🌱Furry Alpacas In The Tri-Town Community! + RSV On The Rise In CT

Welcome back, Essex-Chester-Deep River! I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including news on...

• Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV is surging in CT.
• Do you like Alpacas?
• Don't let finding your next home be a headache!

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But first, today's weather:

Areas of morning fog. High: 68 Low: 56.

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🏡 Attention, real estate pros in Essex-Chester-Deep River! We're now offering an exclusive sponsorship opportunity for an agent interested in attracting local clients and standing apart from the competition. Click here to learn more.

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

1. Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, a fairly common illness that can cause breathing difficulties in young children, is surging in Connecticut and elsewhere in the country. According to a Patch article written by Rich Scinto, "Nationally, some 7,334 RSV tests came back positive for the week ending Oct. 15, up from 6,518 the week before that and 5,210 the week before that, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Connecticut Children's Hospital went beyond normal capacity due to a wave of RSV infections last week. The hospital considered calling the National Guard for help, but ultimately it wasn't needed. Connecticut Children's Executive Vice President Dr. Juan Salazar called the surge unprecedented." (Patch)
2. Chester's own Chakana Sky Alpacas have made CT Insider's list of 16 places to hang out with llamas and alpacas in Connecticut. According to the article, "Chakana Sky Alpacas has no admission fee for visitors, but they must schedule appointments, according to its website. The farm also occasionally offers events, including alpaca yoga. Chakana Sky Alpacas is located at 36A Turkey Hill Road in Chester." Check out the website and make an appointment to hang out with these fuzzy friends. (CT Insider)
3. The local housing market is never boring, and there are a variety of homes to browse these days. As part of our weekly real estate roundup, we're bringing you some of the newest and most interesting houses to hit the market in the Essex-Chester-Deep River area. Keep scrolling to see what's been listed in your area in the past week. Like what you see? Just click on any address in the list to get additional pics and details. Without further ado, here's a look at the latest Essex-Chester-Deep River properties in this week's roundup. Enjoy! (Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch)

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Patch deals of the day:

The Patch Deals team scours the web for deals we think you'll love. These limited-time offers are worth a look — especially if you're doing some early holiday shopping.

• Seido Japanese master knife set (71 percent off) — This 5-piece set of chef-quality knives comes in at just under $70. They're sharp, durable and cost a fraction of what you'd pay for similar high-quality knives.
• Flux 7 TWS earbuds with wireless charging case & power bank (75 percent off) — Why pay $100+ for earbuds when you can get these well-rated wonders on sale for just $25?
• Pressure Putt Trainer (53 percent off) — Small enough to fold up and easily fit in a golf bag, the Pressure Putt Trainer was developed using drills that pro golfers use to build confidence for achieving the perfect putt.

(Patch may earn a commission on purchases. All deals are as of publication and could change.)

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

• ELA Board of Trustees Annual Meeting (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: "Attention railroad photography enthusiasts! Just a friendly reminder to please reference the link below (Valley Railroad Rail Fan Guide, courtesy of Tom Nanos) before planning a trip to photograph our operations." (Essex Steam Train & Riverboat via Facebook)
• Deep River Public Library: "Always make sure you and your ghost are on the same page." (Deep River Public Library via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Giving Tuesday looks a little different for Tri-Town Youth Services this year! We know that EVERY person has something they are passionate about, so we will be sharing all the different programs and initiatives we do here through donations we receive from generous people like you!." (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)
• Ivoryton Library Association: "Please help us help our neighbors with donations for the Backpack Program. https://ivorytonlibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/backpack-program-brochure-October-22.pdf" (Ivoryton Library Association via Facebook)
• Deep River Parks & Rec: "Adults 21+ come play volleyball with Deep River P & R. This is a co-ed league; all skill levels welcome. Wednesday evenings 7:00-9:00 PM @ John Winthrop Middle School October 2022 through March 2023." (Deep River Parks & Rec via Facebook)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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• Deer Lake Open House (October 30)
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• Taxes in Retirement Seminar (November 3)
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You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow 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