🌱 Pansy Fundraiser For Deep River PTO + Medical Equipment For Free

Welcome back, Essex-Chester-Deep River. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including news about:

• Pansy Fundraiser!
• Feel like a star for the night at the Kate!
• Doing good for the community, Bennett's Books.

But first, today's weather:

Sun giving way to clouds. High: 44 Low: 33.

Here's to the wonderful local business who sponsors this newsletter. Check out what they can do for you:

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

1. With spring in the air, everyone is thinking of flowers and nice weather. To help out in that department, the Deep River PTO in conjunction with the Garden Club is holding a Pansy Sale Fundraiser. All proceeds will be earmarked for the beautification of the Elementary School grounds. Two-quart pansies are being sold for $20 each and include a perfect petite basket, locally grown and lovely. Eight Quart Pansies are being sold for $30 each, featuring pansies in a lovely biodegradable basket, this 8-quart pansy bunch is the perfect Easter or hostess gift. In addition, 1/2 bushel of pansies is being sold for $40. This lovely basket will include pansies and several spring bulbs. The deadline for ordering is March 21st, and pickup is after school on March 31. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kyra Beta (860) 575-3578. (Deep River Elementary School PTO via Facebook)
2. Do you want to feel like a star? You can! The 13th Annual Oscar Night Party at the Kate is being held Sunday, March 12, from 7 p.m. to midnight. The Kate’s exciting red-carpet event honoring the 12-time Oscar-nominated, four-time Oscar-winning namesake, returns in-person on Sunday, March 12. Enjoy the glitz and glamour of Hollywood as you are invited to walk the red carpet, pose for photos, and watch the 95th Academy Awards live on the Kate’s big screen. Plus, you can bid on exciting items in the auction and purchase a chance in the Katharine Hepburn’s Greatest Films Oscar Raffle. Tickets are Non-Members $85 ($45 is tax-deductible) for non-members and $75 ($35 is tax-deductible) for members. This includes an elegant array of stationary and passed hearty hors d’oeuvres and decadent desserts prepared by Fresh Salt, sweet treats from the candy and movie popcorn station; champagne toast; and an invitation to participate in the online Oscar Ballot game. For more information call 860-510-0453. (Katherine Hepburn Theatre)
3. With the goal of helping others Bennett’s Books, located on Main Street, Deep River is now offering a medical equipment giving library. Founder and owner of Bennett’s Books, Colin Bennett is always looking for ways to better help the community and this is his latest endeavor. According to a press release from Bennett and Zip06.com, "the program is currently set to provide canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and some toilet and shower accessories to people across the lower Connecticut River Valley who are in need. The best way to request equipment is to call the bookstore and leave a message. Items will be provided free of charge, however, donations will be accepted, and everyone receiving an item must sign a liability waiver. For more information, call 860-879-2665." (Zip06.com)

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Spring Into Stories Story Time (Ages 3-5) (10:30 AM)
• Tween Time: MAR10 Party! (Gr. 4-8) (4:00 PM)
• SoMA Gallery Present Nature Exposed Reception (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Chester CT Historical Society: "This broadside (poster) from the 1880s for the Chester Boot and Shoe Store owned by JJA O’Connor is one of the items in our upcoming Art & Antiques Auction. The store was the building at 1 Main Street." (Chester CT Historical Society via Facebook)
• Visit Chester CT: "Congratulations to Georgia Male for being with our farm for five years now! She is a caring, capable and conscientious helper that loves our alpacas. Today, Farmer Bill asked her to take on the role of Operations Manager and be responsible for herd health and husbandry, with Farmer Bill assisting. Sort of a role reversal! I think she has agreed! She drove the tractor like a champ. Thanks Georgia!" (Visit Chester CT via Facebook)
• Visit Chester CT: "Deep Hollow Farm • Our first little veggie plants are coming along nicely in our new and improved greenhouse! We are using a germination chamber for the first time, so hopefully that will also help with growing successful seedlings." (Visit Chester CT via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Clinton! CANNABINOID FACTOIDS! (March 12)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (March 14)
• 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