🌱Get Ready For A Hot Weekend + 4 on the 4th T-Shirts Are Unique

Hello, neighbors. Karena Garrity here with your fresh copy of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily, filled with all the community information you need to know right now. Follow along for the latest.

First, today's weather:

Sunny and warmer. High: 88 Low: 64.

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

1. Always something special that is celebrated by the community, the Chester Rotary 4 on the 4th t-shirts have become iconic. For years each shirt design incorporated Peter Good’s Chester Squirrel. Then the Rotary Club took the design public and asked local artists to imagine their own designs around the race. This year's t-shirt has been created by Gary Torello an artist, musician, a former member of Chester Rotary and now a member of the Nutmeg Rotary supporting clubs around the state. Torello decided to use the Rotary's guide of four questions and incorporated that into the 4 on the 4th 44 Anniversary shirt. The questions are; “Of all the things we think, say or do: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?" Hope to see you all at the race! (Rotary Club of Chester, CT via Facebook)
2. Be careful today and Sunday if you are in the group of people who are considered to be "sensitive" to elevated ozone levels. This weekend's temperatures are going to be higher than they have been, which means the ozone levels may approach or exceed “unhealthy for sensitive groups. According to a Fox 61 news article, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection experts have said that when air quality is forecasted to be USG, there is an increased likelihood people in sensitive groups will develop respiratory symptoms and may experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
   Peak ozone levels generally occur between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Be prepared! (FOX61 Hartford)
3. Both Chester and Essex made the list of the 11 most beautiful small towns in Connecticut. How lucky are we to live in such a beautiful community? The Worldatlas.com article highlighted Chester as a "welcoming oasis" with "endless waters to pursue." And the article praises Essex for its "sense of tranquility " and its "old-timey feel." (Worldatlas.com)
4. Connecticut leaders have reacted strongly to the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.
   “I wish I was shocked, but I sadly am not. This activist conservative Supreme Court that lambasts decisions it does not like as judicial activism has made a dangerous move, disregarding science and decades of legal precedent to strip away a woman’s fundamental and constitutional right to make her own health care decisions. Make no mistake, this decision puts women’s lives at risk," said Rosa DeLauro (D-CT 3rd District) in a statement released, according to NBC Connecticut. “While I am not surprised, I am deeply disturbed by the ruling of Supreme Court. This decision is horrifying and jeopardizes the healthcare of millions," said U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT 5th District) according to NBC Connecticut and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said, “In overturning Roe, the Court strips women of the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions and puts that power in the hands of the government." Read more responses on the NBC Connecticut site. (NBC Connecticut)

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Annual Essex Land Trust Concert and BYO Picnic (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Town of Chester Connecticut: "Check out the new patio at the Chester Public Library!" (Town of Chester Connecticut via Facebook)
• Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: "Attention: There are bottomless mimosas in our midst! Join us aboard the Becky Thatcher for our popular Muffins & Mimosas morning cruise! On Sunday, June 26, we set sail from our dock in Deep River." (Essex Steam Train & Riverboat via Facebook)
• Treehouse Players: "A bit more from this week! Can’t help sharing the joy of THP!" (treehouse players via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "The girls from our previous groups have spoken and we listened! We will be rebranding to Girls Empowerment Group but will still be using the evidence-based Girls Circle Model by One Circle Foundation! New name, same great program! " (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)
• Deep River Public Library: "Please consider supporting Roy Jefferson’s Art! This non-profit will raise funds for an art scholarship and the library, and is a wonderful tribute to an amazingly kind and giving soul. www.roymjefferson.com" (Deep River Public Library via Facebook)
• Visit Chester CT: "Don’t miss the amazing veggies from @deephollowfarm at the #chestersundaymarket every weekend! We are here at the Chester Farmers Market 10-1 every Sunday!" (Visit Chester CT via Facebook)
• Visit Chester CT: "Yoga with alpacas Sunday at Chakana Sky Alpacas at 9 a.m., followed by Chester Sunday Market downtown. Can’t do better than that!" (Visit Chester CT via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Did you miss our last newsletter with a list of free and low-cost things to do this summer with friends and family? We have got you covered! Take a browse and add some fun to your summer relaxed routine!" (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)

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Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (June 27)
• Chester Rotary 44th 4 on the 4th Road Race (July 4)
• Online discussion for security system installers in Old Saybrook, CT (July 7)
• Summer Marketplace (July 31)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you 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