From the First Selectman's Desk
My second full week has come to a close. I am learning more and more and getting acclimated. I have enjoyed some great interactions with town residents and department heads. Thank you to all who have stopped in and spoken with me this week. I am committed to listening and finding solutions. Your patience is appreciated as I settle into my new role.
First, a big thank you to all who participated in the annual Holiday Stroll and the “Light up Deep River” Light parade held last Saturday. This year’s parade was the biggest yet, so let’s keep it growing! New this year, was a merchant’s door decorating contest. The scavenger hunt returned, sending folks around town to locate a whole family of holiday mice, hidden in the local shops! Shoppers filled Main Street and enjoyed some adult spirits as they poked around Deep River’s lovely array of shops. The local restaurants were busy and filled with much laughter and holiday cheer. What a wonderful night it was. Even Santa and Mrs.Claus stopped by!
Second, thank you to the Deep River Parks and Recreation Commission, who spent hours preparing for and planning this awesome annual event. I am proud of how this event has grown under my tenure with the P & R commission. This was my last P & R event as I have officially taken off that ‘hat’. Thank you to Miriam Morrissey who has stepped in as interim P&R Director while we begin the search for a new full-time director. The job has been posted, so if you are interested, please apply.
Finally, thank you also goes out to the Deep River Police, the Deep River Fire Police, the Deep River Fire Department and the DR Ambulance for keeping everyone safe, participating in the parade and for transporting Santa and Mrs.Claus. Again, thank you to the Ingram family for the tree donation and to Howard Tree service and the DR Public Works department for installing and decorating the tree.
Congratulations to the DRHS for a successful Festival of Trees event.
Monday, December 11th is the town meeting and vote to adopt the S.M.A.R.T. program at the transfer station. That is the “Save Money And Reduce Trash” program, or unit based pricing, which will reduce the amount of household waste being discarded. Less trash will save the town money. Get educated about this program; this is a positive change that we can make. Please come out and vote. Bring your I.D. as you will be required to show it. The town meeting begins at 7:00pm. It will be held at the Town Hall auditorium.
Get ready for a rainy, stormy Monday after a relatively mild weekend. As of this writing, no snow is in the forecast, as temperatures are expected to stay in the 40’s. However, with the high winds predicted, we might be in for some downed branches and trees, and maybe some power outages. The Public Works department and our Emergency Management Team along with myself are prepared for whatever comes our way.
Still looking for some cool shopping opportunities? Shop locally this year! Deep River has what you are looking for…
- On Saturday, in addition to all the other Deep River shops, check out Sip & Shop at SOMA, the South of Main Art Collective located at 500 Main Street. From 10-3, shop some one-of-a-kind art while enjoying light refreshments.
- Or head over to Promethea Potters @ 68 Main Street, from 4-6 pm for Gin Martinis and Art. Enjoy a cocktail while shopping locally made handcrafts, pottery and paintings.
- One day only, try the ‘Gift Samples Sale’ fundraiser, from 9-4 at 125 Rattling Valley Road.
The Deep River Community Toy Drive is still collecting toys. When out shopping, pick up something extra for the toy drive. All new, unwrapped toys and any gift cards are appreciated. The drive will benefit local children this holiday season. Donations can be dropped off at one of these six locations: Landing and Main, The Nest, Tri-Town Youth Services, Town Hall, Shore Discount or Edward Jones. The last day to donate is December 15th. The toy drive is again sponsored by the Deep River Community Health Committee, the Chester-Deep River Rotary Club and the Tri-Town Youth Services bureau.
The Deep River Congregational Church is hosting a free concert by the Connecticut River Valley Symphonic Band on Sunday afternoon. The concert will be held in the church beginning at 4:00 pm.
Finally, in case you are traveling over to East Haddam, please note the following traffic advisory from CTDOT regarding next week's overnight bridge closures.
The bridge will be closed as follows:
Be safe.