🌱Sen. Norm Needleman Sworn In For 3rd Term + Night Hike & Hot Cocoa

Hi all. I'm here with your Thursday edition of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Daily, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Including updates on:

• Senator Needleman sworn in at the State Capitol for his third term as the State Senator.
• What could be better than a night hike and hot cocoa.
• Looking for a new home.

But first, today's weather:

Cooler with a touch of rain. High: 48 Low: 36.

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

1. According to a press release, "State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) [has been] sworn in at the State Capitol for his third term as the State Senator representing the 33rd Senate District, which includes Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook. Sen. Needleman received strong support in his re-election to the Senate in November 2022. (Senate dems.ct.gov)
2. You're invited to a Moonlight Hike & Hot Cocoa at Johnson Farm on January 6 at 8 p.m. Join the Essex Land Trust and enjoy the wide-open view of the full moon sky. According to the Land Trust, "This will be a short hike through the woods that leads to a beautiful open field where we can discuss Owls, Bats, and any other creatures of the night over Hot Cocoa. Please bring your own headlamp or flashlight and leave the dogs at home for this one. Meet at the parking lot at the end of Read Hill Road (off of Comstock Avenue, Ivoryton). Rain cancels." (Essex Land Trust)
3. Finding your next home shouldn't be a headache! As part of our weekly real estate roundup, we're bringing you some recently listed and interesting houses to hit the market in the Essex-Chester-Deep River area. Keep scrolling to see what's been listed in your area. You can click any property below to see more details. (Patch)

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Anime Movie Night! Ages 18-30 (5:30 PM)
• Women & Family Life Center presents ADAPT (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Essex Library: "New year, new hours! The Essex Library will now be opening at 9 am every morning (instead of 10). Closing hours are unaffected. The library remains closed on Sundays." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Bushy Hill Nature Center: "Are you interested in learning more about Steward Outdoor School? Join us for a tour!" (Bushy Hill Nature Center via Facebook)
• Town of Essex – Government: "Your grease-free pizza boxes can be recycled, but please remove the cheese and crusts before placing in the bin. We promise not to judge you for not eating the crust." (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Introducing our Countdown to College Series for teens in grades 10-12! First session: Saturday, January 21, at 3 PM Join college counselor Daryl Capuano of The Learning Consultants to learn tips and tricks for acing your SATs! " (Essex Library via Facebook)

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Events:

• Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Clinton!! FILL-UP FRIDAY!! (January 6)
• Registration for Spring Concert (January 9)
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Announcements:

• Singer Registration (Details)
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That's it for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow 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