🌱Heat Advisory In Effect! + Deep River Fire Department Awards

Hey, everybody! It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Daily. Let's get this day started off right, with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's happening around town...

📣 Our readers love to celebrate good news! You can now shout out your big announcement at the top of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily newsletter. Whether it's a grand opening, new product for sale, birthday, anniversary, engagement, wedding or new baby, let everyone celebrate alongside you! Submit your announcement here.

Now, today's weather:

Heavy afternoon thunderstorms. High: 90 Low: 72.

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

1. Looking to add to your family and do something good for the Essex-Chester-Deep River community at the same time? Adopt a pet from a local shelter or organization! Many shelters are still working to find forever homes for dozens of cats, dogs and other adorable critters coming through. There are thousands of dogs, cats and other animals of all ages, sizes and breeds without a home across Connecticut — many of whom are located near you. For those looking to adopt, a great place to start the search for an adorable new friend is at Labs4rescue, where Rokkie the dog is waiting patiently, or another local rescue center. (Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch)
2. Deep River Fire Department recently had a picnic and an award ceremony. According to a Facebook post from the Department, "the following members received awards: with 30 years of service with the department retired chief and current Secretary Tim Ballantyne, with 30 years of service Chief Engineer Tom Lee, with 30 years of service past assistant chief and current Assistant Engineer Carlos Uphold, with 15 years of service Assistant Chief Steven Budney, with 10 years of service Firefighter John Ely. Top Responder awards for the 2021 season: Don Lee Sr. with 90 calls. Past Chief Bob Raymond with 75 calls. Rescue Captain Rick Daniels with 56 calls. Jr Top Responder Matthew Daniels with 20 calls. 2021 Firefighter of the Year goes to a member who has hit the ground running in a very short amount of time in the department. Prior to coming off probation, he started and since completed his FF1 and recently completed his Q restriction driver’s license test. This year’s Firefighter of the year goes to Firefighter Barry Luff. This year’s chiefs award goes to a firefighter who is always willing to step up and help however she can. She has been extremely helpful in helping Chief Kerop with numerous grants. This year’s Chiefs award goes to Christine Nowac. Members who have completed additional training over and above the Department's training; Barry Luff FF1, Barry Luff Q License, Sarah Preston Q License, Ryan Demik Q License, Mike Dunn Q License, Eric Moisa EMT, Aidan Bahner EMT." (Deep River Fire Department via Facebook)
3. It's hot! A heat advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. today and there is a chance for afternoon and evening thunderstorms across the state. There doesn't look like there will be a break in the heat anytime soon. The weekend continues to look hot, temperatures around 90 degrees, and more storms are possible on Saturday afternoon. Try to stay cool and hydrated. Make sure animals have access to water and check on your loved ones! (Patch)

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Shell & Bee Preschool Art @ Deep River Public Library (10:30 a.m.)
• Harry Potter Herbology Class - Essex Library Association (1 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "We are so excited to share this with you! Our Youth + Community Engagement Program Director Faith Sprigg celebrated a birthday recently and raised funds through her amazing network of friends and peers to create a Little Free Library Cart at Tri-Town Youth Services! Special thanks to Nicole at @essexlibraryct for creating a kid-specific DEI list since Faith was able to use a portion of the funds to ensure that our library has representation for all kiddos! Lastly, thanks go out to Andrea of @andevesceations for the beautiful vinyl decal!." (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)
• Town of Essex – Government: "Don't Trash The Trail: Road trips are a summer tradition for many families across the US. Be kind this summer by paying close attention to the amount of waste you’re creating and do your best to use earth-friendly items like reusable water bottles. Additionally, keep hiking trails clean by always packing out any waste items that you brought in." (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Caregivers of kiddos under the age of 5, don't forget that the ECC's final Cedar Lake meetup is happening next week, on August 9th! Registration is required just to ensure we can accommodate our out-of-Chester resident guests!" (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all tomorrow morning for 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