🌱Generator Safety Tips + Holiday Break Activities At Ivoryton Library

Hey, neighbors! It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily. Here's all the local news you need to know right now, including:

• Stay safe during the storm.
• Plan some fun for the holiday break.
• Furry friends are in need of homes.

But first, today's weather:

Winds gusting past 40 mph. High: 52 Low: 11.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Essex-Chester-Deep River who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

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

1. According to the Essex Fire Engine Co. No. 1, "If there are power outages due to the storm and you need to use a generator, please use it properly to keep you and your family safe. Place generators at least 20 feet away from your home, downwind from open doors, windows and vents. Turn the generator off before refueling, and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes. Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet -- instead, use a heavy-duty, outdoor extension cord to plug appliances into generators. Remember, if you try to back feed your house, this is not only a major fire hazard but a danger to utility workers who are trying to restore power. Workers can be electrocuted if your generator is back feeding without a proper transfer switch. Do not use generators in rain or wet conditions. Place a fire extinguisher nearby. Always have a working carbon monoxide monitor for your home." Stay safe, stay dry and stay warm this holiday weekend! (Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 via Facebook)
2. Looking for something fun to do with the kids this holiday break? According to the Ivoryton Library Facebook post, "Come visit Ms. Elizabeth in the Children's Room for fun crafts and games! Call 860-767-1252 for more information or to register for the special events." (Ivoryton Library Association via Facebook)
3. If you've been looking to add a four-legged ball of love and affection to your household, look no further than these shelters in the Essex-Chester-Deep River area for a pet you can adopt. There are thousands of dogs, cats and other animals of all ages without a home throughout Connecticut — and many of them are located in your area. On a search for a new family member? Consider beginning at a local rescue facility like A Chance For Love Rescue, where Archie the cat is waiting patiently. If you aren't sure if you have time to take care of a pet year round, many shelters also offer opportunities to foster pets until they are placed. If you need some help in your search, Patch and Petfinder have you covered. We've compiled this week’s list of pets available for adoption near you. If you're a cat person, meet Newfie, a Domestic Long Hair up for adoption. Or if dogs are more your thing, there are several great dogs available, too.(Patch)

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Operation Holiday® Donors Invited to “Adopt" those in Need of Help (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Chester CT Historical Society: "Before there was Queen of Tarts, there was the Mad Hatter, owned by Maureen Higgins. It started in the little shop here (now Little House Brew Pub) and then moved across the street for a while (to where River Tavern is now)." (Chester CT Historical Society via Facebook)
• Visit Chester CT: " Happy Holiday Season everyone! We can’t thank all of you enough for supporting us this year. In our second season in Chester, our customers have become our friends and we couldn’t be happier here." (Visit Chester CT via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "On January 12, 2023 from 5:00-6:00 PM, Louie is back to read with you in the new year! Reading to a therapy dog has been proven to improve children's reading skills, increase their self-esteem, and boost their confidence! " (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Bushy Hill Nature Center: "Check this out! Have any Bushy Hillers spotted this beautiful and rare bird in the Mystic area?" (Bushy Hill Nature Center via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Expressing our gratitude and sharing some wellness strategies! - https://mailchi.mp/ttysb/gt7pycu4ed-10331657" (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)
• Town of Essex – Government: "Essex Town Hall will be closing at 12:00 NOON today and will be closed Monday Dec 26 in observance of the holiday. We will re-open Tuesday, Dec 27 at 9am." (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)

• Essex Fire Engine Co. No. 1: "Damaging Wind Potential & Heavy Rain forecasted for Thursday night into Friday." (Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Clinton! MARKDOWN MONDAY! (December 26)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with 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