🌱Warriors Beat Old Saybrook/Westbrook + Essex's First Witness Stone

Good morning, Essex-Chester-Deep River. I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Today you'll find news about...

• Essex gets its first Witness Stone.
• Get ready for Deep River Holiday Stroll.
• Warriors take the win and the crowd goes wild!

But first, today's weather:

Chilly with lots of sun. High: 43 Low: 27.

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

1. St. John's Episcopal Church in downtown Essex, recently dedicated its first Witness Stone, honoring a woman named Violet. Accoridng to WTNH.com, Violet was baptized at St. Johns when she was enslaved by founding church member Noah Scovell, named on a baptismal bowl, used for years. “It is complicated, it is messy,” said Reverend Kate Wesch of our past. The Witness Stones Project, based in New Britain, aims to raise awareness and honor the enslaved individuals that helped shape our communities.“So, over about 150 years we know there were about 150 documented formerly enslaved people but we’re constantly coming up with more names the more we dive into research,” Melissa Josefiak, Director of the Essex Historical Society who is helping with the project, said. “Everyone’s history is important and the more we learn about the former enslaved we realize how large a footprint they left on Essex’s history.”(WTNH.com)
2. It's that time of year, so mark your calendars for Saturday, December 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. the Deep River Parks & Recreation's 'Light of Deep River' Parade and the annual Holiday Stroll. This Park and Recreation Facebook post encourages everyone to take part in the festivities, "Get involved-enter a light be-dazzled vehicle in the parade! Create a gingerbread house for the contest. Shop locally in lovely downtown Deep River Grab a bite to eat while you stroll around and enjoy, fire artists, kids' games courtesy of the Deep River Elementary School PTO, take photos in the giant inflatable snow globe, check out the local artisan vendors, try to find Maurice the moose at the local stores and help light the tree when Santa stops in for a visit. We will have strolling carolers and the library will offer a fun craft for the kids. Our shops will be open offering festive cheer and in-store specials. Don't forget to stroll to the Deep River Historical Society to be amazed at their festival of trees collection." Hope to see you all there!(Deep River Parks & Rec via Facebook)
3. If you’re wanting to add a four-legged ball of love and affection to your life, start with these animal shelters in the Essex-Chester-Deep River area for a pet up for adoption. If you need some help in your search, Patch and Petfinder have you covered. We compile a list each week of all the pets recently put up for adoption in your area. If you're a cat person, meet Holly, a Domestic Short Hair up for adoption. Or if dogs are more your thing, there are several great dogs available, too. (Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch)
4. According to theday.com " Jacob Rand ran 13 times for 175 yards and three touchdowns and kicked four extra points to pace Valley Regional/Old Lyme past Old Saybrook/Westbrook on Wednesday night, 46-8, in a Pequot Football Conference Sassacus Division game." Great job warriors! (theday.com)

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Friends of the Library book sorting - Essex Library Association (9:00 AM)
• League Of Women Voters: Navigating The Legislative Process (12:30 PM)
• Shell & Bee Studio: Teen + Adult Paint Pour (4:00 PM)
• Teen TGIF! - Essex Library Association (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Essex Library: "A reminder that the Essex Library Association closes for federal #holidays and will close early at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23 and be closed on Thursday, November 24 in observance of #Thanksgiving. The library re-opens Friday at 10 a.m." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "What is just one thing you are grateful for today? Check out this week's newsletter and see what we are grateful for! - https://mailchi.mp/ttysb/gt7pycu4ed-10270245" (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)
• Deep River Parks & Rec: "Last call for P & R Rec Basketball registrations for grades 7-12. We will cut off registrations as of 11/21/23, so tell your friends and help spread the word." (Deep River Parks & Rec via Facebook)

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Events:

• St. Mary's 34th Annual Heart Christmas Fair (November 19)
• Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Clinton, CT! CIDER SUNDAY 2 (November 20)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be back in your inbox 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