🌱Retail Sales Of Recreational Cannabis Is Legal+Free Health Insurance

Hi all. I'm back with your new copy of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally, including...

• Free health insurance for employees of the Lee Company!
• Retail sales of adult-use recreational cannabis is officially legal!
• Babysitting classes!

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 39 Low: 29.

Business owners and marketers in Essex-Chester-Deep River: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

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

1. The Lee Company in Westbrook is taking a new approach to recruiting and retaining employees. According to WTNH.com, "in addition to offering bonuses, profit sharing and a scholarship fund, [the Lee Company] is turning to a new benefit — free health insurance. (WTNH.com)
2. It was a historic day in The Nutmeg State yesterday as January 10 was the state’s first day of retail sales of adult-use recreational cannabis. According to the New Haven Independent, "Roughly 50 people lined up outside of Affinity Health & Wellness on Whalley Avenue Tuesday morning to take part in the [historic event]. Affinity is one of nine dispensaries across Connecticut that got the state’s go-ahead to serve recreational users this January. Those lined up on Whalley Avenue Tuesday morning showed up in order to buy regulated cannabis. Doors officially opened at 10 a.m. (New Haven Independent)
3. According to the Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau Facebook page post, "[It is] one week away from the FIRST Babysitter Training, First Aid, and CPR Training of the new year! Don't worry, there is still time to sign up! Complete registration below easily through our virtual platform. http://tritownys.org/evrplus_registration/... The course will include instruction on pediatric CPR, Pediatric First Aid, Babysitting skills, and a certificate." (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Story & Guided Art Project (10:30 AM)
• Advanced Chess Instruction (4:00 PM)
• JackBox Game Night! Ages 18-30 (5:30 PM)
• ELA Development Committee Meeting - Essex Library Association (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Deep River Public Library: "Like puzzles? We have a brand new puzzle and mat to work on!" (Deep River Public Library via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Heads up that the library will close early on Saturday, January 14 at 12 noon to set up for the Friend's "Putt Fore" the Library Mini Golf Event. Tickets to the event are still on sale, cash or check only, at the library. Call 860-767-15..." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Deep River Public Library: "Need a little help getting organized? Join us for a free workshop on how to declutter! No registration is necessary." (Deep River Public Library via Facebook)
• Deep River Parks & Rec: "Our Broadway Bus Trips are Back! Booked originally in March 2020- we are finally heading back to Broadway! Join Deep River Parks and Recreation as we head to NYC to catch the Tony award winning musical Hadestown." (Deep River Parks & Rec via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Join the Essex Library for a free program, Estate Planning 101: with Attorney Erin Duques, on Tuesday, January 10 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Registration required. Zoom registration link: http://ow.ly/n3zE50M55o1." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "New year, new hours! The Essex Library is now opening at 9 a.m. every morning (instead of 10). Closing hours are unaffected. The library remains closed on Sundays." (Essex Library via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Shoreline Chorale starts up this week, come join us. (January 11)
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• Accounting and Bookkeeping Services (Details)
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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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com