🌱 Mold Keeps JWMS Closed + Sign-Up Now For The Pumpkin Chase

Hi all. It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch newsletter — here to tell you all the most important things happening in town these days. Today you'll find news about:

• Mold keeps students out of JWMS.
• The Ivoryton Pumpkin Chase is happening soon.
• Weekend weather.

But first, today's weather: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm. High: 85 Low: 70.

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

1. John Winthrop Middle School students will have a delayed opening on Monday and will be moving their classes to Valley Regional High School, while mold found in the middle school last week is dealt with. According to WTMH.com, "The Superintendent of Deep River Schools, Brian White says the district is working with the Connecticut River Area Health District and environmental professionals to figure out a plan to address the issue. He also says that the health and wellness of the students, staff and faculty is the top priority." (WTNH.com)
2. Sign up now for the The Ivoryton Pumpkin Chase, 5K Road/Trail Race or the Kiddie Pumpkin Fun Run to benefit Ivoryton Library. The event will take place on Oct. 21. According to the website, "The course begins along North Main Street for approximately ½ mile before turning left down Falls River Drive. At the one mile mark the course enters the Falls River Preserve for a 1.1-mile trail loop that meanders along the Falls River. The trail is double track for about ½ mile before it turns into hilly and rocky single track. Care must be taken on the trail due to the presence of some jagged rocks and roots. The trail can be slick in wet conditions. Registration is only available online; you may sign up at any time until a few minutes before the start on race day." For more information click here. (Pumpkin Chase)
3. Will Hurricane Lee, which became a category 5 hurricane on Friday morning, be a problem for the tri-towns? According to a Patch article written by Brian McCready, "WFSB 3 TV Chief Meteorologist Mark Dixon with Scot Haney said Lee is forecast to 'keep moving to the northwest over the open waters of the Atlantic.' While we wait for more information on Lee's track, rain showers are possible Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The best chance for more widespread rain and storms appears to be Sunday and Monday, according to the National Weather Service." (Patch)

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

Saturday, September 9

• STEAM Saturdays: Fidget Slime (10:00 AM)
• Writing, Wine & Wellness — Women’s Workshop (1:00 PM)
• THE LOBSTERS ARE COMING! Chester Rotary's Lobsterfest 2023 (4:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Essex Library "Dungeons & Dragons - Character Creation (NEW DAY) Saturday, Sept. 30 at 12 p.m. OR Thursday, Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. Registration required: (860) 767-1560 or staff.essexlib@gmail.com." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Ivoryton Library Association: "Thank you, Bluewater Millwork & Construction, for your support of our 5K Pumpkin Chase on Oct. 21." (Ivoryton Library Association via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "UPCOMING LIVE WEBINAR SERIES! 2-Part Series: Managing Your Business Finances and Choosing the Right QuickBooks Tuesday, Sept. 12, 5:30-7 p.m. EDT https://ow.ly/hwpH50PEr8j Wednesday, Sept. 13, 5:30-7 p.m." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Games and Puzzles Day (for ADULTS!) Monday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Drop-in event, no registration required. Why do kids get to have all the fun? Join us for a morning of games and puzzles." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Town of Chester Connecticut: "Enviro Tip from the Conservation Commission and Chester Sustainability Team There are now two shiny green recycling bins on Main Street! Please use them… properly!" (Town of Chester Connecticut via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (September 12)
• Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Clinton! STOCK UP SALE! (September 13)
• Vista Life Innovations Hiring Event (September 13)
• Fifth Annual Art Walk in Stonington Borough (September 16)
• Fall Marketplace on Deep River Day! (September 16)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com