🌱Most Connecticut Snakes No Danger + Chester Rotary Lobster Festival

Hello again, friends. It's Thursday in Essex-Chester-Deep River and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in town. Here's the lowdown.

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First, today's weather:

Sunny and very warm. High: 90 Low: 69.

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

1. Mark your calendars for the 51st Chester Rotary Lobster Festival Fundraiser which will take place at the Chester Fair Grounds on September 10. In addition to some great food, there will be live music. You can set up a table on the lawn and there will be limited seating available. Tickets are $50 for your choice of lobster or steak. Hope to see you there! (Chester Rotary via Facebook)
2. According to CT Insider, "More than 14 varieties of snake slither their way through the Nutmeg State's mountains and forests, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. But of those, only two are venomous. And according to DEEP's Brian Hess, those two — the timber rattlesnake and northern copperhead — are rarely seen. And despite two dogs getting bit by a timber rattlesnake in Glastonbury last week, snake bites are even less common." (CT Insider)
3. Preserving history as a look back and a reminder for the future, the Essex Historical Society (EHS) is working on a restoration project cleaning the oldest section of the River View Cemetery (RVC). According to a Zip06 article, "many of the gravestones have deteriorated over time due to natural causes caused by the location of the burial grounds, adjacent to the North Cove harbor of the Connecticut River. The restoration project began in 2021 when the RVC decided to invest the effort, contacting the EHS to prioritize the identification of particular stones that would be in need of cleaning up, according to their historical significance. Along with the restoration project, the partnership between EHS and RVC is also offering tours of the burial grounds. Tours in October will be offered in conjunction with several events in town that month, including the Scarecrow Festival, and are called Twilight Tours of River View Cemetery, which comprise high overviews of the cemetery and its evolution." (Zip06.com)

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• Turtle Creek Nature Preserve Hike - Thursday August 25, 4:30pm-5:30pm Ages HS-30 (4:30 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Bushy Hill Nature Center: "Lost and found pick up day!: Sunday, Aug. 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Nature Center! If you have any questions or would like to schedule a separate time to come, please email director@bushyhill.org!" (Bushy Hill Nature Center via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Put your dancing shoes on with the Shoreline Jazz Quartet! Saturday, September 10, 5 - 6 p.m. in the Essex Library parking lot (weather permitting) The Shoreline Jazz Quartet or SJQ play jazz standards and more." (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Movement and emotional wellness: Are they connected? Even if you know the answer to this question, read on to check out this week's newsletter, which also includes information about various programs and resources in the community!" (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Check out the latest FREE class listing from the Women's Business Development Council for August through December. All WBDC class are being held virtually via Zoom. http://ow.ly/69FY50JGMlH" (Essex Library via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Wondering what our Early Childhood Council has to offer? Check out this all-inclusive two-page flyer! Save it and share it with a friend!" (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "Grandparent's Day is coming up! Kids! Join us on Saturday, September 10 from 10:30-11:30 AM! Bring your grandparent(s), or someone special in your life, to the library for a special storytime and activities!" (Essex Library via Facebook)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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• Mammoth Security Inc. Old Saybrook — (Visit website)
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• The 40th Annual Spector Eyecare Greatest Bluefish Tournament (August 27)
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You're officially in the loop for today! 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