🌱 Essex Historical Society Culture Campus + Ani's Table & Marketplace

Hello, Essex-Chester-Deep River! I'm filling in for your usual curator Karena for the next few days to deliver all the community information you need to know right now. Please note that your newsletters may be a bit lighter during this time. Now, here's what's happening in town today.

But first, today's weather:

A stray afternoon thundershower. High: 80 Low: 65.

From our sponsor:

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

1. Connecticut is allocating over $7 million in grants to 34 cultural and historic sites as part of its Good to Great Grant Program. The program, co-administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and CT Humanities, aims to enhance visitor experiences through facility and infrastructure upgrades. This year's recipients include diverse organizations ranging from theaters and museums to art centers and historical societies across 27 communities, reflecting the state's commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage and promoting equitable access to arts and culture. (Connecticut by the Numbers)
2. Esteemed Connecticut chef Ani Robaina has acquired the DiFiore Ravioli Shop in Rocky Hill, a beloved Italian market with a 40-year history. The store, set to reopen in July under the name Ani's Table & Marketplace, will offer a variety of Chef Ani’s scratch-prepared foods, DiFiore Ravioli, and will feature a coffee and espresso bar. In a statement, Robaina expressed excitement for this new venture and gratitude to the DiFiore family for entrusting her with a location that holds sentimental value to the community. (Patch)
3. An Old Saybrook resident, Scott Wolak, has filed a lawsuit against the town, alleging he was violently tackled and falsely accused of driving under the influence by officers James Simpson and Joshua Zarbo. The lawsuit, filed on Jun. 6, claims the incident reflects a broader pattern of excessive force, poor communication, and hasty judgment within the Old Saybrook Police Department. The suit also criticizes the town for ignoring alleged misconduct among its officers and claims that internal affairs investigations are rarely initiated unless prompted by complaints or lawsuits. (CT Examiner)

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• "Express Yourself" Dance Class (Ages 5+) At River Valley Dance Project (10:00 AM)
• Story Time At Grove Street Park And Playground (10:00 AM)
• Teen Poetry Club At Essex Library (4:00 PM)
• Knitting Without Needles At Deep River Community Room (4:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Father's Day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean we have to stop celebrating rad dads, past and present. Patch partnered with T-Mobile to shine a light on exceptional fathers in communities like Essex-Chester-Deep River. Click here to meet 13 awesome dads and learn more about the legacies they're leaving behind.

From my notebook:

• As a reminder, Essex Town Hall will be closed Tuesday, Jul. 4, in observance of Independence Day. It will reopen the following day, Jul. 5, at 9:00 a.m. (essexct.gov)
• The State of Connecticut has commissioned the University of Connecticut (UConn) to conduct a survey aimed at enhancing residents' internet accessibility and user experience as part of a long-term strategy. Residents are encouraged to participate and share the survey with their network. (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau has announced details for the much-anticipated annual 4th of July Parade in Essex. Residents are encouraged to save the flyer, spread the word among neighbors, and partake in the festivities. (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Summer Marketplace (July 23)
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That's it for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.