🌱Will Pizza Be Official Food Of CT? + Grants For Chester, Essex

Hello again, friends. It's Friday in Essex-Chester-Deep River and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Today's briefing includes:

• Pizza, the official food of the state.
• Give a pet a home and they will give you their heart.
• Several grants are announced for Chester and Essex.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 42 Low: 33.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Essex-Chester-Deep River who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

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

1. Could pizza be the new official state food of Connecticut? The state's lawmakers have once again filed legislation to make it so! The 'Pizza bill' or bill, SB 390, would put the tasty food on the map along with other important state symbols such as the state animal, the sperm whale, and the state tree, the charter oak. according to the CTPost, Colin Caplan who authored the bill said, “at this point, Connecticut has no state food. We have an opportunity to make what people travel around the country, around the world to come to us to eat — we have a chance to make that our state food.” (CTPost)
2. If you've been hoping to add a fluffy ball of love and affection to your family, start with these shelters in the Essex-Chester-Deep River area for a pet you can take home. With help from our friends at Petfinder, Patch has compiled this week’s list of animals available for adoption near you. Whether you’re looking for cuddles or companionship, one of these animals could be the perfect fit for your family. (Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch)
3. Yesterday, according to a press release, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed 31 CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grants totaling $388,300 for various museums, performing arts venues, historical societies and other cultural and arts organizations across the 33rd Senate District. These grants were awarded by CT Humanities to organizations locally and across Connecticut and were funded by the Connecticut General Assembly. Included in those grants was one awarded to the Chester Historical Society in the amount of $6,700 and several grants to various organizations in Essex including Cappella Cantorum $6,000, Community Music School $17,300, Con Brio Choral Society $7,000, Connecticut Children's Theatre $5,700, Connecticut River Museum $24,900, Essex Historical Society $7,300, Essex Winter Series $8,000, Ivoryton Playhouse $5,000, Maritime Music & Tradition Society $5,600, Spectrum Art Gallery $7,800.

Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• SoMA Kids Night Out (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: "We are excited to Welcome Ranger Russ from the Meigs Point Nature Center at Hammonasset State Park aboard the train on February 19th for a fun family experience! Reptiles on the Rails! Join us for a 2-hour ride through the Connecticut River Valley as we explore the beauty of our natural surroundings in winter with Ranger Russ as our tour guide!" (Essex Steam Train & Riverboat via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Our community has an incredible reputation for being our village, so we can help meet to needs of our students and their families. We are currently working on putting together two satellite offices so that we are more accessible!" (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Just a quick reminder that NAMI Shoreline has several zero-cost support groups, both virtually and in-person. Check out the link below to get a more comprehensive view of these programs." (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Clinton! SUPERCRITICAL SUNDAY! (January 29)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (January 31)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with another 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