🌱Essex Fire Department Mourns Another Loss + Take A Hike In 2023

Hello all! Happy New Year! Karena Garrity here with your Sunday edition of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily, filled with all the local information you need to know right now. In today's issue of the Daily, you'll read about these stories and more...

• Take a hike with the Essex land Trust!
• The Essex Fire Department loses another beloved firefighter.
• This is the year to recycle, reuse an reduce.

But first, today's weather:

Clearing and breezy. High: 55 Low: 36.

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

1. Keep your New Year's resolutions and join the Essex Land Trust’s very first Moonlight Hike & Hot Cocoa event. According to a press release from the Land Trust, "[They] will be visiting the Johnson Farm Preserve to enjoy its wide-open view of the full moon sky. This will be a short hike through the woods that leads to a beautiful open field where we can discuss owls, bats, and any other creatures of the night over hot cocoa. Please bring your own headlamp or flashlight and leave the dogs at home for this one. Meet and park at the Ivory Street entrance to The Millrace. Rain cancels." The hike will take place on January 6 at 8 p.m. Hope to see you there! (Essex Land Trust)
2. Heartbreakingly, the Essex Fire Engine Co. No. 1 has suffered another devistating loss. The company Facebook page states, "We are saddened to announce the passing of Firefighter Gary Weymer. Gary was a volunteer firefighter for 50 years, nearly 40 of which were with EFD. A memorial service with Last Call will be held at Essex Fire Headquarters on Saturday, January 14th at 11 a.m. RIP Brother, we've got it from here." (Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 via Facebook)
3. The Town of Essex is asking that in 2023, residents strive to reduce, reuse and recycle. A few simple tips to help you get started are listed on the the town's Facebook page, "1. Go paperless. If you haven’t already, let the New Year motivate you to finally make the switch from mailed bills and bank statements to a greener, digital format. 2. Start composting. Food waste makes up a large part of what ends up in landfills, but when you compost, you convert that waste to energy. 3. Ban Styrofoam. If you need disposable plates, opt for something more recyclable. You could also try suggesting that your favorite takeout place switch to something more environmentally friendly. 4. Bagless is better. Don’t forget your reusable bags with you when you go shopping. Bags that collapse into small pouches can easily be thrown into a purse or jacket pocket. 5. Cut down on vampire energy. When you’re not using one of your many electronic devices, unplug them. 6. BYOC: Bring your own cup or container. Coffee shops are unlikely to object to filling your washable to-go cups, and while your waiter might look askance at the to-go container you’ve brought from home, you can rest easy knowing every little bit helps. 7. Recycle! Take the steps necessary to be the best recycler you can be and encourage others to do the same!" Best wishes for a more eco friendly New Year! (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)

From my notebook:

• Essex Library: "The next meetings of the Alzheimer Caregivers Support Group will be Tuesday, January 17 and Thursday, February 16 at 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the Program Room. With Maria Tomasetti, South Central Regional Director for the Alzheimer’s Associat..." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Upcoming Free Legal Advice Clinics: Tuesday, January 24 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday, January 25 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Meet remotely with a volunteer lawyer for a 30-minute session to receive free legal advice via Zoom." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Upcoming free webinar from SCORE on Jan. 24: Demystifying the World of Email Marketing. With email marketing revenue estimated to reach $11 billion by the end of 2023 it's clear to see that email marketing works." (Essex Library via Facebook)

That's it for today! See you all tomorrow for 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.

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