🌱 Selden Neck Island Bobcat Attack + Essex Is Best CT Town To Retire

Hello again, everybody! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Humid with periods of sun. High: 81 Low: 64.
• Sunday: Humid with a heavy thunderstorm. High: 78 Low: 69.

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% 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 three stories in and around Essex-Chester-Deep River today:

1. Early Friday morning, three campers leading a youth group on Selden Neck Island in Connecticut's Selden Neck State Park were attacked by a bobcat, resulting in injuries. Emergency services from Deep River, Chester, Essex, and Lyme collaborated to evacuate the trio, who were later admitted to Middlesex Hospital for treatment. The slain bobcat has been sent to the State Public Health laboratory for rabies testing amidst reports of a significant increase in bobcat sightings in Connecticut this year. (Patch)
2. Essex is officially the best town in Connecticut to retire in, according to Stacker report using data from Niche. The town, with a population of 6,599, boasts a median household income of $87,000 and a convenient location near New Haven, Long Island Sound, and equidistant to Boston and New York. Additionally, Essex is rich in local culture, with attractions such as The Griswold Inn, one of the oldest bars in America, as well as various museums and playhouses. (msnNOW)
3. The Essex Historical Society is hosting a live blacksmithing demonstration today, Jul. 1, from 1-4 p.m. at Pratt House, a historic house museum in Essex. Local blacksmith Baird Welch-Collins will showcase historical blacksmithing techniques that the Pratt family, who resided in the house for nine generations and operated a blacksmithing business, used to support the local seaport town. The family-friendly event is free, offers guided tours of Pratt House and its grounds, and welcomes donations for those who wish to support the society. (Patch)

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Today and tomorrow in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

Saturday, July 1

• Summer Dance Camp At River Valley Dance Project (10:00 AM)
• Art Explorers: Alma Thomas And Color Field Painting At Essex Library (10:00 AM)

Sunday, July 2

• Martin Kelly Acoustic Trio At The Griswold Inn Tap Room (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Last night, the Chester Historical Society launched the first portion of its new touchscreen exhibit telling the story of The Pattaconk and Its Mills with a community reception. The exhibit will be available to view during regular hours at the Chester Museum through the summer. (Chester CT Historical Society via Facebook)
• Calling all young writers! The Deep River Public Library wants to help you find inspiration and gain confidence in your writing in this Jul. 6 workshop with local author, Nancy Tandon. Registration is required. Interested parties can use this link to sign up. (Deep River Public Library via Facebook)
• Does your teen love creative, interactive games? Essex Library is hosting a new teen game night on Jul. 17 at 5:00 p.m., where participants will play "Push the Button." Get the details and registration information in the library's Facebook post. (Essex Library via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Chester Rotary's 45th 4 on the 4th Road Race (July 4)
• Summer Marketplace (July 23)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. Karena will be back with your next update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.