🌱 Essex Department Lost One Of Its Own + COVID-19 In Connecticut

Hey, Essex-Chester-Deep River. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Hope you all have a great day. In today's issue, you'll find news about:

• Essex Fire Engine Company No. 1 lost one its own.
• What will you see on stage?
• COVID-19 spike.

But first, today's weather: Sunny and pleasant. High: 77 Low: 52.

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

1. The Essex Fire Engine Company No. 1 shared some sad news. Paul Phoenix, the past chief of the Department passed away. He dedicated more than 50 years of his life to the Department. According to the Essex Fire Engine Co. No. 1 Facebook post, "Paul held every position from firefighter to Chief of Department. Paul was Chief of the Department during the flood of 1982, and not only was he in command of the fire department, but he also ran emergency operations for the Town. His accomplishments at EFD are too many to list here, but they have left their mark on all of us." (Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 via Facebook)
2. The stages throughout Connecticut will be filled with a variety of different cast members as this fall will be filled with a wide array of different shows throughout the state. For a full list of these shows compiled by the CT Insider, click here. (Subscription: CT Insider)
3. COVID-19 is still lurking around in the nutmeg state, making people sick and causing the need for concern. According to CT Insider, "COVID is spreading in Connecticut, with data showing an increase in both positive tests and hospitalizations. But while the state is experiencing a spike, Hartford HealthCare infectious disease specialist Dr. Ulysses Wu said it’s far more manageable than previous COVID increases. Statewide, last week there were 161 new hospital admissions for patients with COVID as compared to 118 the previous week and a low of 66 in July, according to DPH." (Subscription: CT Insider)

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From my notebook:

• Essex Board of Trade: "'Jersey Boys' is up and running again! " (Essex Board of Trade via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Teen Craft: Dream Boards (Ages 13+) Monday, Sept. 18, 5 p.m. Registration required: 860-767-1560. or staff.essexlib@gmail.com Come make dream boards with us! " (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Essex Board of Trade: "Astronomy and Dark Skies Event with the Essex Land Trust Sept. 8, 8-10 p.m. Meet at 7 p.m. at Essex Town Hall for car pooling. The Essex Land Trust is pleased to be partnering with the Lyme Land Trust." (Essex Board of Trade via Facebook)
• Ivoryton Library Association: "Thank you so much, The Gutter Specialist (https://www.Facebook.com/thegu... for sponsoring our 5K Pumpkin Chase. We appreciate you. You can sign up for our race here: https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Ivoryton/IvorytonPumpkinChase..." (Ivoryton Library Association via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Stay & Play starts next week! Can't wait to see you! Our children's area has trains, toys, blocks, puzzles, and more for children of all ages to expand their curiosity and try new things! Come for a few minutes, or stay for a couple hours." (Essex Library via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Dinner and Music at Rettich Preserve annual Fundraiser (September 2)
• 2023 Newtown Labor Day Parade - 61st Edition (September 4)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (September 5)
• Fall Marketplace on Deep River Day! (September 16)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. I'll see you around!

— 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