🌱Leah's Polar Plunge Raised A Record Amount + COVID-19 On The Decline

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily. Keep reading to find out the most important things happening in town, including updates on:

• Leah Kisselbrack's Polar Plunge rasied a record amount in donations!
• Land in Chester is being dedicated to Anna Sweeney.
• COVID-19 on the decline in CT!

But first, today's weather:

Very windy; cold. High: 38 Low: 22..

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

1. Deep River resident and local business owner Leah Kisselbrack started her Polar Plunge fundraiser three years ago and each year she raises more and more money that is donated to families in the area who are struggling to keep food on the table. This year's plunge, with the help of the Deep River Rotary Club and the Chester Rotary Club, reportedly raised a whopping $31,107.18. Great job Leah and everyone who showed up to take the plunge in Cedar Lake, as well as those who donated! This is great news for the entire community! Keep up the good work! (Leah's Polar Plunge via Facebook)
2. On Friday, November 26 at 1 p.m. the Town of Chester will be dedicating a piece of Land Trust property to Anna Sweeney. According to the Facebook post, "The parcel is at the East end of North Quarter Park and encompasses the walking trail. Please join the Sweeney family and the Land Trust at this dedication. The rain date will be Saturday, November 27 at 1 p.m.(Town of Chester via Facebook)
3. According to an article written by Patch Staff member Rich Kirby, "The number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Connecticut continues to drop. There were 325 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Thursday, a drop of 43 patients from the prior week. Last week, hospitalizations had increased by five over the prior week. (Patch)

From my notebook:

• Essex Fire Engine Co. #1: "EFD helping Santa's elves put lights on the tree - one week until Ivoryton Illuminations!" (Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "A reminder that the Essex Library Association closes for federal #holidays and will close early at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23 and be closed on Thursday, November 24 in observance of #Thanksgiving. The library re-opens Friday at 10 a.m." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "New Storytime announcement! Starting December 2: Fri-YAY Stories & Play: a story and social time for young children (ages 0-5) and their caregivers! Join Miss Nicole for a story and songs, followed by playtime in the program room!" (Essex Library via Facebook)

• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "The Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® trains communities about the nervous system, the impact of trauma and toxic stress on the body, while introducing a variety of simple, accessible wellness skills that reduce traumatic stress symptoms." (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)
• Visit Chester CT: "@chestergallery Be sure to see our current exhibition of three Chester favorites...Elizabeth Gourlay, Richard Ziemann and Dina Varano. On view through next Sunday, Thanksgiving weekend!" (Visit Chester CT via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be 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