🌱Essex Community Cat Needs Home + Learn To Grow Roses Locally

Happy Friday, Essex-Chester-Deep River! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in town today.

First, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 45 Low: 43.

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

1. The Essex "community cat" affectionately referred to you as Banksy is in need of a home to call his own. Now in the care of the Essex Animal Control Officer, this hardy feline, is looking for a warm, safe place to rest and relax. (Facebook)
2. The Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek (CBSRZ) will be discussing the issue of affordable housing in a two-part series that begins Thursday, February 17th. (Zip06.com)
3. Are you a rose lover who wants to learn how to grow, hardy, healthy, disease-resistant roses in your own backyard? The Essex Library is holding a program to explore challenges of rose gardening in New England. (New Haven Register)
4. Lamont's budget proposals for Connecticut have Republicans drawing the line, creating a further divide between state Republicans and Democrats. (CT Examiner)

Today's Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Verizon. They're building the fastest 5G network in the country. To learn how 5G is going to change life for you and your community — and to get access to this amazing technology — click here. And thank you Verizon for sponsoring this community resource in Essex-Chester-Deep River!

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Development - Grants Subcommittee - Essex Library Association (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: "You are cordially invited to board the vintage train on March 12 for a specially created three-course dinner while you sample a selection of wines sourced for you by our guest wine steward. " (Facebook)
• Essex Library: "The Essex Savings Bank Community Investment Program voting is in progress. The library is on the ballot and would love your support for this funding." (Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Mark your calendars! The Steward Outdoor School is having an open house on February 26th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m." (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• 2nd Annual Hearfelt Market (February 12)
• Mass Extinction in Our Once and Future World is topic for Feb 12 CT Darwin Day (February 12)
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• Join the Lions! (Details)
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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 morning with your next 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.