🌱Make Sure Gas Stations Are Passing On Savings + Musicians Needed

Happy Saturday, neighbors! Let's start today off on an informed note, shall we? Here's everything you need to know around Essex-Chester-Deep River today.

First, today's weather:

Brilliant sunshine. High: 54 Low: 38.

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

1. A Ukraine Benefit ensemble is being put together and volunteer musicians are needed. If you still play a band, orchestra, or percussion instrument fundraiser, Voices of Children Foundation. The organization is working to support children across Ukraine with emergency physiological services and assisting in the evacuation process. (Facebook)
2. East Hampton Town Councilman Brandon Goff, a Republican announced he is running for the state Senate's 33rd District, which includes Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Portland, Westbrook and part of Old Saybrook. Currently, Democrat Norm Needleman represents the district. Needleman also serves as the First Selectman of Essex. (East Hampton Patch)
3. Because of required maintenance and seasonal preparations, the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry was not able to make its maiden voyage, as scheduled on April 1. When the historic ferry will be able to cross the Connecticut River is still unconfirmed. (CT Insider)
4. Gas stations that don't pass on the state's 25-cent gas tax suspension, which kicked off Friday, could be sued. The state attorney general is warning gas station owners that they need to pass savings onto consumers. (Patch)

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• International Children's Book Day - Essex Library Association (12:00 AM)
• Friends of the Library Book Sale - Essex Library Association (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Deep River Public Library: "See the new Top Choices at the Deep River Public Library." (Facebook)
• Essex Library: The Essex Library celebrates International Children’s Book Day today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Essex Library)
• Chester Sunday Market: Well it's here and we can officially start selling Ducks and Chester Squirrel Days Bracelets! (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• What's this old thing worth?? (April 2)
• Famous Chicken BBQ Drive Thru (April 23)
• Earth Day Festival & Market - Help Us Celebrate 50 Years! (April 23)
• Add your event

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for 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.