Stories

Bethel’s Byrd’s Books continues spring poetry series

<p><span style="background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252);">Bethel’s Byrd’s Books is widely known for its fondness for poetry and its well-stocked selection of poets, old and new, available on its shelves. Its&nbsp;yearly in-store Spring Poetry series features poets from all across Connecticut, and this year Byrd’s Books also hosts a virtual component on Zoom. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252);">In April, the Spring Poetry series continues with two back-to-back events:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252);">On Thursday,&nbsp;April 4th, at 7:00pm, via Zoom,&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">Jonathan Andersen and Lloyd Schwartz will read. Andersen’s&nbsp;</span><em style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">The Burden Note,&nbsp;</em><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252);">an English/Serbo-Croatian chapbook won the Meridian Prize in 2014. The Storrs, CT, resident is a&nbsp;professor of English at Quinebaug Valley Community College in Danielson and Willimantic, CT. Lloyd Schwartz,&nbsp;&nbsp;a longtime commentator on classical music and the arts for National Public Radio's&nbsp;</span><em style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">Fresh Air,&nbsp;</em><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252);">has been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, as well as both Guggenheim and National Endowment for the Arts fellowships.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">On Friday, April 5th, at 7:00pm, Amy Nawrocki, Jack Powers, Laurel S. Peterson, Van Hartmann and Rick McGee will read from their works in-store at&nbsp;178 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel. Amy Nawrocki’s&nbsp;most recent collection,</span><em style="background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">&nbsp;Mouthbrooders,&nbsp;</em><span style="background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">was a finalist for the 2020 Connecticut Book Award.&nbsp;She has been awarded honors from The Hamden Arts Commission, The Connecticut Poetry Society and The Connecticut Center for the Book.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">Jack Powers, winner of&nbsp;the 2012 and 2015&nbsp;</span><em style="background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">Connecticut River Review&nbsp;</em><span style="background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">poetry contest, has appeared&nbsp;in&nbsp;</span><em style="background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">The Southern Review, The Cortland Review, The New York Times&nbsp;</em><span style="background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">and elsewhere.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">Laurel S. Peterson&nbsp;served as the inaugural Poet Laureate of Norwalk, CT, for three years. She sits on the editorial board of the literary journal,&nbsp;</span><em style="background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">Inkwell.&nbsp;</em><span style="background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">Van Hartmann teaches literature and film studies at Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York. His&nbsp;&nbsp;book of poems,&nbsp;</span><em style="background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">Shiva Dancing,&nbsp;</em><span style="background-color: rgb(252, 252, 252); color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">&nbsp;was published in 2007. Rick Magee,&nbsp;Bethel's Poet Laureate, teaches at Sacred Heart University.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">Byrd’s Books’ Spring Poetry series runs&nbsp;through May 10th.&nbsp;For a complete list of dates (both in-store and on Zoom), links to individual pages where you can learn about the writers and their poetry, order their books, or to register (requested due to space), visit&nbsp;</span><a href="ByrdsBooks.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">ByrdsBooks.com</a><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">&nbsp;(Program subject to change.)</span></p><p>Author discussions and Book Group gatherings are regularly added to Byrd’s Books’ calendar of events at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.byrdsbooks.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.byrdsbooks.com/</a> </p><p>Hours are&nbsp;Tuesdays to Saturdays10:00am to 6:00pm, Sundays&nbsp;12:00 noon&nbsp;to 4;00pm, Closed Mondays.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>

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Meet the Ann's Place Models: Dr. Carinne Anderson

<p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Ann's Place is&nbsp;</span>thrilled to begin spotlighting each of their 25 models who will take to the runway in the 2024 "On the Runway- Models Who Inspire" Fashion Show on April 24th at the Ridgefield Playhouse.</p><p>The first spotlight features Dr. Carinne Anderson, Chief of Breast Surgery at Danbury Hospital, Ridgefield resident, wife and mother.</p><p>As a breast surgical oncologist, Dr. Anderson knows firsthand that having a community to lean on and resources for support makes such a difference for someone facing a cancer diagnosis. She is very grateful to have Ann’s Place as a referral for her patients. Thank you, Dr. Anderson, for supporting our programs and advocating for families facing cancer in our community! Read more about Dr. Anderson and support her fundraising campaign here:&nbsp;<a href="https://donorbox.org/on-the-runway-models-who-inspire/fundraiser/carinne-anderson" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">On the Runway- Models Who Inspire - Carinne Anderson's Fundraiser on Donorbox</a>. For information on the Fashion Show visit,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.annsplacefashion.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.annsplacefashion.org</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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Redding Country Club Members Honored with "Service Above Self" Award

<p>Two and a half years ago, two pals partnered to channel their passion for fashion to help a local cause near and dear to their hearts. In 2022, Kimberly Adams and Susan Farrell – both residents of Bethel - founded the Redding Country Club Fashion show and, in that short time, raised over $60,000 to benefit The Center for Empowerment &amp; Education in Danbury. CEE aims to create safer communities by supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Danbury and surrounding towns in northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield counties.</p><p>In recognition of their commitment and meaningful impact, The Center awarded Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Farrell the "Service Above Self" honor at their annual Hearts of Hope Breakfast on March 6. "Every day, we dedicate our efforts to raising funds to ensure every single victim and survivor has a safe place to turn for support, advocacy, and safety," said Ashley Dunn, president and CEO of CEE. "Having women like Sue and Kim in our corner raising funds and awareness for our mission is a significant lift for our organization. We are so incredibly grateful for them."</p><p>Tim Seifert, Redding Country Club General Manager, reflected on the members' generous spirit. "RCC members embrace an extraordinary commitment to service and building connected communities. We are proud of Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Farrell and are honored to support them as they raise funds and shine a spotlight on the mission of CEE."</p><p>After just one year, the efforts of the two inspired others to volunteer and join the committee, resulting in a second successful fundraising event. "Thank you to Redding Country Club and its members for their incredible support and contributions to The Center over the past two years. CEE provides support and education to thirteen towns in our community, and if we have a shared commitment to making a difference, we can positively impact the lives of so many men, women, and children," said Sue Farrell. Kim Adams, co-honoree, added, "I quickly learned what kind and generous members we have. I hope this event becomes a long-lasting annual event. It's great fun and is helping so many."</p>

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Dan Carter Bethel Update: Mutual Aid Day, Beer Tour Fundraiser, Budget, & More!

<h3>Bethel's 2024-2025 Annual Budget Approved</h3><p>The Board of Finance has approved the 2024-2025 annual budget after a public hearing. The budget will be presented at the Annual Town Budget Meeting on April 4th at 7 pm in the Bethel High School Auditorium, followed by a referendum on April 23rd. The proposed budget can be viewed at <a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/depts-comptroller" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">bethel-ct.gov/depts-comptroller</a>.</p><h3>Pickleball and Tennis Court Repairs</h3><p>Pickleball and repairing the town's tennis courts were key topics at the recent public hearing. The Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance, and Parks and Recreation are collaborating to address these concerns. Stay tuned for updates!</p><h3>Significant Town Purchases</h3><p>The town is considering two significant purchases: a Fire (Ladder) Truck to be stationed in Stony Hill and the Wells Fargo property downtown following the bank's closure in May. The Board of Selectmen has recommended these purchases, pending consideration by the Board of Finance. The Wells Fargo purchase has been referred to Planning &amp; Zoning. Keep an eye out for a potential Special Town Meeting to discuss these purchases and their possible inclusion in the April 23rd referendum.</p><h3>Early Voting for Presidential Primary</h3><p>Early voting for the April 2nd Presidential Primary will take place on March 26th, 27th, 28th, and 30th at Town Hall in Meeting Room A from 10 am to 6 pm. Voting on April 2nd will occur at regular poll locations between 6 am and 8 pm. This is the first time early voting is being implemented, so be prepared for potential lines. If you're not registered or are an unaffiliated voter, visit <a href="http://www.myvote.ct.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">MyVote.CT.gov</a> for more information on voting in the primary.</p><h3>Stay Informed with Public Hearings</h3><p>Public hearings are an excellent way to stay informed about town matters. Notices and minutes for public hearings are now available on the town website under a single folder. Pay close attention to meeting minutes, as some hearings may be continued to future meetings. Upcoming hearings include zoning regulations regarding Tattoo Art Studios on Tuesday, March 26th (Continued from 3/12). Visit <a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/public-hearing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">bethel-ct.gov/public-hearing</a> for more details.</p><h3>Community Events and Initiatives</h3><ul><li><span style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Broken Symmetry &amp; CT Beer Tour Fundraiser:</span> Join them tomorrow from 4 pm to 9 pm to support blood cancer research through the Leukemia &amp; Lymphoma Society (LLS). Learn more at <a href="https://ctbeertour.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ctbeertour.org/</a></li><li><span style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Mutual Aid Day:</span> Hosted by the First Congregational Church and Bethel CT Pride tomorrow, March 23rd. Get free clothing, shoes, toiletries, and more. Health screenings and vaccines will also be available. Visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethelCTPride/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">Bethel CT Pride's Facebook page</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bethelctpride" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/bethelctpride</a> for more information.</li><li><span style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Stations of the Cross:</span> Taking place on Good Friday, March 29th, starting at 12 pm from Molten Java. The event is open to all and sponsored by several local churches. Expect a crowd and plan accordingly.</li></ul><h3>Community Notices</h3><ul><li><span style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Company's Easter Flower Sale:</span> Friday, March 29th, and Saturday, March 30th from 8 am. Proceeds benefit their ambulance fund.</li><li><span style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Food Scraps Recycling Pilot Program:</span> Participants can collect up to 3 buckets of finished compost at the Transfer Station on Saturday, March 30th, or Thursday, April 4th.</li></ul><h3>Sports Update</h3><ul><li><span style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Varsity Boys Lacrosse:</span> Facing Trumbull.</li><li><span style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Varsity Girls Lacrosse:</span> Participating in the New Milford Jamboree.</li><li><span style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Varsity Boys Baseball:</span> Playing against Holly Cross in a scrimmage on Monday.</li></ul><h3>Congratulations</h3><ul><li>Congratulations to Spencer Kurtz and Kyle Kurtz for earning the rank of Eagle Scout!</li></ul><p>Wishing everyone a fantastic weekend ahead!</p>

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Bethel Education Foundation Family Board Game Night on April 3

<p><span style="color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">Bethel Education Foundation Family Board Game Night: A Fun-Filled Event Coming Soon!</span></p><p>Get ready for an exciting evening of fun and games at the Bethel Education Foundation Family Board Game Night! Scheduled for April 3, 2024, at the Bethel Middle School, this event promises to be a fantastic opportunity for families to come together, play games, and support a great cause.</p><p>The Family Board Game Night is designed to encourage families to spend quality time together while supporting the Bethel Public Schools. With a ticket price of $5 per person, attendees will have access to a wide variety of board games suitable for all ages. Whether you're a fan of classic board games or looking to try something new, there will be plenty of options to choose from.</p><p>One of the unique aspects of this event is its focus on family participation. Unlike some events where children are dropped off, the Family Board Game Night encourages parents to join in the fun and play games with their kids. It's a great opportunity to bond with your family and create lasting memories.</p><p>In addition to the games, there will also be a raffle with exciting prizes donated by local businesses and individuals. All proceeds from the event will go towards funding grants for Bethel teachers, helping to enhance the educational experience for students in the community.</p><p>Tickets for the Family Board Game Night will be available for purchase at the door, so mark your calendars and don't miss out on this fantastic event! Join us on April 3rd for an evening of games, laughter, and community spirit as we come together to support the Bethel Public Schools.</p><p>Learn more: <a href="https://www.betheledfoundation.org/family-board-game-night.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.betheledfoundation.org/family-board-game-night.html</a></p>

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Annual Bethel Town Meeting on the Town and School Budgets April 4

<p class="ql-align-justify"><strong style="color: rgb(91, 15, 0);">Town Meeting&nbsp;on the Town and School Budgets&nbsp;on </strong><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">April 4th, Thursday&nbsp;- Town Meeting -&nbsp;BHS Auditorium @ 7:00 PM babysitting will be provided.</strong></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The proposed town, school, and capital budget&nbsp;now&nbsp;go to an Annual Town Meeting. The town meeting is for registered Bethel voters. At this meeting, the registered body of Bethel voters votes to move the budget to a referendum or voting. By charter, any resident from the floor can make a recommendation from the floor to reduce any aspect of the budget, and the voters present vote on the motion.&nbsp;There are three votes at this meeting, the town budget, the school budget, and if applicable any capital budget items.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Prior to the budget being set for the referendum, 2024-2025 Education Budget Information can be found on our website’s District Dashboard under the <a href="https://sites.google.com/bethel.k12.ct.us/bethelpublicschools/financial-dashboard" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">District Financial Dashboard</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p>

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The new William Shatner documentary is beaming into the Palace Danbury Theatre

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The new William Shatner documentary is beaming into the Palace Danbury Theatre&nbsp;o</span><span style="color: rgb(7, 7, 7);">n Sunday April 7 2024.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69);">The film is an intimate portrait of William Shatner’s personal journey over nine decades on this Earth.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to portraying the iconic Captain&nbsp;James T Kirk in Star Trek,&nbsp;William Shatner is well-known for playing the lead in the television series, T.J. Hooker, and the wildly hilarious&nbsp;Denny Crane on Boston Legal.&nbsp;&nbsp;From actor to author to astronaut to singer, “</span><em style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69);">You Can Call Me Bill”</em><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69);">&nbsp;strips away the masks he has worn for countless characters and reveals the man behind it all.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69);">Directed by the visionary filmmaker Alexandre O. Philippe (78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene, The People vs. George Lucas,&nbsp;Memory: The Origins of Alien), “William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill"&nbsp;is an intimate exploration of the life and career of William Shatner. and his accomplishments across film, television, and the arts. The film captures the essence of Shatner’s journey and his extraordinary contributions to the entertainment industry.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69);">The documentary provides a big-screen experience, allowing audiences to celebrate Shatner’s legacy. No need to go boldly where no man has gone before… see it in Danbury on Sunday April 7!</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong style="color: rgb(7, 7, 7);">Show Details</strong><span style="color: rgb(7, 7, 7);">: One Screening Only at The Palace Danbury. Sunday Matinee, April 7 2024. Doors open at 2:00 PM. Film starts at 3:00 PM. General Admission. All tickets $15. Tickets can purchased in advance online at </span><a href="https://thepalacedanbury.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://thepalacedanbury.com/</a><span style="color: rgb(7, 7, 7);"> by telephone at (203) 794-9944, or at the Box Office starting one hour before showtime.&nbsp;Free parking for patrons.</span></p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kKVutwU9Kns?showinfo=0"></iframe><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

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