Stories

Why Small Businesses Matter in Bethel: Community Shellfish Connecticut

<h2>Local Business Champion: <a href="https://www.communityshellfishct.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Community Shellfish Connecticut</a>!</h2><p>Meet&nbsp;Bob Altman, founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.communityshellfishct.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Community Shellfish Connecticut</a>.</p><p><strong>Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p>To bring the best seafood from the pristine waters of Maine to home cooks and restaurants in Fairfield County.</p><p><strong>What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p>We specialize in live Maine lobsters, Oysters, Mussels, Clams, Crab, and BlueFin Tuna.</p><p><strong>Have you 'reimagined' your small business?</strong>We use high-quality personal video storytelling to create a connection between the fisherfolks in Maine and the seafood lovers in Fairfield County. We also created 100 video recipes to show home cooks inventive ways to prepare shellfish and lobster for dinner.</p><p><a href="https://www.communityshellfishct.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Community Shellfish Connecticut</a>&nbsp;is located at 23 Francis Clarke Circle in Bethel, CT. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.communityshellfishct.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Community Shellfish Connecticut</a>&nbsp;online&nbsp;<a href="https://www.communityshellfishct.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">here</a>. Make sure to check out their&nbsp;<a href="http://facebook.com/Communityshellfish" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/communityshellfish/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Instagram</a>&nbsp;pages as well!</p><p><strong>HamletHub thanks&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank&nbsp;</strong></a><strong>for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p>

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Dan Carter's Bethel Update: Book Trail, Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit, and More!

<p><strong>Vote On Tuesday</strong></p><p>Don’t miss the referendum for the 2025-2026 Budget next Tuesday, April 22nd between 6 am and 8 pm at your&nbsp;<a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/vertical/Sites/%7B90B1B948-C443-4CA6-8B88-90B1EEA9B1E2%7D/uploads/Bethel_Voting_Map_2022.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">normal polling location</a>. Budget information, a sample ballot, and the referendum absentee ballot application is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/depts-comptroller" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bethel-ct.gov/depts-comptroller</a>. If voting absentee, personally bring your&nbsp;<a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/vertical/Sites/%7B90B1B948-C443-4CA6-8B88-90B1EEA9B1E2%7D/uploads/Budget_Referendum_Application_2025.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">absentee ballot application</a>&nbsp;or appoint a family member to bring it to the Town Clerk. Voter information is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/elections" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bethel-ct.gov/elections</a>.</p><p><strong>Town Meeting</strong></p><p>A&nbsp;<a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-town" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Town Meeting</a>&nbsp;is scheduled at Town Hall on Wednesday, April 23rd at 6:30 pm to consider the sale of 19 Trowbridge Drive, Bethel, CT for a purchase price of $300,000 to Arctic Builders. This is the last of four properties in the Francis J Clarke Business Park developed by the Town and put up for sale. The project cost to build infrastructure was $1.4 million, $690k of which was covered by state grants. Once the deal closes, the totals will be in the Friday Update.</p><p><strong>Charter Revision Public Hearing</strong></p><p>The Charter Revision Commission has scheduled a&nbsp;<a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-public-hearing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">public hearing</a>&nbsp;for April 29th at Town Hall in the General Purpose Room at 7 pm. Our commission has been working on revisions to our Charter since July 2024, which outlines the way our town’s government is structured, how our officials are elected, and the powers granted to our officials. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-crc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-crc</a>&nbsp;to review proposed changes to our Charter from the March 25th meeting. Charter changes will eventually be on the ballot in November or at a separate referendum.</p><p><strong>Ballot Box</strong></p><p>Note that the ballot box for absentee ballots at Town Hall has been moved over to the entrance on the front of the building where the Town Clerk’s office is located. The yellow box for correspondence is now in the spot the ballot box occupied in front of the main entrance.</p><p><strong>Street Sweeper</strong></p><p>Please excuse the messy streets! Our sweeper had a few mechanical issues, but is back on the road. In fact, you will see all our crews busy on the road working on potholes, signs, catch basins, and brush. Please use caution when driving near our highway crews!</p><p><strong>Summer Registration</strong></p><p><a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/vertical/sites/%7B90B1B948-C443-4CA6-8B88-90B1EEA9B1E2%7D/uploads/DAY_CAMP_2025.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wildcat Summer Adventures</a>&nbsp;(formerly Summer Day Camp) registration begins Monday, April 21st at 9 am&nbsp;<a href="https://bethelct.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29939" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">online</a>&nbsp;or call 203-794-8531. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/rec-programs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bethel-ct.gov/rec-programs</a>&nbsp;for more amazing Park and Rec programs! Also, don’t forget WorkspaceCT spring theatre programs for kids and teens! Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.workspacect.org/tandemtheatre" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.workspacect.org/tandemtheatre</a></p><p><strong>Earth Day 2025</strong></p><p>Join your friends and neighbors at the Bethel Community Earth Day at Town Hall on April 26th! First, check in and pick up garbage bags for Trashapalooza between 10 am to 12 pm! Help us pick up trash around town. The Earth Day Fair begins at 11 am. Enjoy games, entertainment, and snacks until 2 pm. Trashapalooza has a rain date of 4.27 The Fair is rain or shine. Please park behind Town Hall. Learn more on the&nbsp;<a href="https://facebook.com/events/s/bethel-community-earth-day-202/494496346824592/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook event link</a>.</p><p><strong>Book Trail</strong></p><p>It’s Spring and time to hit the trails! Connecticut is known for&nbsp;<a href="https://ctvisit.com/food-drink-trails" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Food &amp; Drink trails</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://ctparks.com/hiking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hiking trails</a>. Did you know we have a Book Trail? The&nbsp;<a href="https://ctbooktrail.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Connecticut Book Trail</a>&nbsp;is a group of independently owned bookstores in Connecticut working together to create a greater sense of community and to foster a love of reading and books across the state. This Saturday, April 26th, they are celebrating Independent Bookstore Day! Over 1,200 stores are participating across the country including our own Byrd’s Books. Start the CT Book Trail at Byrd’s with a raffle, goodie bags, and more. Learn more and how to get a book trail passport at&nbsp;<a href="https://byrdsbooks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://byrdsbooks.com/</a>.</p><p><strong>Bethel Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit</strong></p><p>Bethel Arts has partnered with Sustainable Bethel Commission to launch the 2025-2026 outdoor sculpture exhibit! The exhibit officially opens at the Bethel Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 26th on the Town Hall lawn or in the event of rain, in the Bethel Public Library. Many of the exhibits went up today. Learn more and see the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bethelartsct.org/bethel-arts-sculpture-exhibit-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">map of exhibits</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bethelartsct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.bethelartsct.org</a>&nbsp;under the “Programs” link.</p><p><strong>Newtown Savings Volunteer Fair</strong></p><p>Don’t forget that Newtown Savings Bank is hosting a Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, April 23rd from 5 pm to 7 pm at Edmond Town Hall in Newtown. It’s a great way for volunteers from Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties to connect with nonprofits who need help! Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nsbonline.com/events" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.nsbonline.com/events</a></p><p><strong>Compost is coming soon!</strong></p><p>Residents participating in Bethel’s food scraps recycling program have diverted 47,105 lbs (23.5 tons) of food scraps from their trash, saving money and positively impacting the environment! Food Scrap Program participants can collect your bounty of up to three, five-gallon buckets of finished compost on Friday, May 9th or Saturday, May 10th at the Transfer Station. Compost is for food scraps recycling participants only and you must bring your own buckets. Want to join the program and be eligible for compost next year? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://hrra.org/organics-food-scraps-bethel/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://hrra.org/organics-food-scraps-bethel/</a>.</p><p><strong>Shoutouts</strong></p><ul><li>Shoutout to Bethel Pizza who celebrated 50 years in business this week! Their Grand opening was 50 years ago yesterday!</li><li>Shoutout to the honest person who dropped off a wallet that was found the sidewalk next to Town Hall! We are still looking for the owner.</li><li>Another big week for BHS athletes! Bethel Softball won over Abbot Tech, boys tennis over Abbot Tech, girls tennis over Notre Dame Prep, boys baseball is 4-0 with victories over New Fairfield and Nonnewaug, and both the boys and girls lacrosse teams had victories over Brookfield and Immaculate, bringing the boys to 5-0 and girls to 6-1!</li><li>A shoutout and thank you to the Bethel Women’s Club GFWC for your support of needy families through Bethel Social Services! Watching families in need walk out of Town Hall so happy is priceless!</li><li>Last week was National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. A late shoutout to our dedicated group of dispatchers! When we dial 911, we are so grateful you are there!</li><li>Shoutout to all of those who are delivering food for Brotherhood in Action tomorrow at 9am! More drivers needed! Enter the lot from Greenwood Ave at United Methodist Church at 139 Greenwood Ave! It’s a super easy way to help others!</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p>

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Bridge Work on I-84 Newtown and Bethel April 21 - June 23

<p>The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that bridge work will be performed on I-84 Bridge 1204 (Old Hawleyville Road) and Bridge 1208 (Parmalee Hill Road) in Newtown, and Bridge 0459 (Route 6) Bethel. This project is scheduled to occur on Monday, April 21, 2025, and be completed on Monday, June 23, 2025. This project ensures the bridges remain in a state of good repair.</p><p>This project is being performed by Hammonasset Construction.</p><p><strong>LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO</strong></p><p>There will be left or right lane closures on I-84 Bridge 1204, Bridge 1208 and Bridge 0459 from April 21, 2025 to June 23, 2025 from 7:30pm to 5:30am. Traffic control signing patterns will be in place with State Police to guide motorists through the work zone.</p><p>Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.</p><p><a href="http://www.newtown-ct.gov/node/340071" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read more</a></p>

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FC Buzz Weekend Includes Bethel Pride's Book Club at Rainy Day Paperback

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend April 18-20</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(19, 19, 20);">HamletHub is proud to partner with the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County and FCBuzz to Elevate Arts and Culture in Fairfield County! Each week, look for a listing of weekend events and activities. The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of the arts and culture across 15 towns in coastal Fairfield County. Sign up to receive a free eBuzz newsletter with top picks and spotlight events from the hundreds of events posted on FCBuzz.</span></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/music-in-the-woods-presents-daffodil-daydream" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Daffodil Daydream</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music in the Woods, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 18, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Step into three million blooming daffodils and let inspiration find you! Whether you want to paint, write poetry, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax, this afternoon is yours to unwind while listening to the peaceful sound of the harp.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/egg-straordinary-egg-stravaganza" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Egg-straordinary Egg-stravaganza</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm</p><p>A little birdie told us some egg-citing news...our Egg-straordinary Egg-stravaganza is hopping back to Stepping Stones on April 19! Get ready for a crackin’ good time with egg hunts, egg-quisite activities and nonstop fun for the whole flock. With a day this egg-stra special, everything’s looking sunny-side up!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/music-in-the-woods-presents-daffodil-dreams-hunt-paint-play-for-children-of-all-ages" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Daffodil Dreams: Hunt, Paint, &amp; Play! For Children of all ages!</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music in the Woods, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Hop into Spring with an Easter Egg Hunt &amp; Painting in the Daffodils! (Children's Event)</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bethe-pride-s-book-club-ebd99" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bethel Pride's Book Club</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rainy Day Paperback, Bethel</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>Come discuss a book on the 3rd Saturday of each month. We alternate between fiction and nonfiction books. There will be a catch up session at end of the year to review everything from the year!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/1964-the-beatles-tribute" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>1964 The Beatles Tribute</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>They are hailed by critics and fans alike as THE most authentic and endearing Beatles tribute….which has earned them the distinction from Rolling Stone magazine as the “Best Beatles Tribute on Earth”.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sleeping-beauty-a8db2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sleeping Beauty</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm</p><p>Get ready for a magical journey into the land of fairy tales at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, where dreams come true and adventure awaits around every corner! In our final enchanting TYA production of 2025, witness the timeless tale of a beautiful princess cursed into a deep slumber, awaiting the kiss of true love to awaken her. But fear not, because a brave prince is ready to rise to the challenge! With his trusty sword in hand, he sets off to rescue the princess from the clutches of an evil witch and face the fiery breath of a fierce dragon.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the&nbsp;<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a>&nbsp;page at&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a>&nbsp;Sign up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a>&nbsp;to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

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Brotherhood in Action Easter Food Delivery on Saturday - Volunteers Welcome!

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">​Brotherhood In Action of Bethel is seeking volunteers for its Easter Food Delivery on Saturday, April 19, 2025, starting at 9:00 a.m. The organization will distribute boxes of donated food to nearly 200 households in Bethel.​</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Volunteers are asked to arrive between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. at the Bethel United Methodist Church, located at 141 Greenwood Avenue. Upon arrival, a volunteer will load your car with boxes designated for one or two households and provide delivery instructions. After loading, volunteers will exit the back parking lot onto School Street to make their deliveries.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This initiative is a quick yet impactful way to support neighbors in need, especially during the Easter season when volunteer numbers often decline due to travel plans. No prior registration is necessary; however, those interested can RSVP or find more information at</span><a href="https://www.bethelbrotherhoodinaction.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.bethelbrotherhoodinaction.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Brotherhood In Action's website</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.​</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Brotherhood In Action of Bethel is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization that has been providing food and financial assistance to Bethel residents since 1980. The group organizes major food collection and distribution drives during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, relying entirely on community support without public or taxpayer funding.</span><a href="https://www.biabethel.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Volunteering for the Easter Food Delivery offers a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in the community. Participants are encouraged to join the effort and may consider enjoying breakfast at a local establishment afterward.​</span></p><p><br></p>

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Fairfield County Bank Hosts Free First-Time Homebuyer Webinar on April 29

<p>Fairfield County Bank Vice President and Senior Loan Officer Kevin McMahon (NMLS ID #571138) will host a free First-Time Homebuyer Webinar on&nbsp;<strong>Tuesday, April 29, 2025</strong>, from&nbsp;<strong>7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.</strong>&nbsp;via Microsoft Teams.</p><p>The webinar will cover the basics of purchasing a home, current market conditions, and how to choose the right mortgage product. Attendees will receive clear, practical guidance on how to prepare for the homebuying process.</p><p><strong>Registration is required.</strong></p><p>Register here:&nbsp;<a href="https://campaign.documatix.com/DPS/Events/Registration?GUID=MgIE73syy0uExEDBbqEGEQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Fairfield County Bank Webinar Registration</a></p><p><strong>$200 Closing Cost Credit</strong>Those who attend the webinar will be eligible for a&nbsp;<strong>$200 credit</strong>&nbsp;applied at closing. To qualify, the loan must be a first mortgage with Fairfield County Bank (excluding Home Equity Lines of Credit). The credit will appear on the Closing Disclosure, and attendees must present a certificate of attendance when applying. Only one credit per new loan. Offer expires&nbsp;<strong>December 31, 2025</strong>.</p><p>For more information, contact:</p><p><strong>Kevin McMahon</strong></p><p>Office: 203-854-7617</p><p><br></p>

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Dan Carter's Bethel Update: Volunteer Fair, Spring Break, Stations of Cross

<p><strong>Attention Rental Property Owners</strong></p><p>If you own a property which is rented or leased, including commercial, retail, industrial and residential property, except for owner-occupied residential properties of four units or less, your Annual Income &amp; Expense Report is due by June 2nd. Look for a notice in the mail next week. The form is also available online at&nbsp;<a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/income-expense" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bethel-ct.gov/income-expense</a>. The penalty in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_203.htm#sec_12-63c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">state law</a>&nbsp;is absolutely ugly for fraudulent, incomplete, or late filing: a ten percent increase in the assessed value of your property!</p><p><strong>Eggs and Issues</strong></p><p>Local businesses and leaders attended the annual “Eggs and Issues” breakfast this week. The Governor was there to discuss the strength of our state’s economy. The CEO of Nuvance Health was there with an important announcement affecting Bethel: the merger with Nuvance and Northwell Health has been given the final approval and the deal should close very soon. The combined system will have 28 hospitals.</p><p><strong>Office Hours/Public Hearing</strong></p><p>There will be an Office Hours next Tuesday, April 15th from 5 pm to 6 pm at Town Hall in the First Selectman office. If you are a student out for break next week and want to learn more about town government, Tuesday is a great time to stop by and chat!</p><p>There will also be a public hearing for the sale of 19 Trowbridge Dr. on Tuesday, April 15th at 6:30pm in Meeting Room A followed by the Board of Selectmen meeting.</p><p><strong>Spring Break</strong></p><p>Use caution next week as schools are out for break! There will be fewer busses, but more kids could be out and about. We will likely have pothole work downtown and on Chestnut St. next week, so lookout for workers. And the Bethel Police made 620 traffic stops last month, so lookout for your speed!</p><p><strong>Fire Service College Fair</strong></p><p>Interested in the Fire Service?&nbsp;The Connecticut Fire Academy is hosting a Fire Service College Fair tomorrow, April 12th at the Connecticut Fire Academy at 34 Perimeter Rd. in Windsor Locks. Free admission and refreshments. Learn about college, training and career options in the Fire, Emergency</p><p>Medical Services, Emergency Management and Public Safety Communications career paths! Contact Alan Zygmunt at&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">alan.zygmunt@ct.gov</span>&nbsp;or 860-627-6363 Ext 222 with questions.</p><p><strong>Commission on Aging</strong></p><p>The Commission on Aging has a regular meeting on Monday, April 14th at 2:30 pm in the Senior Center at Town Hall. Proposals for senior tax relief are on the agenda. Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/meeting-calendar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bethel-ct.gov/meeting-calendar</a>&nbsp;for other meetings that might interest you!</p><p><strong>Sweet Tooth</strong></p><p>There is a public hearing on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&amp;which_year=2025&amp;bill_num=7273" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">House Bill 7273</a>&nbsp;next week that would impose a tax on certain sweetened beverages, syrups and powders and dedicate the revenue generated to a universal free school meals program. If you would like to browse through bills coming close to a vote in Hartford, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/CGATodayFileCopies/CGAAllFC1.asp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/CGATodayFileCopies/CGAAllFC1.asp</a>.</p><p><strong>Brotherhood in Action Food Pantry</strong></p><p>Brotherhood in Action will be delivering food next Friday, April 18th, starting at 9:00 am. Enter the lot behind the United Methodist Church at 139 Greenwood Ave from the driveway on Greenwood Ave. It’s easy: your car will be loaded for you and you will be given instructions.&nbsp;They really could use drivers since they get fewer drivers around Easter due to travel plans, etc. It’s a quick but meaningful way to help some of our friends and neighbors! Show up or let them know you are coming at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bethelbrotherhoodinaction.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bethelbrotherhoodinaction.org/</a>.</p><p><strong>Stations of The Cross Downtown</strong></p><p>Next Friday, April 18th, look out for residents participating in the Stations of the Cross downtown from 12 pm to 1:30 pm. This is an ecumenical event sponsored by the First Congregational Church of Bethel, the United Church of Christ, Bethel United Methodist Church, St. Mary's Catholic Church, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and Walnut Hill Community Church.&nbsp;Other churches and individuals are welcome and invited, so there may be a pretty large group. Participants start at 12 pm from Molten Java and will end the walk at the First Congregational Church. You may want to avoid Main Street</p><p>since there will be a lunch after the event. If you have any questions, visit</p><p><a href="https://firstchurchbethel.org/events.html%20or%20call%20203-743-1877" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://firstchurchbethel.org/events.html or call 203-743-1877</a>.</p><p><strong>Newtown Savings Volunteer Fair</strong></p><p>Attention nonprofits and those looking to volunteer! Newtown Savings Bank is hosting a Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, April 23rd from 5 pm to 7 pm at Edmond Town Hall in Newtown. It’s a great way for nonprofits and volunteers from Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties to connect! Nonprofits interested in participating may email&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">community@nsbonline.com</span>&nbsp;for more information.</p><p><strong>Shoutouts</strong></p><ul><li>A shoutout to Coach Fernandes, CT Coach of the Year and SWC Outstanding Coach of The Year! This was his 18th and final season with Boys Soccer. Thank you for your positive influence on Bethel!</li><li>Congrats to the to the lady Wildcat’s Coach Dani on CT High School Coach of the Year! Coach Scolpino led the girls basketball team through an amazing season and the first CIAC championship game this year!</li><li>BHS Varsity teams were on fire this week! Boys baseball over Brien McMahan 14–4 and Fairfield Ludlowe 4-3, girls lacrosse over Pomperaug 11–8 and Stratford/Bunnell 19-3, and boys lacrosse over Pomperaug 19-3 and Stratford/Bunnell 15-3, girls softball over Joel Barlow 20-12. Junior varsity girls softball and lacrosse also off to a great start this season!</li><li>Ilana Flynn with BHS girls lacrosse scored her 100th career goal! Way to go!</li><li>Thanks to the Bethel Patriotic Association for honoring veterans with the banners on School Street!</li><li>A shoutout to Ava, Julia, Katie, and Ryan for shadowing at town hall this week! It’s great to see your interest in local government!</li></ul>

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