🌱 White Elephant Sale This Weekend + Learn How To Live With Bears

Hello all. It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch newsletter — here to tell you everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town these days. Including updates on:

• Learn how to live with bears.
• Arts and Crafts Fair.
• White Elephant Sale.

But first, today's weather: Sun mixing with clouds; humid. High: 88 Low: 69.

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

1. The town of Essex would like area residents to be aware of the growing number of bear sightings in the area and to help people learn to adapt to the presence of bears and take measures to avoid damage and problems. According to a recent post on the Town of Essex Facebook page, "The rapid increase in the bear population between the early 2000s and today is expected to continue. As the population expands, interactions between humans and bears will increase. People should learn what to do if they see a bear and how to avoid unnecessary conflicts by keeping food away from bears. If you see a bear: Observe it from a distance. Advertise your presence by shouting and waving your arms or walk slowly away. Never attempt to feed or attract bears. Report bear sightings to the Wildlife Division (or email deep.wildlife@ct.gov)." (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)
2. Mark your calendars for the 14th Annual Arts and Crafts Fair, which will be held on the green in downtown Essex on Saturday, July 29. The event will include a juried show with 80 exhibitors, food and homemade items. Admission is free. For more information call 860-434-0751. (Annual Arts and Craft Show)
3. It's time for Old Lyme's Ladies Benevolent Society's famed White Elephant! The event will take place on Friday, July 14, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday, July 15, 8 a.m.-noon on the grounds of the First Congregational Church. There will be everything from furniture, art, clothing, toys, books and athletic equipment. This huge fundraiser grows in size every year, allowing the LBS to fund more than 25 nonprofit organizations across our region and around the world. (Old Lyme White Elephant Sale)

Our local sponsors have 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!

• Need health insurance? Tony Ferrandino of Health Markets Insurance Agency can help you find the best plan for your needs. Tony specializes in individual and family health care — including health, life, dental, disability, and hospitalization insurance to self-employed and unemployed individuals, along with Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare supplemental plans. Visit Tony here to learn more, email him at tony.ferrandino@healthmarkets.com, or call 860-712-0374.

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

Tuesday, July 11

• Genealogy Interest Group (2:30 PM)
• Signing Rocks! ASL Class: Animals & Colors (Ages 5+) (3:00 PM)
• Shell & Bee Studio: Resin 101 (3:45 PM)
• Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Essex Library: "Teen Bring Your Own Book Club meets this month! Tuesday, July 25 at 5 p.m. Sign up at 860-767-1560 or e-mail staff.essexlib@gmail.com. Come discuss the books you’re reading and share recommendations with others!" (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Town of Essex – Government: "The Valley Regional High School's National Honor Society is sponsoring a Blood Drive!" (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)
• Town of Essex – Government: "Start your day right. Sip by sip. Choice by choice. Every day is a great day to recycle. ☕️#RecyclingMatters #MondayMotivation" (Town of Essex – Government via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Today Signing Rocks: Animals & Colors Online via Zoom, July 11, 3-3:45. Play games and activities that are fun while learning various signs in ASL! This is an excellent class for beginners, intermediate learners and can also be enjoyed by individuals with more advanced skills." (Essex Library via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Grief & Bereavement Support Group (July 12)
• Bastille Day celebration! (July 14)
• Summer Marketplace (July 23)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for 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