🌱 It's Muster Time This Weekend In Deep River + Is It Safe To Swim?

Hello, 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:

• Are you ready for the Muster?
• Flood waters in the Connecticut River expected to recede.
• Bacteria in the water closed down some swimming holes across the state.

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But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 91 Low: 71.

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

1. Don't forget this weekend the famed Deep River Ancient Muster will take place on Saturday, July 15. It will step off from Kirkland Street at 11 a.m. and marches down Main Street to Devitts Field. Fife and Drum Corps from throughout the U.S. will be in attendance. At the conclusion of the parade, all Corps that marched will perform (Muster) a short musical rendition of tunes from the Civil War, Revolutionary War, War of 1812. (Patch)
2. Flood waters from the North are expected to begin receding from the Connecticut River late today and tomorrow. Many marinas in the area prepared for the rising waters and the flooding that came with it and asked boat owners to remove grills and other items from the docks, so they were not swallowed by the flood waters. (NBC Connecticut)
3. Cockaponset State Forest in Chester along with Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic, Wharton Brook State Park and Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middlefield were all closed yesterday because of water quality and high bacterial levels. Click here to find out which parks are open for swimming today. (WTNH.com)

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

Wednesday, July 12

• The Writer's Block (9:00 AM)
• Multilingual Story Time: Spanish (Ages 4+) (4:30 PM)
• Nature Journaling for Families (4:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch: "Check Out These Homes For Sale In Essex-Chester-Deep River." (Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch)
• Essex Fire Engine Co. #1: "EFD was called to an odor of gas at the Black Jax Saloon and found the building filled with natural gas. The gas supply to the building was shut off at the meter outside the building and power was disconnected. The building was ventilated and when gas levels dissipated, we were able to enter and find the issue with one of the cooking appliances. The Southern CT gas company, ESSEX EMS CT and Old Saybrook Fire Department assisted with the event." (Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 via Facebook)
• Chester Public Library: "Watercolor workshop for adults with Shell & Bee Studio. Call the library and reserve your spot, space is limited." (Chester Public Library via Facebook)
• Essex Library: "New writing group at the Essex Library! Second Wednesday of every month, 9 a.m. First meeting: Wednesday, July 12. Come meet fellow writers to socialize for half an hour, followed by an hour of writing time. No prompts. No critique. Just write!" (Essex Library via Facebook)

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Featured events:

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

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with 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