August 21, 2025
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Chester, Deep River, & Essex Vol. XXV Iss. 34
A Little Compassion Shutters The Nest By Christian Maldonado Staff Writer
After six years of serving coffee, creating jobs, and building community for people with neurodivergent challenges, A Little Compassion has closed its Deep River coffee shop, The Nest. The shop, which officially shut down on Aug. 10, provided employment opportunities for individuals with autism
and other neurodivergent conditions, helping them develop workplace and communication skills in a supportive setting. Founder and former Executive Director Jane Moen said the decision was purely financial. “As important as The Nest is, as our backdrop for all of our other programs, it has to be sustainable,” she said. “Over the past several
years, it has been difficult to have that essentially small business even come close to breaking even.” Moen’s inspiration for A Little Compassion began at home. Her daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, participated in social programs that she felt—while helpful—could
James Paisley is getting ready for the fall season of Collomore concerts........................................2
See A Little Compassion page 10
Conquering the Current Dozens of paddlers launch from Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam on Aug. 16 as the Conquer the Current race begins its ninemile downstream course to the Connecticut River Museum. The event, open to kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, rowboats, and surf skis, supports the museum’s educational programs.
A Father-Son Battle The father-son pairing of Hunter Beckwith and Bob Beckwith faced off in Week 16 of the Deep River Horseshoe League........................11
A Delightful Time "My Fair Lady" at the Ivoryton Playhouse proves you don’t need a large cast or orchestra..............20
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ Valley Courier
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