🌱The Norma Terris Theatre Will Reopen Soon + Nate Jacobson's New Book

Good morning, friends! It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community. In today's issue of the newsletter, we have these stories and more...

• The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester set to reopen.
• Nate Jacobson’s new book is out.
• News funds for the Essex Historical Society.

Today’s newsletter is sponsored by Aura Health

Aura: Top mindfulness app

Millions are using this app to sleep better, calm anxiety, and transform their lives. Aura is the new all-in-one mental wellness & sleep app that won “Best of Apple” award. Discover the world’s largest, personalized library of expert-created tracks for your well-being & sleep. Don’t wait another day to find peace daily and transform your life. Get your FREE Trial here.

Now, today's weather: A little afternoon rain. High: 66 Low: 62.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99 percent of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch newsletter possible.

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

1. After nearly a four-year hiatus the Goodspeed has announced that it will be reopening the 200-seat Norma Terris Theatre on North Main Street in Chester. The stage curtains will open once again on July 26 and the show will be the new Dolly Parton musical, “Here You Come Again: How Dolly Saved My Life in 12 Easy Songs." (CT Examiner)
2. Nat Jacobson's new book will be available for purchase at the Chester Museum at a reception on Friday, June 30 beginning at 5 p.m. Jacobson will autograph your copy. (Chester CT Historical Society via Facebook)
3. It was announced today that Connecticut is releasing more than $7 million in state grants to several nonprofit organizations statewide to make facility and infrastructure upgrades at 34 cultural and historic sites. The Essex Historical Society is among the recipients. It has been awarded $122,475 to create a "Culture Campus" at the Pratt House, expanding its capacity to host collaborative events, such as America’s 250th in 2026. (Connecticut's Official State Website)

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

Thursday, June 22

• Grove Street Storytime (10:00 AM)
• Walk in the Park! Ages High School-30 (4:00 PM)
• Stories in the Stitches (Ages 5-8) (4:00 PM)
• Introduction to Amigurumi (Registration and Basic Crochet Skills Required) (4:00 PM)
• Teen Anime & Manga Club (5:30 PM)
• Shell & Bee Studio: Paint Your Pet (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch: "Essex-Chester-Deep River Area Real Estate Roundup" (Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch)
• Essex Library: "The State of Connecticut has asked UConn to conduct a survey to help develop a multi-year plan to help residents improve their access to and experience using the internet. Please participate in this survey and share it with your friends!" (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Signing Rocks: Animals & Colors Online via Zoom, July 11, 3-3:45 p.m. Play games and activities that are fun while learning various signs in ASL! This is an excellent class for beginners, intermediate learners and can also be enjoyed by individuals with more advanced skills. This program is great for ages 5+. Children younger than seven years old should attend the class with someone who can read flashcards, as they are used throughout the course. This program is made possible in part by a $2,000 Summer Enrichment Grant issued by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Connecticut State Library. Registration Required. Call 860-767-1560 or e-mail staff.essexlib@gmail.com" (Essex Library via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! 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