🌱Essex Ed Groundhog Parade + More Jobs Available + Electric Bill Hike

Morning, everybody! It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Daily. Here's what you need to know about what's happening in town. In today's issue, you'll learn about:

• Jobs, jobs, and more jobs. They are out there!
• More information about electric bill hikes and how it's being combatted.
• Time for the Essex Ed Groundhog parade.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 42 Low: 25.

🏠 The competition is fierce in Essex-Chester-Deep River to be the top local real estate agent. With our exclusive newsletter sponsorships, you can stand out from your competitors and attract local clients. Click here to learn more.

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

1. Many local employers in Essex-Chester-Deep River are looking to fill openings on their staff. Whether you're looking for full-time or part-time work, we've got you covered. Each week, Patch and ZipRecruiter put together a list of the latest local jobs posted in the region. Here are some of the top jobs now available in Essex-Chester-Deep River and across greater Connecticut. (Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch)
2. According to CT Insider, "as consumers across Connecticut await their first electric bill of the new year, and the sticker shock that is likely to come with it, a Democratic state Representative from Groton has introduced legislation she hopes will give members of the General Assembly more control over energy rates in the future. Representative Christine Conley introduced House Bill 5013 last week. The proposed legislation, if it became law, would give both chambers of the state's General Assembly the opportunity to vote on any electric or natural gas rate increases approved by Connecticut's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. It's one of several bills expected over the course of the next few months that would be an effort to directly combat high electric rates."(CT Insider)
3. It's that time of year again when the streets of downtown Essex are transformed into a pinnacle of quaint New England winter fun, as the sidewalks are lined with residents adorned in Essex Ed groundhog hats and children bang rigorously on pots on pans causing a ruckus in celebration of the town's unofficial mascot and celebrity, Essex Ed! According to the Essex Board of Trade, "The Essex Ed Parade will be held on Sunday, January 29th at 2pm. Bring your pots and pans, spoons, whistles and trumpets and head to Essex Village. Essex Ed, a larger-than-life-groundhog, will make his annual pilgrimage from Essex Boatworks on Ferry Street and up Main Street. All are invited to join with noisemakers and festive groundhog gear! Let’s make enough of a racket to wake up the massive marmot mascot!"See you there! (Essex Board of Trade via Facebook)

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Color a Calendar! Ages High School - 30 (5:30 PM)
• Estate Planning 101: What You Need To Know (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Essex Library: "February 4 is Take Your Child to the Library Day, so we are kicking it up a notch with Take Your Child to the Library WEEK! Our theme this year is "Build a Reading Habit," so look forward to a week of Legos, crafts, challenges, and story times." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Essex Library: " It's the Friends Puzzlemania sale time at the Essex Library! Gently used and pre-owned puzzles are on sale now through February 1st. Stop by and pick some up while they're still here!" (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Visit Chester CT: "@littlehousebrew Well, what do we think, folks? Did we enjoy our latest trip around the sun? We certainly did, thanks to all of you for sticking with us! Here at Little House, we're kicking off 2023 with the usual routine:taking down decorations, making resolutions….and brewing super Citra-heavy IPAs with cryo hops?" (Visit Chester CT via Facebook)
• Visit Chester CT: "@chester_boat_basin Make plans to come to the Hartford Boat Show January 19-22 at the Mohegan Sun @hartfordboatshow @mohegansun #visitchesterct" (Visit Chester CT via Facebook)
• Visit Chester CT: "@thesoundretreat This Cafe’ will feature: Warm drinks LIVE background music A story teller. In an effort to bridge communities and have a low-key, fun gathering we are hosting a coffee house on Saturday, January 28th @ 7:30pm." (Visit Chester CT via Facebook)
• Visit Chester CT: "@honeyconeicecream No skimping on ingredients when it comes to our ice cream. This is especially true for our baklava creamy cinnamon ice cream with a delicate drizzle of local honey + freshly baked baklava. Limited quantities." (Visit Chester CT via Facebook)
• Visit Chester CT: "@noramurphycountryhouse The Little Shop has now been transformed! And with the fabulous addition of Colleen from Bramble, we have wreaths, flowers, and plants! The Little Shop 11 Main St." (Visit Chester CT via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Clinton! TRIM TUESDAY! (January 10)
• Shoreline Chorale starts up this week, come join us. (January 11)
• Add your event

Gigs & services:

• Accounting and Bookkeeping Services (Details)
• Add your gig or service

You're officially in the loop for today! See you tomorrow morning for another 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com