🌱 Take Ride On The Essex Steam Train + Hurricane Lee Not Hitting CT

Welcome back, Essex-Chester-Deep River! I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including news on:

• Essex Steam Train Neighborhood Appreciation Day.
• The Freedom Trail.
• Hurricane Lee watch.

But first, today's weather: Sunny and pleasant. High: 77 Low: 55.

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

1. It's Neighbor Appreciation Day on Sept. 16! This means that the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat rides are free for residents in the five towns along the Valley Railroad’s operating line including Essex, Deep River, Chester, Haddam and Old Saybrook. According to the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Facebook post, "Tickets for Neighbor Appreciation Day are available on a first-come, first-served basis by reserving your ticket(s) via email at info@essexsteamtrain.com and are for coach seating only." (Essex Steam Train & Riverboat via Facebook)
2. The town of Chester has something new! State of Connecticut signs pointing the way to Chester's Freedom Trail site at 100 Cedar Lake Road, which is home to the Constance Baker Motley Preserve. According to the Chester Historical Society's Facebook post, "The month of September is when Connecticut's Freedom Trail sites, which memorialize exceptional achievements in the struggle for freedom and human dignity by the state’s African American community, are celebrated. The Constance Baker Motley Preserve, will be honored on Saturday, Sept. 23, 1- 4 p.m., when its popular 'Little Rock Nine' hiking trail and newly installed history plaque will be dedicated." (Chester Historical Society)
3. It doesn't look like Hurricane Lee is going to hit Connecticut. According to a Patch article written by Brian McCready, "Lee is forecast to pass far enough east of Connecticut, which would keep impacts to a minimum. Areas in southeast Connecticut would see the most impacts." (Patch)

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.

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

Thursday, September 14

• Movie Night! (9:00 AM)
• ColorFest (9:00 AM)
• Louie Listens (5:00 PM)

From our partner:

Do you know an outstanding community leader in Essex-Chester-Deep River? Nominate them here for a chance to be featured on Patch!

From my notebook:

• Rotary Club of Chester, CT: "We want to sincerely thank all of our sponsors, partners, volunteers, members, and of course YOU! Thank you for everyone who worked hard to make Lobsterfest happen and to everyone who attended the event. A special thanks to our partners at Adam's Hometown Market, who allow us to serve the best food to our patrons!" (Rotary Club of Chester, CT via Facebook)
• Deep River Fire Department: "Save the date! Our DRFD Automobile Extravaganza has been rescheduled due to the rain this past weekend. Sunday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Devitt Field. Proceeds benefit the DRFD." (Deep River Fire Department via Facebook)
• Ivoryton Library Association: "Please join us. You can register for this free #OwnVoices event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ownvoices-book-discussion-tickets-690072233627" (Ivoryton Library Association via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "The Young at Heart Book Club is moving to a new time for the next meeting: Saturday, Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. to discuss 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,' by Suzanne Collins. Pick up your book at the library today!" (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Have you heard our new podcast? Tri-Town Talks is now available on Spotify where we talk all things prevention! Stay tuned for this month's conversation on alcohol and its impact on the brain development of youth. " (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• High Holiday Services September 15-September 25 (September 15)
• Fifth Annual Art Walk in Stonington Borough (September 16)
• Fall Marketplace on Deep River Day! (September 16)
• Fall Marketplace (September 16)
• Come take a tour of the Goodspeed with Author, Janet Lemond (September 16)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (September 19)
• Join Us For An Evening of Faith, Hope and Love! (October 14)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new 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