🌱JW Middle School Has New Principal + VRHS Girls' Lacrosse Wins Big

Hello, hello! I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Here goes.

First, today's weather:

Showers and thunderstorms. High: 78 Low: 59.

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

1. According to a press release sent out by the Region 4 School District Melissa Morgan-Hostetler has been appointed as the new principal for the John Winthrop Middle School. She will officially start on July 1. According to the press release, Morgan-Hostetler has served over 13 years as a classroom teacher and six years as a school administrator. Most recently her current role was principal at Timothy Edwards Middle School, South Windsor, Connecticut where she has served for the last three years. Brian J. White, Superintendent of Schools, stated, “I am confident that Ms. Morgan-Hostetler will meet with success in her new role and lead the Winthrop Middle School community into its next chapter. ” Morgan-Hostetler’s appointment is the culmination of an extensive search and interview process in which a diverse population of stakeholders were invited to participate including: community members, staff, board of education members and administration.
2. It has been a sensational spring season for Valley Regional High School girls lacrosse team. They took home a bevy of accolades from the All Shoreline Conference including; First Team, Second Team and Honorable Mention All Shoreline Conference selections. A special congratulations go out to Coach Netsch and Emi Bisson for taking home the coach and player of the year awards. Great job! (Facebook)
3. Looking for something fun to do this weekend with the family? Here is a list of eight things to do this weekend in the Nutmeg State, including taking in a show at the Ivoryton Playhouse and making friends with Thomas the Tank Engine at the Essex team train. (WTNH.com)
4. Roadway crashes are up a reported 60% in Connecticut. According to Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph J. Giulietti, the state started to see more roadway crashes during the pandemic because everything was closed, and the roads were wide open. He reported that people hit Department of Transportation construction warning vehicles more than 700 times in the last two years. In addition, pedestrian fatalities are reportedly up 40% over this time last year. Be careful out there, slow down, look out for pedestrians and be safe! (NBC Connecticut)

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Chester Town Wide Tag Sale - All Day
• Teen De-Stress Saturday - Essex Library Association (noon)

From my notebook:

• Chester CT Historical Society: "We are having a yummy time putting together our new exhibit on Chester's restaurants, past and present. Do you have a short comment about any of the restaurants you remember we can include in our exhibit, with your name?" (Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Announcing Teen Movie and Craft Night (Grades 7-12)! June 9, 3 - 6 p.m. Pre-register. Bring your friends to watch a movie in our Program Room and make friendship bracelets! We will have popcorn! What movie will we show?" (Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Thank you to everyone who came out and made our Final Exam Survival Kit a success! Louie the Labrador was putting smiles on all of our faces here at the Essex Library. Teens! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram." (Facebook)
• Essex Fire Engine Co. No. 1: "SSKP meal and pantry site information for next week (May 30 and 31.)" (Facebook)
• Town of Essex – Government: "The transfer station is closed on Memorial Day." (Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Deep River Center: "Someone tried to get into our locked car in our driveway on Union Street in Deep River early Wednesday morning. Next attempt will be captured on video and will be posted here for all to see! Please remember to lock up!" (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday! I'll see you soon.

— 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