🌱Firefighter Cliff Ward Passed Away + Bobcats Are In The Area

Hi all! Karena Garrity here with your fresh copy of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily, full of all the things you need to know about what's happening locally. Including updates on...

• Cliff Ward passed away.
• Bobcats are in the area. Stay safe!
• Need assistance staying warm this winter?

But first, today's weather:

Rain and drizzle in the p.m.. High: 53 Low: 49.

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

1. The Essex Fire Engine Co. No. 1 has experienced a great loss. The Fire Department wrote on its Facebook page, " we are saddened to share the passing of former Chief Engineer and long-time member, Firefighter/EMT, Cliff Ward. Calling hours will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4 at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home (34 Main St, Centerbrook, CT 06409). The funeral will commence at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 5 at Essex Fire Headquarters (11 Saybrook Road, Essex, CT 06426). RIP brother." (Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 via Facebook)
2. Have you seen a bobcat in your backyard? Many have! Bobcats are in Essex! According to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, "the bobcat is the only wild cat found in Connecticut and the most common wild cat in North America. Bobcats rarely cause conflicts with human activities. However, should you encounter a bobcat, you should keep as much distance between you and the animal as possible. Immediately protect children. Back away from the bobcat slowly and deliberately. Avoid running away because that could trigger a pursuit response. If possible, spray the animal with water. When possible, make a lot of noise (banging pans, for instance or blowing an air horn)" Stay safe! (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)
3. According to Zip06.com, "Essex residents needing help paying their heating bills can begin applying for home heating assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LHEAP). The program can aid low- and middle-income households and senior citizens with keeping their homes warm this winter, while defraying high energy costs.
   LHEAP is a vital lifeline for many Essex families, and we encourage all who are eligible to apply for these benefits which will provide much-needed financial relief. Eligible homeowners and renters may receive heating assistance depending on their income, household size, and how they heat their home. To apply, call the Town of Essex Social Services Department at 860-767-4340, ext. 201. (Zip06.com)

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• New Year's Eve - Essex Library Association (12:00 AM)
• Operation Holiday® Donors Invited to “Adopt" those in Need of Help (9:00 AM)
• Library open 10-1 - Essex Library Association (10:00 AM)
• Family NOON Year's Eve Party! - Essex Library Association (11:00 AM)
• New Year's Eve Party (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Town of Essex – Government: "Up to 40% of food in the U.S. is never eaten. Stocking your fridge with these tips will help make a dent in food waste, saving you money while you do it." (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)
• Town of Essex – Government: "Essex Town Hall will be closed Monday, Jan 2nd in observance of the holiday. We will re-open Tuesday, Jan 3rd at 9am. Essex Transfer Station will be OPEN on Saturday, Dec 31st and Monday, January 2nd from 7am -3pm. Happy New Year!" (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Upcoming Free Legal Advice Clinics: Tuesday, January 24, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2023 | 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:01-24-23 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)
• Essex Library: "It's Friday! Time for Fri-YAY Stories & Play: a story and social time for young children (ages 0-5) and their caregivers! Join Miss Nicole for a story and song, followed by playtime in the program room! This program happens every Friday." (Essex Library via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new 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