🌱 Driving For Drafts Fundraising Event + Freedom Trail Celebration

Hello, friends. It's Saturday in Essex-Chester-Deep River and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally. In today's issue of the newsletter, you'll learn about these stories and more...

• It's good to be a neighbor.
• Celebrate the Freedom Trail.
• Driving for Drafts fundraising event.

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and delightful. High: 77 Low: 63.

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

1. It's Neighbor Appreciation Day on Sept. 16! This means that the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat rides are free for residents in the five towns along the Valley Railroad’s operating line including Essex, Deep River, Chester, Haddam and Old Saybrook. According to the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Facebook post, "Tickets for Neighbor Appreciation Day are available on a first-come, first-served basis by reserving your ticket(s) via email at info@essexsteamtrain.com and are for coach seating only." (Essex Steam Train & Riverboat via Facebook)
2. The town of Chester has something new! State of Connecticut signs pointing the way to Chester's Freedom Trail site at 100 Cedar Lake Road, which is home to the Constance Baker Motley Preserve. According to the Chester Historical Society's Facebook post, "The month of September is when Connecticut's Freedom Trail sites, which memorialize exceptional achievements in the struggle for freedom and human dignity by the state’s African American community, are celebrated. The Constance Baker Motley Preserve, will be honored on Saturday, Sept. 23, 1- 4 p.m., when its popular 'Little Rock Nine' hiking trail and newly installed history plaque will be dedicated." (Chester Historical Society)
3. Join CT Draft Horse Rescue for the 9th Annual Driving for Drafts fundraising event, which is set for Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Portland Golf Course. According to Patch, "There will be a shotgun start at 1 p.m., with check-in beginning at 12 p.m. Enjoy a grilled lunch and a buffet dinner along with raffles and prizes. The cost is $150 per person. For more information visit www.ctdraftrescue.org or www.facebook.com/ctdraftrescue." (Patch)

Business owners and marketers in Essex-Chester-Deep River: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

Saturday, September 2

• Essex Library Book Sale for September: Literature, Poetry, Humor, and Politics (9:00 AM)
• Kids Create: Back to School Pencil Pouch (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Town of Essex – Government: "Young female cat found the evening of Aug. 30 at Chester Meeting House between Goose Hill and Liberty. Please contact Officer Fountain at 860-391-7127." (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)
• Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: "Whiskey and Blues! A Premium Social Platform Experience We hosted this sell out event in June, and so many people asked us to do it again… so we can't wait to see you again on Sept. 29!" (Essex Steam Train & Riverboat via Facebook)
• Ivoryton Library Association: "The town of Essex will hold a public hearing on a short-term rental ordinance at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 6. Want to learn more about the town’s workings?" (Ivoryton Library Association via Facebook)
• Ivoryton Library Association: "Save the date! Music with Martha returns Sept. 13 at 10:30." (Ivoryton Library Association via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Dinner and Music at Rettich Preserve annual Fundraiser (September 2)
• 2023 Newtown Labor Day Parade - 61st Edition (September 4)
• Celebrating Mr. Beans (September 4)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (September 5)
• Writing, Wine & Wellness - Women’s Workshop (September 9)
• Deer Lake Music Festival (September 10)
• Fall Marketplace on Deep River Day! (September 16)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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