🌱 Patch AM: Why Essex just ranked among Connecticut’s most livable communities

Coffee in hand, Essex? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Why Essex just ranked among Connecticut’s most livable communities
• How a Minnesota art show ties back to 1854 Essex shipbuilding

Also on today's calendar: Your CBD Store - CLINTON! $ BUNDLE-UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS! $ and 8 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Essex Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T-Mobile and UScellular have joined forces to connect people from big cities to small towns and everywhere in between. UScellular is now a part of T-Mobile. Find out more at T-Mobile.com/Better-Together.
Find a T-Mobile store near Essex.

Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Partly sunny and windy, with a high of 44 and low of 23 degrees.
• Monday: Breezy in the morning; sunny, temps: high: 35, low: 28.
• Tuesday: Snow and rain, up to 1", with a high of 37 and low of 31 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• AARP Reveals Connecticut's 10 Top Livable Communities (aarp.org) — Essex has been named one of Connecticut’s top 10 most livable communities by AARP’s updated Livability Index, putting the town in elite company for quality-of-life amenities. The ranking reflects strengths in transportation, green spaces, and services, while also urging improvements in affordable housing so residents can comfortably age in place.
   

• Draftsman meticulously re-creates schooner for show (mankatofreepress.com) — A painstaking ship model on display in Minnesota has a surprising Essex connection: the original schooner James Miller was built in Essex back in 1854. The article follows the model-maker’s 2,000-hour effort, historical research, and health challenges, while briefly highlighting the vessel’s local shipbuilding roots and long cargo-hauling career.
   

📸 Around Essex

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Essex

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Sunday December 21

• Your CBD Store - CLINTON! $ BUNDLE-UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS! $
  Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Clinton, CT, 114 E Main St, Clinton
  11:00 am

Monday January 5

• Winter classes in Theater, Circus and Dance for kids ages 1 - 20
  Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater, 128 Washington St, Middletown
  4:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Sunday December 21

• Celebrate Advent and the Joy of Christmas at Deep River Congregational Church
  Congregational Church-Deep Rvr , 1 Church St , Deep River
  9:45 am
• The Art of Dreaming Opening Reception and Open House Weekend
  Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisan Store , 61 Main St , Centerbrook
  6:30 pm

Tuesday December 23

• Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages 0-3)
  Essex Library Association , 33 West Ave , Essex
  9:30 am
• Wiggle Worms Story Time (For ages 0-3)
  Essex Library Association , 33 West Ave , Essex
  10:30 am
• Magical Shrinking Keychains (Ages 5-12)
  Essex Library Association , 33 West Ave , Essex
  1:00 pm

Wednesday December 24

• Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service at Deep River Congregational Church
  Congregational Church-Deep Rvr , 1 Church St , Deep River
  10:00 pm

Friday December 26

• The Magic of the Honmoon: A K-Pop Demon Hunters Music & Craft Party (Ages 5-12)
  Essex Library Association , 33 West Ave , Essex
  3:00 pm

Saturday December 27

• Weekend Wiggle Worms (Ages 0-3)
  Essex Library Association , 33 West Ave , Essex
  9:30 am

Tuesday December 30

• Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages 0-3)
  Essex Library Association , 33 West Ave , Essex
  9:30 am

📣 Essex Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Sunday December 21

• Paul Shlien
  Water's Edge Resort & Spa , 1525 Boston Post Rd , Westbrook
  11:00 am
• Messiah Sing or Listen - Cappella Cantorum
  Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center , 300 Main St , Old Saybrook
  2:00 pm
• Winter Solstice Luminary Walk
  Banningwood Preserve
  4:00 pm
• Storm Large: Holiday Ordeal - A night of music, gags, gifts, and some very special guests
  Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center , 300 Main St , Old Saybrook
  7:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Essex PatchAM possible:

• California Closets — (203) 924-8444
  Custom Storage Solutions for the Whole Home
• Monaco Ford of Niantic — (860) 739-5437
  Experience The Monaco Difference. Extra Value. No Extra Cost

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Connecticut REAP posted a job opening for Custodial Position in Deep River. Apply here.
• CRH Plc. posted a job opening for 2nd Shift Plant Superintendent in Deep River. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Essex here.

🗞 Nearby News

Old Saybrook

• Tax Fraud Blotter: 941 extravaganza (accountingtoday.com)
• Thousands still without power as windy conditions expected in Connecticut overnight (courant.com)

Clinton

Ok Essex! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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