<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">With lots of spring in their step,&nbsp;four hundred-plus people from the Greater Danbury area and beyond filled the Amber Room Colonnade at 7:30 this morning for RVNAhealth’s 23rd Annual Spring Breakfast. It was a true breakfast of champions and a celebration of a nonprofit that has been an essential part of communities for 106 years!&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">As table hosts poured hot coffee for their guests, the room buzzed with lively conversation and laughter. RVNAhealth Board Member Andrea Gartner skillfully gathered the attention of the enthusiastic crowd, welcoming them and preparing for the morning’s program to commence.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Cantor Penny Kessler began the event with a heartfelt invocation. Senator Julie Kushner, a dedicated Danbury resident deeply aware of RVNAhealth's impact, took the podium next.&nbsp;Senator Kushner presented a special proclamation, recognizing the RVNAhealth Well-Child team for its remarkable achievements. She highlighted the team's vital role in providing medical care, nursing, translation services, and social services to over 500 underserved children and families in Danbury each year as part of the agency's longstanding commitment to Community Health &amp; Wellness programs.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Theresa Santoro, President and CEO of RVNAhealth, thanked the guests for their presence at this significant event. She highlighted the agency's comprehensive continuum of care, which now includes the newly launched Parkinson's Center, as well as dedicated support for dementia and hospice care.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">One of the morning's highlights was gaining a firsthand understanding of the pivotal role RVNAhealth plays in our community. Anne Mead, Director of Family, School, and Community Partnerships, shed light on the significant impact of RVNAhealth's Well-Child Program in the Danbury Public Schools, where hundreds of underserved school-aged children receive medical care and immunizations at no cost.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">After Anne Mead's inspiring speech, Auctioneer Michael McGuirk realtor, kicked off the live auction. Attendees were invited to bid on an array of enticing items, including a summer getaway to the Cape, a once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Africa, an exquisite dinner party, Broadway, golf outings, and Major League Baseball.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Oh, what a morning! Thank you to the many local businesses and individuals who stepped up to make the morning’s raffle (there were more than 60 prizes) and the live auction was hugely successful!&nbsp;</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Funds raised allow RVNAhealth to fulfill its mission of providing a continuum of care when and where it is needed to residents of over 35 Connecticut towns regardless of age, diagnosis, or financial circumstances. Most importantly, it helps the organization make a lasting impact on the lives of those served. Some programs the funds will benefit include providing Well Child Clinics, flu vaccinations, and nursing and rehab care for senior citizens in need of these services. It is truly an inspiring morning and a great way to start the day!&nbsp;Once again, photographer Deborah O’Brien captured the morning beautifully! To view additional photos, check out our Instagram and Facebook pages.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit RVNAhealth online&nbsp;</span><a href="https://rvnahealth.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://rvnahealth.org/</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;to learn more about this important nonprofit.&nbsp;</span></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In attendance this morning were First Selectmen and Mayors (l to r): New Milford Mayor Pete Bass, Roxbury First Selectman Patrick Roy, Bethel First Selectman and RVNAheath Board Member Dan Carter, Ridgefield First Selectperson Rudy Marconi Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, and Newtown First Selectman Jeff Capeci. They are shown in the photo with RVNAhealth President and CEO Theresa Santoro.</em></p><p>*All images courtesy Deborah O'Brien Photography. Learn more&nbsp;<a href="https://deborahobrien.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://deborahobrien.com/</a></p>

<p>National Foster Care Month is in May. The Town of Bethel is honored to host an event to promote the significant need for foster parents in Connecticut.</p><p>Currently, Connecticut has 3,100 children in foster care. At this time, there are approximately 2,000 families fostering children in Connecticut, including a significant number of grandparents and other relatives caring for children in their extended families.</p><p>The Annie C. Courtney Foundation, Inc. (Annie C) has partnered with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) since 2014. Together, with DCF, Annie C will hold a presentation on May 2 in hopes of finding more Bethel area families for children in foster care. During the presentation, you will have an opportunity to hear from DCF staff and a local foster parent. There are so many 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. Extensive training is provided, local support groups, regular social worker support and HUSKY healthcare coverage for all children. If needed, respite care is available to foster families when fostering a child for longer durations.</p><p>If you ever considered being a foster parent and want to learn more, please join us on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 5:30pm in the Bethel Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center, located at 1 School Street Bethel, CT. As this event is limited to 45 people (two people per household), please RSVP by calling Megan Alworth-Khazadian at 203-794-8537 or via email at <a href="mailto:alworth-khazadianm@bethel-ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">alworth-khazadianm@bethel-ct.gov</a>. Please leave your phone number if you call, as she will call you to confirm receipt and space availability.</p><p>Under DCF, the goal for most of these children is family reunification. The commitment may be as short as a week or a month, or over a year. Reunification with kin is 60%. Adoption may occur for a small number of children for whom reunification is not possible.</p><p>The event will last approximately 30- 45 minutes. Pizza will be provided.</p>

<p><strong>College Admission and Financial Aid Planning: Free Workshop on Thursday, May 16</strong></p><p>Join Lynn Verrilli, founder of Advanced College Funding Solutions, LLC, as she discusses college planning and financial aid&nbsp;for parents of high school freshman, sophmores, juniors and middle school students.&nbsp;</p><p>Even if your family is not eligible for need-based aid, she will cover strategies on how to pay for college on the most efficient basis.&nbsp;Her talk will discuss the full gamut on how to pay for college from 529's, scholarships, loans, saving strategies, etc.</p><p>After completing her studies in Business Management at Eastern Connecticut State University, Lynn began her career in business development, working with 3 major corporations.&nbsp;She then became a Registered Investment Advisor.&nbsp;While assisting numerous clients with their investment and retirement goals, she found that a major concern for many parents was determining the method they would use to pay for college and still effectively address other major planning issues, like retirement funding.&nbsp;She founded Advance College Funding Solutions and her knowledge of college planning and funding has succeeded in relieving much stress for parents and students.</p><p><strong>This is a hybrid event; you can choose to attend in person or on Zoom.</strong></p><p><strong>Here is the Zoom link:&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83651317811" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><strong>https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83651317811</strong></a></p><p>CONTACT:&nbsp;&nbsp;Adult Services Department&nbsp;&nbsp;203-794-8756, ext. 3&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:adult@bethellibrary.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(255, 7, 7); background-color: transparent;">adult@bethellibrary.org</a></p><p>LOCATION: Maria Parloa Community Room</p><p>Learn more and register <a href="https://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/B/BETHEL/EK.cfm?zeeOrg=BETHEL" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

<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>