🌱Senator Needleman Supports Education + Five Decades In The Ministry

Hey, friends. It's Sunday in Essex-Chester-Deep River and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally. Let's dive right in...

First, today's weather:

Sunny, nice and less humid. High: 81 Low: 61.

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

1. Supporting education in the Nutmeg State, State Senator Norm Needleman, (First Selectman of Essex) supported the approval of debt-free community college for full-time students in 2019. This year, he voted for its expansion to include part-time students. According to a recent Facebook post on Senator Needleman's page, the program has lowered the cost of earning a college degree for recent high school graduates and people looking to make a career change, while opening education opportunities for people across our towns. For businesses, it has boosted CT's workforce development for key job fields including manufacturing and nursing. Even more, it is helping businesses hire local talent! If you are interested in learning more or applying for PACT – the state’s debt-free community college program – go to www.ct.edu/pact. Also, check out the amazing programs offered at Middlesex Community College and Three Rivers Community College." (Senator Norm Needleman via Facebook)
2. Celebrating five decades in the ministry, Reverend Timothy Haut, the pastor of the Deep River Congregational Church, is a well-known and revered community member in his small town. According to a Zip06.com article, "Haut writes a poem every night and shares his poems with congregants in Sunday sermons. He was not planning to be a minister when he graduated at the top of his class from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. He wanted to write the great American novel or maybe go on for a doctorate in philosophy at the University of Chicago. But two professors at Gustavus Adolphus suggested divinity school might be a good fit as he sorted through career options. Indeed, such a good fit, that he has never left." And, according to the article, we don't have to worry about him leaving anytime soon. He has no plans at this time of retiring in the near future! (Zip06.com)
3. The Rail Bike experience, run by the Essex Steam Train, has made the list of things you should add to your bucket list according to Only In Your State! Offering visitors a unique way to take in the beauty that the Connecticut Valley area in the tri-towns of Chester, Deep River and Essex has to offer, the rail bike experience is one that is not to be missed. So, even though it's right in your own backyard, make sure to take advantage of a rail biking tour through an eight-mile stretch of unused rail tracks and have a great time! (Only In Your State)

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From my notebook:

• Deep River Public Library: "Ellie joined in on all the musical fun on the library lawn this week! Woof!" (Deep River Public Library via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Earlier this year, we had a very eloquent request from a young patron of ours. Miss Nicole just couldn't say no! Can you guess what the theme for the first week in August will be? Stay tuned for more information." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "July is National Make a Difference to a Child Month, so we are going to focus on mentoring youth! Here is a video created by the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, highlighting the perspective of kiddos who have been mentored." (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Sunday! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new 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