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Mar 27, 2025

Bethel Arts & Sustainable Commission Partner to Launch Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit

Bethel Arts and Sustainable Bethel Commission Partner to Launch the 2025-2026 Outdoor Sculpture ExhibitBethel, CT – March, 27, 2025 – Bethel Arts and the Sustainable Bethel Commission are proud to announce the launch of the 2025-2026 outdoor sculpture exhibit, Our Power, Our Planet – Sculptural Reflections, a year-long celebration of the beauty of art and earth. The exhibit will officially open on April 26, 2025, as part of Bethel’s Earth Day celebration.Large-scale sculptures created by local artists will be displayed on platforms on the grounds of the Bethel Municipal Center and the Bethel Public Library. This initiative aims to highlight the beauty of art while fostering a deeper appreciation for sustainability and environmental consciousness within the community.Bethel Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting Bethel’s arts and creative community, has partnered with the Sustainable Bethel Commission, which earned Bronze-level certification from Sustainable CT in 2024. “The Sustainable Bethel Commission is thrilled to partner with Bethel Arts on this exhibit,” said Commission Chairman Kathryn Hebert. “This project enriches our town’s cultural landscape while fostering environmental awareness, economic vitality, and community engagement.”This is Bethel’s third outdoor sculpture exhibit, with the last event held in 2017. Patricia Voorhees, Bethel Arts Board Secretary and Chair of the Sculpture Exhibit Committee, emphasized the impact of public art, stating, “Seeing parents and children enjoying the sculptures really brought home how much art adds to the vibrancy and vitality of a community.”In response to a call for artists last fall, Bethel Arts received 38 sculpture submissions from 17 artists. The final selections were juried by three accomplished Bethel artists: Diana Gubbay, Bethel Arts Board member; Jim Felice, owner of Jim Felice Studios; and Dave Gesualdi, creator of Bethel’s P.T. Barnum Sculpture and the Veterans Memorial statue at the CJH Municipal Center.The exhibition will feature a diverse range of materials, colors, sizes, and styles. Selected sculptures include:<ul><li>Roundabout – David Skora (New Hartford, CT)</li><li>Positivity Tower – Inez Andrucyk (Mohegan Lake, NY)</li><li>Tow Dancer – Moment of Movement – John Bonsignore (West Redding, CT)</li><li>Tangent – Carlos Davila (Bridgeport, CT)</li><li>Spring – Justin Perlman (Bethlehem, CT)</li><li>Host and Guest – Bob Keating (Southbury, CT)</li><li>Universe – Francis Patenaude (Bethlehem, CT)</li><li>Electric Man (small-scale, displayed in the Municipal Center Lobby) – Wayne Ritter (Bethel, CT)</li></ul>David Skora, a professor of Art and Graphic Design at Western Connecticut State University, described his piece, Roundabout, as reflecting “the dynamic relationship between humanity and the Earth, weaving together themes of sustainability, energy, and environmental consciousness.”Throughout the exhibition, Bethel Arts will recruit community and high school docents to lead tours and will organize artist talks to engage and educate the public. The project is made possible by a matching grant from Sustainable CT.For more information, including how to donate, visit <a href="http://www.bethelartsct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.bethelartsct.org</a>. For inquiries, contact Patricia Voorhees at patricia.voorhees@gmail.com.

Mar 27, 2025

Few Words: A Dance Cycle at A.C.T. of CT – A Profound Journey Beyond Language

Some performances entertain. Others move you. And then there are those rare, transformative works that stay with you long after the final curtain falls. Few Words: A Dance Cycle is one of those productions. For one week only, from March 26–30, A.C.T. of CT invites audiences to experience a breathtaking, emotional journey told not through dialogue, but through the language of movement and music.Conceived and directed by A.C.T. of CT’s visionary Artistic Director, Daniel C. Levine, Few Words: A Dance Cycle is unlike anything the theater has produced before. Inspired by the evocative compositions of A.C.T.’s Resident Music Supervisor, Bryan Perri, this original work explores the depths of human connection, resilience, and love—without a single spoken word.Levine, deeply moved by Perri’s newly released album Few Words, saw in its melodies the potential for something greater—stories yearning to be told through dance. And so, he created a piece that captures moments of joy, heartbreak, and understanding in their purest form. Collaborating with four renowned choreographers—Jennifer Archibald, Sara Brians, Ellenore Scott, and Maleek Washington—Levine brought to life four distinct yet thematically intertwined narratives, each revealing the power of communication beyond language.The stories unfold like vignettes, each one a testament to the human experience:<ul><li>The Legend of the Nun of Monna Tessa (choreographed by Sara Brians) – A poignant love story set in Tuscany, where devotion transcends time and fate.</li><li>Jane Goodall & David Greybeard: A Landmark Encounter (choreographed by Jennifer Archibald) – The groundbreaking connection between a scientist and a chimpanzee that forever changed our understanding of communication and empathy.</li><li>Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (choreographed by Maleek Washington) – A deeply emotional exploration of love, identity, and the silence imposed by policy.</li><li>The Story of Marta C. González: The Prima Ballerina with Alzheimer’s Disease (choreographed by Ellenore Scott) – A stirring tribute to the enduring power of memory, music, and dance.</li></ul>With a full orchestra of 13 musicians performing live on stage, their presence subtly woven into the visual tapestry of the production, the result is a symbiotic masterpiece—music and movement intertwined in perfect harmony. The musicians appear behind the dancers, bathed in a soft, flickering glow, creating a sense of intimacy that amplifies the emotional resonance of each performance.Levine’s passion for dance and storytelling stems from his own Broadway career and a lifelong admiration for dancers—the unsung heroes of the stage. “Dancers are the hardest-working, most collaborative artists out there,” Levine shares. “They create magic with their bodies, expressing emotions words cannot. That’s what drew me in—the idea of telling stories with few words, using only our bodies, our energy, our intention.”What makes Few Words: A Dance Cycle so profoundly moving is its ability to speak directly to the heart. Whether it’s the tender love story unfolding in a Tuscan monastery, the silent plea for acceptance and identity, the undeniable connection between human and animal, or the prima ballerina awakened by music, each piece resonates on a level that words could never reach.A.C.T. of CT is known for its Broadway-caliber productions, and Few Words is no exception. But this piece is also a bold step forward—proof that theater can evolve, challenge, and inspire in new ways. The overwhelming response has led to an additional performance on Sunday, March 30, at 7 PM, giving more audiences the chance to witness this extraordinary work.As the lights dim and the first notes of Perri’s score fill the theater, prepare to be transported. This is more than a performance—it’s an experience, a journey, a revelation. For ninety minutes, words become unnecessary. The language of music and movement takes over, and in that shared silence, we understand everything.Don’t miss your chance to witness Few Words: A Dance Cycle—a groundbreaking work that proves the most profound stories are sometimes told without words at all.Purchase tickets <a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/36285/production/1200842" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://ci.ovationtix.com/36285/production/1200842</a>

Mar 26, 2025

Bethel Resident's World Premiere Performance of "Mallet Maché on April 5

Renowned vibraphonist and marimba virtuoso Arthur Lipner is set to unveil his latest musical endeavor, "Mallet Maché," with a world premiere performance at the Ridgefield Theater Barn on Saturday, April 5th, at 8:00 PM. Learn more and purchase tickets <a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/35722/production/1228475?performanceId=11591972" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">here</a>.A longtime resident of Wilton and native of Weston, Connecticut, Lipner has cultivated an illustrious career spanning several decades. His journey began with classical piano studies at the Neighborhood Music School in New Haven, eventually leading him to become one of the foremost figures in the realm of keyboard percussion. Throughout his career, Lipner has contributed to over 60 albums and has toured extensively as both a performer and educator. His influence extends into academia, where he serves on the Advisory Board of the VanderCook College of Music. Beyond his musical achievements, Lipner has ventured into the literary world with the release of "Vibes in Verse," a collection of poetry and short stories that reflects his multifaceted artistry.The upcoming "Mallet Maché" performance promises an evening of innovative compositions and engaging narratives. Attendees can anticipate a blend of solo and ensemble pieces, interspersed with anecdotes from Lipner's global experiences, including unique projects like constructing an ice xylophone atop a Norwegian mountain. The program is designed to be interactive, featuring segments that invite audience participation, thereby creating an immersive concert experience. Tickets for this one-night-only event are priced at $40 and can be purchased through the Ridgefield Theater Barn's official website. Given Lipner's local roots and international acclaim, the performance is anticipated to draw significant interest from both the community and fans worldwideFor those unable to attend, Arthur Lipner's music is accessible on various platforms, including Spotify and iTunes. Additionally, his insights and updates are regularly shared on his Instagram account, offering followers a glimpse into his ongoing projects and artistic explorations.As the premiere date approaches, the Ridgefield community eagerly awaits the debut of "Mallet Maché," poised to be a memorable addition to Lipner's distinguished repertoire and a testament to his enduring contribution to the arts.Follow along on Spotify <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2aSMN01YPKjF19z72sFOef" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://open.spotify.com/artist/2aSMN01YPKjF19z72sFOef</a>Follow along on Instagram @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/arthurlipner/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">arthurlipner</a>

Mar 25, 2025

Governor Lamont Highlights Significant Investments in Towns and Cities

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-wjrnit-tlluktttuu-u/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);">FY 2026/2027 biennial state budget proposal</a> that he presented to the Connecticut General Assembly last month continues recent trends under his administration of increasing state funding for Connecticut’s town and city governments to support the administration and delivery of municipal services, even while the state has made challenging funding decisions and streamlined costs across state government.Municipal aid is the largest category of state spending within the entire general fund. Since taking office since 2019, every state budget Governor Lamont has enacted has not only held municipal funding harmless, but it has also increased that funding each year.Over the last five years:<ul><li>The Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant to municipalities, which supports the operations of K-12 public schools, has increased 17%. The state’s per pupil spending of $22,000 is among the highest in the country (top five) and nearly $5,000 above the national per pupil average of $16,665.</li><li>PILOT funding to municipalities has doubled.</li><li>General government aid to municipalities has doubled.</li><li>More than $400 million in state grants have been provided to the state’s most distressed municipalities through the Community Investment Fund, which Governor Lamont and the General Assembly established in 2022 to support capital improvement projects in towns and cities.</li><li>More than $3.3 billion has been provided to municipalities to fund school construction projects.</li></ul>The FY 2026/2027 budget that Governor Lamont proposed and is currently being considered by the state legislature contains several areas of increases for municipal services, including:<ul><li>An $85 million increase in the ECS grant to municipalities in FY 2026. This increase will bring ECS aid to municipalities a full two-years ahead of the schedule planned in the state’s current ten-year phase-in timeline.</li><li>A $40 million increase in the Excess Cost Grant in FY 2027 to support special education services.</li><li>The creation of a new state grant to municipalities called the High-Quality Special Education Incentive Grant, which will support the ability of school districts to provide high-quality special education programming in-district and regionally, reducing reliance on out-of-district placements and meeting students’ needs as identified by their individualized education program in the least restrictive environment. The budget proposal invests $10 million from the general fund and $4 million in bond funds in this grant program for FY 2027.</li><li>The largest expansion of preschool access in Connecticut history through the creation of the Universal Preschool Endowment, which will be seeded by $300 million from the FY 2025 surplus and in the following years will receive funding from any unappropriated surpluses in the general fund.</li><li>An investment of $9.9 million in FY 2027 to continue the Learner Education and Engagement Program (LEAP), which Governor Lamont established during the COVID-19 pandemic to help address chronic student absenteeism and engagement.</li><li>An investment of $700,000 in FY 2026 to eliminate reduced price lunch and breakfast fees for students statewide.</li><li>An additional investment of $12.4 million in FY 2027 to provide universal free school breakfast.</li><li>An investment of $5 million in FY 2027 to support a High Dosage Tutoring Grant program, which will serve nearly 12,000 students to provide tutoring support.</li><li>An investment of $350 million in FY 2026 and 2027 combined to continue grants through the Community Investment Fund.</li></ul>The General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee and Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee are currently reviewing the governor’s budget proposal and are anticipated to act on it in the coming weeks.

Mar 21, 2025

Dan Carter’s Bethel Update: Penguin Plunge, Budget, Bears, and More!

IMPORTANT Budget InformationThe Board of Finance held a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHvLjbqMK94" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">public hearing</a>this week and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OJCxcNCEpc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">deliberated on a final budget proposal</a>. Based on testimony at the public hearing and submissions to the board, the Board of Finance restored $250k to the proposed school budget and $30k to the library budget, which were partially offset by other reductions in the town budget. The schools have also received a new health insurance quote and it appears their insurance cost increase will be approximately $250k less than. You can access the budget at: <a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/depts-comptroller" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bethel-ct.gov/depts-comptroller</a>.The budget will be presented to the Town Meeting at the Annual Town Meeting on Wednesday, April 2nd at 7 pm at the Bethel High School. Remember <a href="https://ecode360.com/29742721#29742721" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“The Town Meeting”</a> is part of our legislative body in Bethel and consists of registered voters in Bethel. Also, any citizen of the United States, 18 years or older who, jointly or severally, is liable to the town for taxes on a $1,000 or more assessment on the October 1, 2024 grand list can also vote on the budget. The Town Meeting has the power to reduce or approve any portion of the proposed budget recommended by the Board of Finance. * Bethel Walk Audit PresentationSustainable Bethel presented to the Board of Selectmen the Walk Audit Summary Report completed last September. The audit addressed many issues including ADA requirements and was crucial in our application for a Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant that the town has received to assess traffic and pedestrian safety, especially along Stony Hill Rd. It is also worth noting that our Traffic Enforcement Officer and Police Commission are also looking into safety improvements. Check out the video and presentation slides from March 18th at <a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-bos" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-bos</a>.* Affordable Housing HearingsPlanning & Zoning: Continued public hearings for 105 Milwaukee Ave.(8-30g affordable housing 12 units) and 53 Taylor Rd. (8-30g affordable housing 26 units) are scheduled for Tuesday, March 25th at 7 pm in Town Hall Meeting Room D. Learn more at <a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-zoning" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-zoning</a>The next Office Hours is Thursday, March 27th from 7:30 am to 8:30 am. If you have a question or a concern and can’t make it, please email <a href="mailto:firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov</a> or call 203-794-8540 for an appointment.* Black BearsIt’s that time of year where we begin seeing Black Bears in town. We haven’t had any reported sightings to DEEP yet this year (We have had 6 Bobcats!) Learn more about Black Bears and how to report sightings at <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/deep/wildlife/fact-sheets/black-bear" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://portal.ct.gov/deep/wildlife/fact-sheets/black-bear</a>. Additional information about living with bears is available at <a href="http://www.bearwise.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.bearwise.org</a>.* Parks and Rec Spring TennisParks and Recreation is offering <a href="https://bethelct.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29920" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spring Tennis Camps and Clinics</a>! Visit <a href="https://bethelct.myrec.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bethelct.myrec.com/</a>and select “Programs” and then “Spring Tennis Camps and Clinics” at the bottom of the page. * Bethel Unified Penguin PlungeBethel UNIFIED WILDCATS are fundraising for the 2025 Brookfield Penguin Plunge! Take the plunge or join them to support Special Olympics Connecticut of CT and Bethel Unified Sports tomorrow, March 22nd at Brookfield Town Beach (460 Candlewood Lake Rd.)! Registration at 10 am, plunge at 11:30 am, awards to follow. Half of the proceeds go directly to Bethel Unified Sports! Join our team or Donate: <a href="https://give.soct.org/team/635175" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://give.soct.org/team/635175</a>* How Municipal Government WorksJoin friends and neighbors on Tuesday, March 25th from 7:00 to 8:30 PMfor a non-partisan educational event to learn how Bethel’s municipal government works and how to participate. ALL Bethel residents are welcome at this event in the General Purpose Room at Town Hall. Please RSVP for this event here. <a href="https://forms.gle/eqyMN4mVAV8pSZBs5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/eqyMN4mVAV8pSZBs5</a>.* Library Mini Golf FundraiserOne week left until the Bethel Public Library Board of Directors' Mini Golf "fore" the Library fundraiser. On Friday, March 28, adults ages 21 and over will enjoy beer, wine, and food from local restaurants and businesses while playing a round of mini golf. On Saturday, March 29all ages are invited to play 18 holes. Tickets can be purchased through the link: <a href="http://www.bethellibrary.org/minigolf/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">www.bethellibrary.org/minigolf/</a> * Parks and Rec/ERA Legally Blonde Jr.Don’t miss Parks & Rec/ERA Productions Spring production of Legally Blonde: The Musical Jr! Based on the award-winning Broadway Musical and motion picture, our 6th – 8th cast will perform on Friday, April 4th at 7 pm and Saturday, April 5th at 2 pm and 7 pm at Bethel High School.* Hazardous Waste Drop-offOur next Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day for Bethel residents is on Saturday, April 5th at the Danbury Public Works Facility at 53 Newtown Rd. from 9 am to 2 pm. It is super easy and they remove the items from your car for you. Check out what you can and can’t dispose of at <a href="https://hrra.org/household-hazardous-waste" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://hrra.org/household-hazardous-waste</a>. * ShoutoutsCongratulations to Support Local - Bethel, CT on its 5th anniversary today, March 21st! Thanks, Genée for all the support you have given our community with your FB Page! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/supportlocalbethelct/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/supportlocalbethelct/</a>.A shoutout to the 2025 Town of Bethel Fire Prevention Poster Contest Winners: Thiya Bhattacharya, Fourth Grade at R.M.T. Johnson School and Suhas Banala, Fifth Grade at R.M.T. Johnson School. Thank you to the Danbury Exchange Club for your recognition of our students!Congratulations to Emma Huedepohl who made her the 1000th career point during the state championship! What an amazing season for the team and watching the celebration and support by your teammates was priceless and shows why the Lady Wildcats are a class act!Good luck to the staff and cadets of the BHS Navy JROTC for a fun and flawless Military Ball this evening!

Mar 21, 2025

Why Small Businesses Matter in Bethel: Ackley Cabinet

<h2>Local Business Champion: Ackley Cabinet</h2>Meet Kim and Scott Ackley, operators of <a href="https://www.ackleycabinet.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Ackley Cabinet.</a> Q: Tell us about the origins of Ackley CabinetA: Greg Ackley, father of Scott Ackley, founded the business “Ackley Cabinet Refacing” back in 1971. Then in 1973, the business relocated to Stamford CT and Greg began developing a mobile refinishing process to easily service customers’ needs. It eventually transitioned away from furniture to specialize in kitchens with solid wood kitchen cabinet refacing in 1999, in Ridgefield CT. Scott (Greg’s son), joined the company in 2009 to further develop the kitchen refacing technique and refine business operations. Kim, Scott’s wife, joined the company in 2012 as office manager, and now together they operate Ackley Cabinet LLC as a small, family-owned kitchen remodeling business in Bethel CT – helping clients transform their kitchen without a tear-out!Q: What is your best selling product/service?A: As our premier offering, we specialize in a unique, solid wood hybrid refacing process (Forefront Cabinet Recrafting) by designing custom cabinet front frames with new inset doors over existing kitchen cabinet foundations. With our innovative approach, we can also easily re-configure existing cabinets with new storage systems and deep drawers, all-inclusive with European soft-closing hinging and glides. We are passionate about this process because it not only saves our clients time and money, but also “recrafts” solid cabinet boxes that would normally be torn out and tossed in the landfill.Q: How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them? A: With nearly 40 years in business in the local Ridgefield/Bethel CT area, we have had the pleasure of collaborating with many local service businesses and independent contractors in the kitchen remodeling industry. For new cabinets Valmir at Beyond Cabinets & Marble in Bethel, Mike at Bethel Glass, Brennan at Classic Refinishers in New Milford, La Pietra and Venezia are both great for stone surfaces, the team at Neves Plumbing in Danbury, Greg and the Waterman Electric crew in Bethel to name a few. We are always happy to support fellow local businesses and look to provide top-notch referrals to our clients.Q: Have you "reimagined" your small business?A: Having been in business for 50 years, and Scott joining full-time 15 years ago, the ebb and flow of remodeling and the focus on the kitchen as the heart of the home has shaped our approach to both our technique and methodology. We carry a philosophy of “collaboration” instead of “competition” forward to this day into all our kitchen remodeling projects across CT & NY. As the kitchen design industry continues to evolve, we strive to provide our clients with the best solution to their kitchen problem, even if they are better served by choosing another option outside of our scope of work. We are committed to putting our client’s best interests first and look forward to helping more residential CT homeowners “re-imagine” their existing kitchen space with Forefront Cabinet Recrafting by Ackley. Visit Ackley Cabinet online <a href="https://www.ackleycabinet.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.ackleycabinet.com/</a>Follow along on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AckleyCabinet/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.facebook.com/AckleyCabinet/</a> and Instagram @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ackleycabinet/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">ackleycabinet</a>HamletHub thanks<a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> </a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Fairfield County Bank </a>for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!

Mar 14, 2025

Bethel Public Schools Teacher, Rookie, Pillar, CHAMP, Friends of Bethel Winners

Teacher, Rookie, Pillar of the Year, CHAMP, and Friends of Bethel Award WinnersEach year our schools and the district award a Teacher of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Pillar of the Year. In addition the district awards the Friend of Bethel and CHAMP award to individuals who have significantly impacted our schools and programs. Please see the recipients below!Congratulations to all!2025 Pillars of YearBethel High School – Kristan GirouxBethel Middle School – Danelle Egan,Ralph M.T. Johnson School - Julia MalotaFrank A. Berry School – Bernadette Apellaniz-BryantAnna H. Rockwell School – Dr. Carolyn KellerBethel Public Schools – Michael TonucciCyndi Giordano-DonatiLindsay Jankun-HarschBrittany Pizzano2025 Rookie Teachers of the YearBethel High School – Lori SperoBethel Middle School – Brianna FerraroRalph M.T. Johnson School - Nicole BentsonFrank A. Berry School – Kayleigh MurphyAnna H. Rockwell School – Noemi Gristina2025 Teachers of the YearBethel High School – Dr. Reine IssaBethel Middle School –Marie JowdyRalph M.T. Johnson School - Gregory ReidFrank A. Berry School - Aimee BajorAnna H. Rockwell School – Elaine O'Keeffe2025 Friends of Bethel AwardGreg Henry, Parent, All Sports Booster Club President & School Volunteer2025 CHAMP AwardBrandon Husvar, Network AdministratorCreativity, Innovation, & Excellence Recognition 2025We give recognition to staff members who demonstrate creativity & innovation for the students in the Bethel Public Schools, aligned to our mission, core beliefs, and strategic focus areas.Aimee BajorDiana BernardoChristy BibbZachary CraybasIrene DrakeMelissa DubeCatherine EmerickHeather FariselloRobyn GeretyDanielle LegnardSheila LevineSabrina LuisDanielle LynchTaryn McCormickGina McKenzieLaura MonteroJeff MoscowitzKelly MuckellKit NielsenJoe PerreaultDonna RickDebbie TierneySamatha TisiDanielle TroettiKim Trombetto