🌱Join In Community Conversations + Art That Inspires At Spectrum Art

Welcome back, Essex-Chester-Deep River! I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. In today's issue, you'll find news about these stories and more...

• Join in Community Conversations with State Rep. Christine Palm.
• Check out the art at Spectrum Art Gallery!
• Adult use cannabis sales are reportedly going strong in the Nutmeg State.

But first, today's weather:

A bit of afternoon rain. High: 40 Low: 36.

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

1. Join State Representative Christine Palm 36-D for Community Conversations throughout her district. Today, January 19, she will be in Deep River at Pandemonium Cafe and Thrift Shop at 12 p.m. for a community conversation! Please RSVP to Kyle.Fishbein@cga.ct.gov. On Tuesday, January 31, she will be at the Haddam Neck Fire Station at 10 a.m. Please RSVP to Kyle.Fishbein@cga.ct.gov and on Friday, January 27 at 7 p.m. she will be on ZOOM. RSVP to Kyle.Fishbein@cga.ct.gov if you plan to attend! Hope to see you! (State Representative Christine Palm via Facebook)
2. According to ctinsider.com, "Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisans Store of Centerbrook presents "The Unique Still Life," new artwork by established and emerging artists from throughout Connecticut, the Tri-state area and New England. Although a still life typically focuses on commonplace, natural and/or man-made objects, how these objects are chosen and arranged is what makes the painting, drawing, mixed media piece and photograph unique, according to a press release. The show will launch during an open reception Jan. 27 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., and an open house weekend Jan. 29 from 1 to 6 p.m., and Jan. 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. at 61 Main St. The exhibition runs through March 11. The gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday from noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For information call 860-767-0742 or visit Spectrumartgallery.org." (ctinsider.com)
3. Yesterday was the one-week mark of adult-use recreational cannabis sales in Connecticut and reportedly cannabis dispensaries are very busy. According to NBC Connecticut, "now, just seven days in, customers are lining up in Connecticut with fewer incentives to cross state lines.Meriden’s Zen Leaf does allow walk-in customers and so far, business is booming. They say their recreational cannabis volume is triple that of their medical-use product. Zen leaf is owned by Verano, which operates in 13 states and that experience has helped them plan for Connecticut’s opening. “We were well prepared for recreational sales, and this was in line with our estimates,” said Verano EVP of Operations Trip McDermott. Drawing from experience in other states, Verano staffed up its Zen Leaf location and added automation equipment to increase capacities. The biggest challenge though was preparing staff. While business is strong, there is competition across state lines. Dispensaries are tackling that, using loyalty programs and trying to keep prices in line with Massachusetts. "(NBC Connecticut)

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• American History Book Club (3rd Thurs, every 2 months) (5:00 PM)
• Coloring Night! Ages High School - 30 (5:30 PM)
• Learn to Crochet (6:00 PM)
• Resin 101 (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Deep River Public Library: "This is a legit reader problem. #readersofinstagram #readersgonnaread #readingtime #reading #bookaddict #books #book #booknerd #bookstagram #library #librarylife" (Deep River Public Library via Facebook)
• Essex Board of Trade: "What will the famous Essex Ed be this year?! Guess below Come see Essex Ed January 29 at 2 pm! We love a good parade." (Essex Board of Trade via Facebook)
• Essex Library: " It's the Friends Puzzlemania sale time at the Essex Library! Gently used and pre-owned puzzles are on sale now through February 1st. Stop by and pick some up while they're still here!" (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Repost @chesterpubliclibrary ・・・ Teen night at the Chester Public Library! Pizza and Party Games! Please call 860-526-0018 to register!" (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Come hang with Faith and create on Saturday, February 25th! Happening here at Tri-Town Youth Services, be there or be square! Sign-up below! http://tritownys.org/evrplus_registration/?action=evrplusegister&event_id=161" (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)
• Town of Essex – Government: "Cleaning out? Don't forget to consider the textile bins at the Transfer Station! Old clothes that aren't worthy of being worn again, torn sheets or towels, even old pocket books and backpacks! They can all be recycled at the textile bins..." (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)

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Events:

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another 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