co. #1: "As per Office of the Essex Fire Marshal: The open burn ban has been lifted. The fire danger has been reduced to low. Before planning an open burn, a permit must be issued by visiting Community Connect and applying through your portal." (Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Informational Meeting of Teen Advisory Board (grades 7-12) is next Wednesday, September 14 at 4 p.m. Teens! Do you want a say in what YA books the library orders? Have some ideas for cool library programs? Help make the library a fun place for teens! Join Teen Advisory Board!" (Essex Library via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Mammoth Security Inc. Old Saybrook — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Healthier Futures Wellness Expo. A Free Event With Live Music, Kids’ Entertainment, And More! (September 10)
• Chester Rotary 51st Annual Lobster Festival Fundraiser (September 10)
• Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Clinton, CT. RIBBON CUTTING SALE! 20% OFF! (September 15)
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That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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