🌱 Supporting Mental Health In Schools + Tax Free Week Coming Up

Hello, everybody! It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch newsletter. Let's get this Tuesday started off right, with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Today you'll find news about:

• Man found unresponsive at Rocky Neck.
• Tax-free week coming up.
• Supporting mental health.

But first, today's weather: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 81 Low: 65.

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

1. On Sunday afternoon, a 78-year-old man was reportedly found unresponsive in the water at Rocky Neck State Park. According to the Patch article, written by Brian McCready, "Lifeguards deployed life-saving measures however, the man was taken to the local hospital where he was pronounced dead, WTNH News 8 reported." (Patch)
2. It's that time of year again! Summer is coming to an end and it's time to get ready to go back to school, which means it's time for Connecticut’s annual tax-free week from Sunday, Aug. 20, to Saturday, Aug. 26. Clothing and shoes under $100 will have the 6.35 percent sales tax waived. Happy shopping! (HK.Now)
3. Schools in the 33rd Senate District will be receiving $535,037.40 to support the hiring and retention of school mental health specialists for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 school years. According to a press release put out by the office of State Sen. Norm Needleman (D-Essex), "These grants were spurred by the passage of key legislation passed in 2022 by Senate Democrats, supporting youth mental health amid increasing reports of challenges students face today. "For several years now, we've known that youth are struggling with their mental health more than in past years, and we need to work to aid them however we can," said Sen. Needleman. "I'm relieved that these funds will support the hiring of mental health support staff who can help meet students in need where they are in the classroom."

Our local sponsor has some great stuff to offer:

Are you ready to reset your mind, body and spirit? Privé-Swiss Wellness offers wellness, fitness and spa services in two luxurious settings: Essex Village & Ivoryton. Join their community for a distinctive range of services to improve well-being: Pilates, yoga, barre, bootcamp, group fitness classes, meditation, infrared sauna, massage, nutritional consulting, skin care and beauty services! Let the experts at Privé-Swiss rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. Book your appointment or class here!

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

Tuesday, August 8

• Shell & Bee Studio: Slime (3:45 PM)
• Animal Friends with Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (4:00 PM)
• Virtual Community Hang Out! Ages 18-30 (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Rotary Club of Chester, CT: "Don't miss out on a Chester tradition! The Lobsters are coming on Sept. 9! Get your tickets NOW! https://chester.rotary7980give... 🦞" (Rotary Club of Chester, CT via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Making Connections: A SCORE Summer Social https://ow.ly/glWr50P228S Thursday, Aug. 10 at 5:30 p.m. Join SCORE Eastern CT and Greater Hartford Chapters for an evening of learning, networking, and fun at the beautiful Lyman Orchards!" (Essex Library via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com