<p><strong>Budget</strong></p><p>On Tuesday, February 25th there will be the third and final meeting for budget presentations to the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance in the Town Hall General Purpose Room at 7 pm. The Board of Education will be presenting the school budget on this night. There are no opportunities for public comment on the 25th, but you are welcome to join in person or watch on Google Meet. The link will be available by next Friday and will be on the town&nbsp;<a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/meeting-calendar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">meeting calendar</a>.</p><p>Residents can comment on the Budget at a&nbsp;<a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/vertical/sites/%7B90B1B948-C443-4CA6-8B88-90B1EEA9B1E2%7D/uploads/Updated_2025-2026_Budget_Schedule_on_2.13.2025.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">public hearing on March 19th</a>&nbsp;at Bethel High School at 7 pm. You may send comments or thoughts about the budget to:&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">budget@bethel-ct.gov</span>. Check out the "Let's Talk Bethel" video series at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/</a>. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, under "Recent News" and you can find Dr. Carver's newsletter and the video series.</p><p><strong>Bethel’s Financial Strength</strong></p><p>How can the town be in good financial shape and still be faced with tough budget increases that require difficult decisions? In 2022 the Board of Selectmen updated our Fund Balance Policy and changed the amount of money required to remain unassigned in our general fund from 10% to 18% of our operating expenditures. The goal is to keep enough money available to fund potential contingent needs of the town without over taxing residents. The policy also helps the town retain the highest credit rating, which saves us money in interest rates when we need to borrow. For instance, when we refinanced bond debt in November, we maintained a AAA rating and saved the town $2 million.</p><p>Our policy also limits the circumstances where we can use our fund balance to operating emergencies, unanticipated budget shortfalls, and the purchase of capital assets. If the fund balance exceeds 18%, we can transfer the excess to our Debt Service Fund, Capital Nonrecurring Fund, or our Tax Stabilization Fund. The policy keeps us from spending our fund balance on operating expenses, which creates a hole in future budgets. Learn more about fund balance at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gfoa.org/materials/fund-balance-guidelines-for-the-general-fund" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.gfoa.org/materials/fund-balance-guidelines-for-the-general-fund</a></p><p><strong>Weekend Weather</strong></p><p>Emails are coming in from Eversource, Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and the Governor regarding the impact of snow and ice Saturday night and Sunday AM, followed by dangerously low temperatures next week. Please have cars and garbage cans off the roads for plowing. Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to call 2-1-1.</p><p>With more snow possible next week, it can be difficult to determine when to close Town Hall due to snow and ice. Sometimes the forecast looks awful and we close, only to find a delayed opening would work. Please understand if we err, it’s on the side of safety.</p><p><strong>Culinary Classes</strong></p><p>WorkspaceCT has so many opportunities and is located right here in Bethel! Check out their monthly culinary classes. Next Thursday, February 20th you can join Chef Elaina and make fresh, homemade pasta from scratch and a creamy cannoli dip paired with crispy cannoli chips for the perfect dessert twist. Register at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.workspacect.org/culinary" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.workspacect.org/culinary</a>.</p><p><strong>Restaurant Week</strong></p><p>Bethel Restaurant Week is back from February 24th to March 2nd. Sponsored by the Bethel Chamber of Commerce, it is a chance to visit your favorite local eateries. The latest list includes: Avocado Mexican Restaurant, Broken Symmetry, Community Shellfish, Dragonfly, Fat Tony’s, La Zingara, Notch 8, Portofino Restaurant, Shakedown Street Eats, Sycamore, UK Gourmet, Vesta, and Whitlocks. More restaurants may be registered, so check out&nbsp;<a href="https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/event/restaurant-week" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/event/restaurant-week</a>.</p><p><strong>Bethel Softball</strong></p><p>Bethel Softball Association's Spring registration ends March 4th!&nbsp;BSA is a youth softball league focusing on teaching the game of softball for ages PreK-4 through 13.&nbsp;They offer both recreational as well as travel divisions.&nbsp;Sign-up here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bethelctsoftball.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bethelctsoftball.com/</a>.</p><p><strong>Annual Mini Golf</strong></p><p>Save the date: The Bethel Public Library Board of Directors Mini Golf "fore" the library fundraiser is back March 28 &amp; 29.&nbsp;Tickets are now on sale.&nbsp;Check out&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bethellibrary.org/minigolf/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.bethellibrary.org/minigolf/</a>&nbsp;for more details. Local businesses, interested in being a sponsor?&nbsp;Email&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">libraryboard@bethellibrary.org</span>&nbsp;to learn more.</p><p><strong>Mardi Gras</strong></p><p>LAST CALL for tickets for Bethel Education Foundation’s “Mardi Gras Carnival” on Saturday, March 1st at 6 pm. A night of dinner, dancing, and both live and silent auctions. The Dr. Janice Jordan Excellence in Education Awards are presented to educators whose creativity within the classroom, school or district has had a significant impact on student performance and achievement. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.betheledfoundation.org/annual-benefit.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.betheledfoundation.org/annual-benefit.html</a>.</p><p><strong>WWII Veterans</strong></p><p>The Office of the Lt. Governor, in partnership with Connecticut Veterans Affairs and the Connecticut National Guard, is coordinating a ceremony in May to recognize all living World War II veterans in the state. The ceremony has been scheduled in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. If you know a WWII veteran in Bethel, please put us in touch by calling 203-794-8540 or email&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov</span>.</p><p><strong>Shoutouts</strong></p><p>Good Luck Wildcat Wrestling at the SWC’s in New Fairfield on Monday!</p><p>Congrats Riley Kane for all around championship at the SWC gymnastics meet! Fantastic job!</p><p>Congrats to the 16 – 3 Lady Wildcats for the win over Stratford. Good luck on the final regular game against Newtown tonight!</p><p>Boys Indoor Track has won their third consecutive SWC Championship! Way to go!</p><p>Town Hall is Closed on Monday, February 17th for President’s Day</p>

<h2>Why Small Businesses Matter</h2><p><em>Shop small, do big things for your community</em></p><p>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!</p><p><strong>You're IT&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.obsidiansalonct.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>Obsidian Salon</strong></a><strong>!</strong></p><p>Four questions with&nbsp;Erin Ray, owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.obsidiansalonct.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Obsidian Salon</a>.</p><p><strong>Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p>I started Obsidian Salon to provide a salon space for stylists to grow their independent businesses side by side with each other.</p><p><strong>What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p>Hair color services -- balayage, lived-in color, highlighting services</p><p><strong>How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?</strong></p><p>We use as many small businesses as possible with our print marketing (Bethel Printing &amp; Graphics), local restaurants for events (Soulber Kitchen, J's Homemade) and we provide childcare opportunities so parents can attend events in our space (The Giggling Pig Bethel), we promote other small businesses in town by being a part of the Bethel Chamber of Commerce.</p><p><strong>Have you reimagined your small business?</strong></p><p>We have changed how independent stylists see booth renting. This can sometimes be a very isolating way to work in the beauty industry but we promote an honest and safe space for stylists to grow and we even offer unique educational opportunities to further our stylist's growth both in their business and behind the chair.</p><p><a href="https://www.obsidiansalonct.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Obsidian Salon</a>&nbsp;is located at 272 Greenwood Avenue in Bethel. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.obsidiansalonct.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Obsidian Salon</a>&nbsp;online&nbsp;<a href="https://www.obsidiansalonct.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">here</a>, and make sure to check out their Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Obsidian-Salon-100070655515567" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> and Instagram page @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/obsidiansalonct" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">obsidiansalonct</a></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(115, 115, 115);">HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1658238881436694&amp;usg=AOvVaw39W0bJpATtDqE_cBmJU58x" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1658238881437096&amp;usg=AOvVaw3RsWKp-KhAsGejMtOWDanG" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank&nbsp;</strong></a><strong style="color: rgb(115, 115, 115);">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Save the date for&nbsp;</span><a href="https://rvnahealth.org/event/24th-annual-spring-breakfast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">RVNAhealth 24th Annual Spring Breakfast</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 7:30 – 9:00 am at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Please note: to be recognized on the event invitation, you </span><u style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">must notify RVNAhealth of your sponsorship by tomorrow,</u><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Friday, February 14 by contacting Taylor Price, Development Associate at&nbsp;</span><a href="https://mailto:tprice@rvnahealth.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">tprice@rvnahealth.org</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;or call 203-438-5555 x1018. The invitation will be mailed to 1,200 individuals. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">For sponsorship levels and benefits,</span><a href="https://rvnahealth.org/support-us/fundraising-events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://rvnahealth.org/support-us/fundraising-events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">click here</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Join 400+ local business leaders, medical professionals, community groups and RVNAhealth supporters to welcome spring and learn about the impact of RVNAhealth services across 35+ communities.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">This fun, fast-paced event raises critical funds to support nursing, rehabilitation and hospital care in the home as well as our mission-driven community programs including Cronic Care, Well-Child Clinics for uninsured children, and more.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">We invite you to become a sponsor or table host at this year’s event, which will include a delicious breakfast, an impactful speaker, a live auction, and an exciting raffle.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">For sponsorship levels and benefits, click&nbsp;</span><a href="https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E13063&amp;id=49" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">here</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Learn more&nbsp;</span><a href="https://rvnahealth.org/support-us/fundraising-events" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"><strong>https://rvnahealth.org/support-us/fundraising-events/</strong></a></p><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">*Photo by Deb O'Brien</em></p>

<h2>Why Small Businesses Matter</h2><p><em>Shop small, do big things for your community</em></p><p>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!</p><p><strong>You're IT&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://sortedcompany.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>Sorted</strong></a><strong>!</strong></p><p>Three questions with&nbsp;Katie Richards,&nbsp;founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://sortedcompany.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Sorted</a> - <em>Professional Organizing.</em></p><p><strong>Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p>I started Sorted because I love organizing! I realized that many people need help with everyday organizing projects and struggle to create functional spaces to maintain and enjoy. Most clients reach out because they don’t know where to start, and I’m here to help them through that process.</p><p><strong>What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p>Our best-selling service is the 3-hour organizing sessions, one-on-one with the clients helping them purge and create better spaces together.</p><p><strong>How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?</strong></p><p>Most of the businesses that receive support directly from Sorted are charitable organizations that receive physical donations from my clients. To name a few; Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Danbury, Goodwill, Dress for Success, DAWS-Danbury Animal Welfare Society, Junkluggers of Fairfield and Westchester County, and the NAPO Chapter of Connecticut (National Association of Productivity and Professional Organizers) where I can rely on other professional organizers for assistance on larger jobs.</p><p>Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sortedcompany.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Sorted</a>&nbsp;online&nbsp;<a href="https://sortedcompany.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">here</a>,</p><p><strong>HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1658238881436694&amp;usg=AOvVaw39W0bJpATtDqE_cBmJU58x" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1658238881437096&amp;usg=AOvVaw3RsWKp-KhAsGejMtOWDanG" 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>

<p>Food lovers, mark your calendars—Bethel’s most delicious event of the year is coming soon. From February 24 to March 2, 2025, the Bethel Chamber of Commerce will host Restaurant Week, inviting locals and visitors to enjoy specially priced menus at some of the town’s best eateries.</p><p>This weeklong celebration highlights Bethel’s vibrant dining scene, offering a chance to explore a variety of restaurants while supporting local businesses. Whether you are a longtime resident or new to the area, Restaurant Week provides an excellent opportunity to discover new favorites and revisit beloved spots.</p><p>A list of participating restaurants and event details will be available soon, so stay tuned. In the meantime, diners are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using <strong>#BethelRestaurantWeek2025</strong>.</p><p>For more information, visit <a href="https://events.bethel-ct.gov/events/restaurant-week-2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bethel Restaurant Week 2025</a>.</p>

<p>On Saturday, February 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Bethel Public Library will host Caturday at the Library, a heartwarming event where visitors can meet, read to, and play with adoptable cats and kittens. Whether you're looking to find a new furry friend or simply want to spend time with some adorable felines, this event is a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.</p><p>Happily Furever After Rescue, a local no-kill foster-based organization, will be on-site with cats and kittens in need of loving homes. As a special Valentine’s Day promotion, all adoptions during the event will be discounted by $14. In addition to meeting the animals, attendees can take part in a fun craft activity, decorating a cat or heart ornament to bring home as a keepsake.</p><p>This event is open to all ages, and no registration is required. Whether you're ready to adopt or just want to enjoy some feline companionship, stop by the Bethel Public Library and experience the joy of Caturday.</p><p>Happily Furever After Rescue is dedicated to saving dogs and cats from shelters and difficult circumstances, giving them a second chance at life. To learn more about the organization and its mission, visit <a href="https://events.bethel-ct.gov/events/caturday-for-valentines-3d628" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Happily Furever After Rescue</a>.</p>