🌱Deadpool Star Took A Ride On Essex Steam Train + Homemade Bagels

Hey, everybody! It's Thursday in Essex-Chester-Deep River and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town. Hope you all have a great day. Today's briefing includes updates on...

• The Essex Steam Train got a celebrity visit this weekend!
• The Essex Winter Series receives a grant.
• Bagels anyone?

But first, today's weather:

Mainly cloudy. High: 53 Low: 29.

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

1. Celebrities were spotted on the Essex Steam Train this past weekend! According to Thehour.com, "Hollywood couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds were seen hanging out with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat Saturday. "We met Jessica Claus and her husband on the Polar Express," Reynolds wrote in the caption. " She was everything I’d always dreamed since I was a kid. She smelled like cinnamon buns and sangria."The Deadpool star posted a picture with Lively, Santa and Mrs. Claus on his Instagram. The couple booked a full car for their family and friends to explore the North Pole Express, according to Maureen Quintin, a spokesperson for the company. In the picture, Reynolds is wearing a grey Pelé soccer shirt and blue hat while Lively is wearing Christmas pajamas and a robe. "Everyone had a great time and it was a pleasure for us to provide a memorable experience for them this holiday season," Quintin said. Lively and Reynolds met in 2010 when they played romantic leads in Green Lantern and got married in 2012. The couple has three daughters and announced in September that they are expecting another." (Thehour.com)
2. According to Zip06.com, "The Connecticut Office of the Arts Supporting Arts Grant is given to many recipients each year to provide unrestricted funding for arts organizations to pursue their missions. This year, 219 recipients received funds totaling $1,014.063, and the Essex Winter Series (EWS) is grateful to once again be one of the organizations to benefit from this generous funding. “Essex Winter Series is proud of our history of presenting world-class artists in the Valley Shore area, but this grant ensures we can continue our commitment to bring the finest musicians to our community,” said Mihae Lee, the Artistic Director of EWS. The EWS is completing its 2022 season with the rescheduling of last January’s cancelled concert that features the world-renowned Brentano String Quartet with Lee, a pianist. The performance will take place at Valley Regional High School (VRHS) on Sunday, Dec. 18th at 3 p.m. and seating is general admission. To purchase tickets or for info, visit www.essexwinterseries.com or contact 860-272-4572." Hope to see you there! (Zip06.com)
3. Bagel lovers, you are in luck! Duby's Bagels & Bakery opened in Old Saybrook at 785 Boston Post Road on Monday, according to CT Insider and Patch staff writer Chris Rhatigan, "Owner Duby Shelsky grew up in New York City where he learned to make the New York-style bagels the shop will serve. Shelsky began the business four years ago in Old Lyme, where he sold sourdough bread and baked goods at farmers markets and out of his home, according to CT Insider. As demand grew, Shelsky decided to set up shop at a space in Old Saybrook with a bigger oven." (Patch)

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Essex Glen Homeowners Assoc. - Essex Library Association (1:00 PM)
• RiverFire Glass and Florence Griswold Museum present: Make Your Own Standing Glass Tree Sculpture (2:00 PM)
• Shell & Bee Studio: Social Knit (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Town of Essex – Government: "PLEASE ADOPT! These three pups are in the Tri-Town Shelter and need homes! Contact Animal Control Officer Plaut at 203-780-1311 or Officer Fountain at 860-391-7127 if you are interested in adopting one of these special dogs for the holiday." (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)
• Chester CT Historical Society: "Who remembers the Ditmers? Flossie and Fritz. They lived on Sunset Ave." (Chester CT Historical Society via Facebook)
• Essex Board of Trade: "Give the gift of family to a loving dog 🐶 this holiday season! We are highlighting these three adorable dogs who have been in the shelter..." (Essex Board of Trade via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Teens! Catch up with friends during Winter Break with popcorn and a movie at Teen Movie Night: Winter Break Edition! December 27 at 6:00 PM. Teens will vote between 4 Winter/Snow-themed movies (PG / PG-13) to decide which to watch! " (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Town of Essex – Government: "Community Music School presents their String Ensemble and New Horizons Band Concert at Valley Regional High School on December 13 @ 6:30pm." (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)
• Visit Chester CT: "What’s the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list?! A Chester T-shirt of course! @ctriverwine is now selling both white long sleeve and green short sleeve shirts!! How’s that for one-stop shopping!" (Visit Chester CT via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Secret Seller Holiday Market (December 10)
• Holiday Market! (December 10)
• Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Clinton! SANTA'S RAFFLE! (December 11)
• Holiday Lantern Tour (December 11)
• Free Zoom meeting with our specialist on security system installers in Old Saybrook (December 17)
• Cool Yule 2022 with String of Pearls Big Band (December 22)
• Add your event

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

— 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