🌱Gbunblee CT's HS Assistant Principal Of The Year+HS Winter Captains

Hey, friends! It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily — here to explain all the most important things happening in town. Including news about:

• Dr. Carolyn Gbunblee was named Connecticut’s High School Assistant Principal of the Year!
• Winter sports captains!
• Get your free COVID-19 tests.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and breezy. High: 38 Low: 26.

🏡 Attention, real estate agents in Essex-Chester-Deep River! We're now offering an exclusive sponsorship opportunity for an agent interested in attracting local clients and standing apart from the competition. Click here to learn more.

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

1. Valley Regional High School Principal Mike Barile wrote in a recent email to parents and the community, "It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I announce that Dr. Carolyn Gbunblee has been named Connecticut’s High School Assistant Principal of the Year. The Assistant Principal of the Year Award is sponsored annually by the Connecticut Association of Schools, and recognizes outstanding assistant principals who have succeeded in providing high quality learning opportunities for students. The committee expressed how impressed they were with Carolyn’s leadership, commitment to staff and students, service to her communities, and contributions to the overall profession of educational excellence. They made particular mention of the positive relationships she has made with students and their parents. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Gbunblee." (Valley Regional High School)
2. Congratulations to Valley Regional High School's Winter Athletic Captains:- Gymnastics - Kendra Cika - Basketball (boys) - Di’Angelo Jean-Pierre, Brayden Shea, Sam Hutchinson, Andrew Yermenson - Basketball (girls) - Abby Bradbury, Elizabeth Allen, Lily Grow, Siena Schaller - Indoor Track (boys and girls) - Olivia Baldwin, Reagan Doyon, Abby Reardon, Aidan Babek, Quentin Baron - Unified Sports - Donna Loyola-Herrera. Great job athletes. Good luck this season! (Valley Regional High School)
3. It's that time of year. The flu, COVID and RSV are hitting hard. Help protect yourself with four free at-home COVID tests. According to the Essex Library, "Every US household is eligible to receive the free tests this winter. Order here: https://www.covid.gov/tests." (Essex Library via Facebook)
   

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Folk Song and storytelling at Penny Lane Pub Old Saybrook, Ct (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Essex Fire Engine Co. #1: "Santa wanted to make sure no one was left out this holiday season and wishes those who celebrate a very Happy Hanukkah!" (Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 via Facebook)
• Essex Board of Trade: "Santa is coming to town! " (Essex Board of Trade via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Join the Essex Library for a free program, Estate Planning 101: with Attorney Erin Duques, on Tuesday, January 10 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. Registration required. Zoom registration link: http://ow.ly/n3zE50M55o1." (Essex Library via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Clinton! SANTA'S RAFFLE! (December 18)
• Folk songs and stories in the pub listening room (December 18)
• Folk Song and storytelling at Penny Lane Pub Old Saybrook, Ct (December 18)
• Add your event

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

— Karena Garrity

About me: 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