<p><strong>Join Us for the Summer Kick-Off Networking Event!</strong></p><p>🌟&nbsp;<strong>Date:</strong>&nbsp;May 1, 2024</p><p>📍&nbsp;<strong>Location:</strong>&nbsp;The Putnam House, Bethel</p><p>Reserve your spot <a href="https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/events/2024/summer-kickoff-special-networking-event" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> (open to nonmembers). </p><p>Start your summer with a spark at the Bethel Chamber of Commerce's Summer Kick Off Networking Event! We are thrilled to invite you to The Putnam House on May 1st for an evening of lively conversations and invaluable connections.</p><p>This premier gathering is your chance to meet and mingle with Bethel's most innovative and forward-thinking business professionals. Whether you're looking to ignite new partnerships, share groundbreaking ideas, or just make meaningful connections, this event promises to provide a vibrant platform to enhance your business and personal growth.</p><p><strong>Highlights Include:</strong></p><ul><li>Exclusive networking opportunities</li><li>A chance to connect with leaders and influencers in the Bethel business community</li><li>A delightful setting at the historic Putnam House Restaurant</li></ul><p>🌟&nbsp;<strong>Don't let this opportunity slip by!</strong>&nbsp;Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or new to the business scene, your presence will add significant value to the tapestry of our local business community.</p><p>Secure your spot today and be part of shaping the future of Bethel's business landscape!</p>

<p><strong style="color: rgb(50, 55, 61); background-color: transparent;">Why Small Businesses Matter</strong></p><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Shop small, do big things for your community</em></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Meet Tom Caruso, founder of&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.tomcarusophotography.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Tom Caruso Photography</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> LLC</span></p><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">*Editors note: here, Tom captured a&nbsp;Great Blue Heron in flight at Tarrywile Park in Danbury</em></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Why did you start your business</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">?</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Photography is my true passion. After posting many of my best photos on Facebook, several of my friends encouraged me to turn pro because they said I have a great eye. I took their advice and started my company in New York in 2020, and then I opened it in Connecticut when I moved to Danbury in 2022.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">My best-selling services are real estate and drone photography. I partner with companies that use my professional services to photograph shopping centers and other real estate properties in Connecticut and New York state. I also sell my nature, wildlife and landscape photos on my website</span><a href="https://www.tomcarusophotography.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> https://www.tomcarusophotography.com/</a></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Have you reimagined your small business?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Since moving to Connecticut in 2022, I am looking to expand my service offerings and grow my business here in Connecticut. So far I have grown my client list but I would like to attract new customers.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Visit Tom Caruso Photography online </span><a href="https://www.tomcarusophotography.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://www.tomcarusophotography.com/</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> and on Instagram@ </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomcarusophotography/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">tomcarusophotography</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> and</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063621876667" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"> Facebook&nbsp;</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Questions? Email </span><a href="mailto:TomCarusoPhotography@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">TomCarusoPhotography@gmail.com</a></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><strong>Fairfield County Bank </strong></a><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Sewer System Inspection Notice</strong></p><p>Bethel Public Utilities is conducting manhole and sewer main inspections in a portion of our sewer system through Friday, May 3rd. As part of the inspection, air is blown through the sewer lines. Normally, there are no issues with this practice. However, occasionally, a few homes may have an issue with vents or traps in the plumbing system resulting in the air escaping through a toilet. If you live near downtown between Rt 53 and the train tracks or in the area between Oven Rock Rd and Cherry Ln, it would be a really, really great idea to keep your toilet lids closed for the next three weeks. See the map [here](map link).</p><p><strong style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">MS4 Annual Report Public Comment</strong></p><p>Each town is required to take steps to keep stormwater clean that enters our water bodies, and Bethel submits a report to the state every year to document our efforts in the previous year to comply with the requirements of our permit to discharge stormwater. The draft of the 2023 MS4 Annual Report for Bethel is on our website, and we are seeking public comment until May 19th. Please visit <a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/stormwater-docs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">this link</a> to view the report and learn more about Stormwater Management. Please send comments to publicworks@bethel-ct.gov.</p><p><strong style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Public Safety Expo</strong></p><p>The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association held their annual Public Safety Expo this week. Thank you to the Chief and officers of the Bethel PD for the opportunity to learn more about opportunities to ensure our residents are safe!</p><p><strong style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Attention Bethel Veterans</strong></p><p>Attention Bethel Veterans, our Municipal Veterans Representative is John Sarver, and he works in Town Hall. Call 203-794-8594 or email sarverj@bethel-ct.gov for support. If you are a Veteran in crisis, please dial 988 and choose option 1.</p><p><strong style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Sponsorship Opportunities</strong></p><p>We are still looking for sponsors for Food Truck Fridays on the first and third Fridays in June, July, and August, and the summer concert series on Sundays in August. Email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov.</p><p><strong style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Upcoming Public Hearings</strong></p><p>Check out upcoming public hearings at <a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/2024-public-hearing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">this link</a>.</p><p><strong style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Annual Bethel Community Earth Day Event</strong></p><p>The Annual Bethel Community Earth Day Event kicks off with “Trashapalooza,” the town-wide cleanup, tomorrow, April 20th, at 10 am and runs to 12 pm. Berardinelli Services is providing a dumpster behind Town Hall. After dropping off trash, celebrate at the Earth Day Fair on the Town Hall lawn from 11 am to 2 pm. There will be engaging games, vendors, and a free raffle.</p><p><strong style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Master Gardeners at the Earth Day Fair</strong></p><p>The Master Gardeners from the UConn Fairfield County Extension Center will be on hand at the Earth Day Fair to answer questions on gardening and composting. They will also have some remaining seeds to hand out from their partnership with Ocean State Job Lot where they distributed free vegetable and flower seeds to area non-profit organizations including the Bethel Library and Berry School.</p><p><strong style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Summer Day Camp Registration</strong></p><p>Summer Day Camp will begin on Monday, April 22nd, at 9 am. You can go online and register with your account, call, or visit the Park &amp; Rec office to register in person. A minimum $100 deposit must be made per child for the summer. For families with multiple children, a $50 discount will be credited to your account after you have completed registration. Visit <a href="https://bethelct.myrec.com/info/default.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">this link</a> to register.</p><p><strong style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Machine Vote Referendum</strong></p><p>The annual budget, the purchase of the ladder truck, and the purchase of the Wells Fargo property are questions on the machine vote referendum next Tuesday, April 23rd. Polls open at 6 am and close at 8 pm. Review the budget at <a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/depts-comptroller" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">this link</a>.</p><p><strong style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">April is Citizen Science Month</strong></p><p>April is Citizen Science Month! Stop by Bethel High School on April 24th between 6 pm and 8 pm and check out the K-5 STEAM Expo where Bethel students showcase their projects in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics! Learn more <a href="https://sites.google.com/bethel.k12.ct.us/k5stem/home" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">here</a>.</p><p><strong style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Bethel High School Orchestra Concert</strong></p><p>Don’t miss a fun night out with the Bethel High School Orchestra concert on Monday, April 29th, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the BHS Auditorium.</p><p><strong style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">National Foster Care Month Presentation</strong></p><p>May is National Foster Care Month. The Annie C. Courtney Foundation, Inc. (Annie C) has partnered with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to hold a presentation at Town Hall in meeting room A on Thursday, May 2nd, in hopes of finding more Bethel area families for children in foster care. You will hear DCF staff and a local foster parent about supports available to guide you on your journey to being a sense of comfort and guidance for a child/ren going through a very difficult time.</p><p><strong style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Sports Update</strong></p><p>Congrats to the girls tennis team for back-to-back victories over New Milford and New Fairfield this week. Way to go! A big shoutout to Bethel drivers who do not honk at our cross-country runners running around town. Thank you! Good luck Wildcats tomorrow! It will be a great day to catch a game! Home at BHS Fields: Varsity boys and girls track at 9 am, varsity boys lacrosse at 11 am, JV baseball at 11 am, and JV boys lacrosse at 1 pm. Varsity and JV girls lacrosse away.</p>

<p><strong>Bethel Public Library will hold a Shred Day fundraiser on Saturday, May 11 from 9am to noon.</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>$1 per pound</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Funds raised will benefit</strong><a href="https://o9vh5xbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UqSfgGhUPtWOe2-EWLS5n6wnmS9qPF-bbONb-KNbKDHL9ZK7fPF-vsfssfn3l4is1loXtdcDyuOkUGwGVpkx1tf4YI-xJDXXrWCJaa2_aLepaxxHR_M6Ai2GnjjNtimzT9JpOaoBcO_SO4174d8XYa0bjTSetDC-ciqGPEi99sqFhEAUpD0Z9YLW4QCwmdzSmekzsWUX94truggxz5u54bU1qlxHsrIpbe80U-t-tq564JQLOijb3iEtjMMOfNMq&amp;c=cxwT-36Y9Uhbvl-_HCl44nrQ-on6plaPupCtL3EW8SIAmMAOkv5wDg==&amp;ch=J8v8HVXN7OtkhDqOa5cTF8i9luGhb9210F8B6kOBSccZdGxquMPdWw==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(69, 179, 202);"><strong><em>&nbsp;The Friends of the Bethel Public Library.</em></strong></a></p><p class="ql-align-center">Spring cleaning is underway! Bring your documents to the Bethel Public Library for&nbsp;<strong>safe, secure shredding&nbsp;</strong>provided by&nbsp;<a href="https://o9vh5xbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UqSfgGhUPtWOe2-EWLS5n6wnmS9qPF-bbONb-KNbKDHL9ZK7fPF-voLVi3I9CMGfBhUuhuBr9WB93uj93AXR8d9voviRfOJGmD_X6_QDwsBqt2FvzxKLsQDL-MdSHsC4Ui-726c6WdP9cJ40KWpbGg==&amp;c=cxwT-36Y9Uhbvl-_HCl44nrQ-on6plaPupCtL3EW8SIAmMAOkv5wDg==&amp;ch=J8v8HVXN7OtkhDqOa5cTF8i9luGhb9210F8B6kOBSccZdGxquMPdWw==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(69, 179, 202);"><strong><em>R.E. Lawlor Graphics and Printing, LLC.</em></strong></a></p><p class="ql-align-center"><em>Please call&nbsp;</em><strong>(203)748-4144</strong><em>&nbsp;with any questions.</em></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">DAWS Pets of the Month</strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Meet Bruce, our Dog of the Month! </strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">If you adopt Bruce this month, his adoption fee will be 25% reduced.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">This six-month-old terrier mix is 25 lbs of pure puppy energy! He's expected to grow to around 40 lbs and is already showing off his fun personality. Bruce loves to play and run around, and he's super friendly, too! But like any young pup, he's still learning manners. Bruce will make a fantastic companion for anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle and the joy of dog training! He'd thrive best in a home with teens or younger, dog-savvy children, and having another playful pup around would be a bonus!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Bruce is all set for his forever home - he's neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and healthy! His adoption fee is $395.</span></p><p><a href="https://www.petfinder.com/dog/bruce-71252344/ct/danbury/danbury-animal-welfare-society-inc-daws-ct31/?referrer_id=5cec270f-7277-46ad-8c5c-b317b8977bef&amp;utm_source=api&amp;utm_medium=partnership&amp;utm_content=5cec270f-7277-46ad-8c5c-b317b8977bef" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">ADOPT BRUCE</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Dante and Pepita, Cats of the Month! </strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">DAWS two adorable seven-month-old black kittens looking for their forever homes! They're our cats of the month - their adoption fee will be 25% reduced.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This brother and sister pair can be adopted together or separately. They may be shy initially, but they overflow with love and affection once they warm up to you. They love to play and can be pretty rambunctious, keeping you entertained for hours. Whether chasing each other around or curling up in your lap for cuddles, Dante and Pepita will bring endless joy and laughter into your home.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Give these sweethearts a chance, and you'll have lifelong loyal companions! Adopt Dante and Pepita today, and let the fun begin! The kittens are altered, microchipped, vaccinated, and healthy. </span></p><p><a href="https://94yvoc7ab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001At8LnQtrNgwhfz_h236Ek-_LVS80D8vs8OWcHg84djfYqCD7i8L3wTFXKbXmI34IzsCFUSvuo851Plopf7m2NO205HUVWljDE31W2RMeuSqdctYOMcSMrTEPORyTgbVrbKHkIb9qQGNCtZWrHgi7RVjIpTkuVJFBXqpv6tJ3cvAFpM9idB94mkfviW_zwHZl7OcZkIn2LtMRnndQs1sG3YCxOiygSmGY5v_Kiq4fgbaJGOcvxgUMZp-Je6ny5x93ffhOb3M941m7rQ1StJx5g1JVwmgBFI8czNcsMZ9lY2Wlm4gBpiVT4x8Afdn0HJfFnQ_IhCREXwB-tJbF700p-iiNKWOeqkUI20EzjS2EmFUZ4EgA8OVSwpnmpMY_2yS0tU-iOlkuEc-dPiptfx0K7pJFn9FZRiGEZmS21GsLybWcMnoJ6AqYZ7jg_AJezf2GQ0iU21m_oZWBdDTgYY6JZIbxU-R6ECVo0i2sEVc7wS4=&amp;c=IjWlo9F03QHq_lKOxRut-eOJjSq7vuWccUzDH4vrnqTNWz4JOWY9jQ==&amp;ch=dWeN1U94-ucNEicP6S_F9djWknrJX1UFJsM2wPkm1UdW7GamKvNNGQ==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">ADOPT CAT SIBLINGS</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The NAMM Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2024 Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Awards, a signature program now in its 25th year of recognizing and celebrating school districts and individual schools for their support and commitment to music education and their efforts to ensure access to music for all students as part of a well-rounded education.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Among the 975 school districts in the country that are among the Best Communities in the nation for music education are several in Fairfield County including Danbury, Darien, Bethel, Newtown, Wilton, Fairfield, Westport, Bridgeport, and Norwalk.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Now in its 25th year, the 2024 Best Communities for Music Education program recognizes and celebrates school districts and schools for their support and commitment to music education and efforts to ensure access to music for all students as part of a well-rounded education.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">According to The NAMM Foundation, “The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education.&nbsp; Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more about The NAMM Foundation</span><a href="https://www.nammfoundation.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> https://www.nammfoundation.org/</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>