Bethel, CT | HamletHub

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May 02, 2024

WCSU commencement will be a family affair for Bethel residents

Bethel resident Victoria Ferreira, a Spanish teacher at Danbury High School and Connecticut Army National Guard reservist, will not be alone when she crosses the stage to receive her diploma on Sunday, May 12, at <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Western Connecticut State University’s</a> Commencement exercises at the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport. Ferreira, who will receive a <a href="https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/grad/sps/programs/master-of-arts-in-teaching/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Master of Arts in Teaching</a> degree, will be accompanied by her son Logan, 15.“My goals are Logan’s goals, and this is for him,” Ferreira said. “My son, despite facing challenges associated with autism, is looking forward to participating in this memorable occasion. He came to campus with me and we spent time in the library on many occasions. He understands education comes first — we both do our homework and have books. He had to be patient when I had to go to class or leave for National Guard training. He is the one who made the sacrifices, and he is a survivor and the one who deserves this moment,” she said.“My husband and I both received our degrees from WCSU,” Ferreira continued. “I have a bachelor’s degree in <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/wlc/spanish/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spanish</a> and <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Communication</a>, and my husband, Brian, has a Bachelor of Arts in <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/art/undergraduate/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Visual Art</a> and an M.F.A. in <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/art/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Illustration</a>. The university was great every time we had to leave for training. They are so supportive and worked with our schedules. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the following individuals and groups who supported my educational journey at WCSU. Without their guidance and encouragement, I wouldn’t have made it this far: Professors Dr. Jeanne Lakatos, Dr. Katie Lever-Mazzuto, Dr. Katy Wiss, Dan Saraceno and Dr. MaryAnn Murtha, who made it possible for me to survive when my husband was deployed to Bahrain. Also, my husband, Brian Ferreira, Logan’s school paraeducators Patricia Moriarty and Ksenia Rubin, and the Bethel School System. I was able to get everything done with their support, and I am thankful for that.”Ferreira came to the U.S. from Peru in 2000. At the time, she was 26 years old. She said her family was still in Peru and she wanted to belong to something bigger. “I was active in scouting in Peru, which feels like a family,” she said. “The United States opened doors for me and I wanted to give back and serve people, so I enlisted because the Army is like a family, too. It turned out that WCSU also became my family.”After basic training, Ferreira was involved in drilling exercises in Stratford, when she met her future husband, whose unit was also participating in drills in the same facility. Logan is their only child.Ferreira is a Sergeant First Class in the CT Army National Guard. “Logan has been a significant part of my education, as well as my military journey,” Ferreira said. “He has attended every promotion and award ceremony, and I was honored to have him pin my new ranks each time. Everything we have done, we have done for and with him. We don’t know if Logan will be able to attend college, and we want him to have that feeling of accomplishment. He knows mommy is going to graduate, so this is his graduation, too. He’s also graduating from Bethel Middle School this year.” Proud husband and father Brian will be cheering them on from the stands.Ferreira is an advocate for children with special needs at Danbury High School, and in her role as a Special Olympics coach. “I always try to show people that these kids are smart and kind and need opportunities,” she said. “They want what everyone wants, it just requires patience. Logan is part of the WCSU, Danbury and Bethel communities,” Ferreira continued. “He can be the face for everyone to show what is possible. He’s going to be so happy.”Ferreira reiterated that the celebration on May 12 would not have been possible without the support she received. “WCSU is amazing,” she said. “You can do anything. It doesn’t matter what your age is, your background, if you have a special needs kid, or are deployed — WCSU is good for everyone and they will help you do anything. There is no limit.”For more information, contact WCSU Communications and Marketing at <a href="mailto:pr@wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pr@wcsu.edu</a>.

May 01, 2024

Bethel’s Byrd’s Books Announces May Book Groups

Bethel’s Byrd’s Books’ Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Sci-Fi/Fantasy book groups have become welcomed monthly escapes from our ever more challenging daily lives, The groups are free to the public and always open to newcomers. Meetings are held both in store and on Zoom by request, and books are available to purchase in paperback.On Thursday, May 9th at 7:30pm, the Non-Fiction selection is Norco ‘80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery in History by Peter Houlahan. This cinematic true crime is “almost too wild to be real” saysThe New York Times Book Review. The Fairfield County author will be present to discuss one of NPR’s Best Books of the Year.On Thursday, May 16 at 7:30pm, the Fiction selection is The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict. Probing the torrid political climate in the lead-up to World War II and the ways that seemingly sensible people can be sucked into radical action,  this explosive novel follows the six Mitford sisters—each more beautiful, brilliant, and eccentric than the next, one of whom will have to choose: her country or her family?On Tuesday, May 21st at 7:30pm, the Sci-Fi/Fantasy selection is Gideon the Ninth (The Locked Tomb Series #1) by Tamsyn Muir. Of the New Zealand author’s debut novel, NPR said it  is “too funny to be horror, too gooey to be science fiction, has too many spaceships and autodoors to be fantasy, and has far more bloody dismemberings than your average parlor romance."Byrd’s Books is located at 178 Greenwood Avenue across from the Bethel Public Library. Author discussions and Book Group gatherings are regularly added to Byrd’s Books’ calendar of events at <a href="ByrdsBooks.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ByrdsBooks.com</a>  Hours are Tuesdays to Saturdays10:00am to 6:00pm, Sundays 12:00 noon to 4;00pm, Closed Mondays. For directions to the store or more information, call Byrd’s Books at 203-730-2973. To review the shop’s expanded catalog of new titles, go to <a href="ByrdsBooks.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ByrdsBooks.com</a>

Apr 30, 2024

Calling Musicians and Host Venues for Make Music Bethel

Bethel is joining the annual worldwide celebration of music, Make Music Day, on June 21 (the summer solstice). Unlike a typical music festival, Make Music Bethel is free, and anyone can perform. This is a special day for local musicians—amateur and professional—to join musicians around the world in performing at restaurants, businesses and in public spaces.                                   Bethel Arts, working with the global non-profit Make Music Day, is organizing and scheduling musicians and venues for Make Music Bethel. It notes that hosting performances is a great way to attract customers and diners without additional cost. Musicians and venues interested in participating should go to <a href="https://bethelmakemusicday.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: windowtext;">https://bethelmakemusicday.org</a> .  "We prefer locations, indoor or outdoor, that are easily accessible,” said Bethel Arts chairman, Janice Chrzescijanek. “The performance space itself should be 25-50 square feet and shouldn’t block egress. As there is no rain date, if a host selects an outdoor space, an alternative indoor space should be considered. As to musicians, most perform for free. But artists and venues are welcome to make any financial arrangements they wish, as long as performances are free and open to the public.”                                                       Make Music Day began in Paris in 1982 as Fete de Musique and has since grown to more than 1,000 cities in more than 120 countries. “Bethel is looking forward to being one of 16 Connecticut locations to participate,” said Ms. Chrzescijanek. For questions, please email <a href="mailto:info@bethelartsct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: windowtext;">info@bethelartsct.org</a> or call 203-794-8521.

Apr 26, 2024

Dan Carter Bethel Update: Wells Fargo Property, Post Prom, BHS #33, and More!

Budget and Referendum Results:The annual budget and the two referendum questions passed this week. While the town and the school budgets passed, it is worth noting that both advisory questions indicated a concern that the budgets were still too high. This will certainly be a consideration when we look at the next annual budget. Thank you to all who voted!Fire Commission Update:The Fire Commission has begun looking for a truck and may have an option to discuss at a special meeting next week. Stay tuned to the Bethel Meeting Calendar. <a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/meeting-calendar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">Bethel Meeting Calendar</a>.Wells Fargo Property Negotiation:The Board of Selectmen has authorized the negotiation for purchase of the Wells Fargo property. Should an agreement be reached and the town acquires the property, we can expect a public process to discuss ideas for short and long term uses for the property. The driving force for bringing the opportunity before the voters has been the chance to acquire land adjacent to town owned property that we can preserve for future town needs or eventually develop it in a way that works for the town, which might include preserving the existing parking, green space, and/or affordable housing.CCM Emergency Management Symposium:Leaders from around the state attended the CCM Emergency Management Symposium this week. Highlights for attendees from Bethel include a session on responding to multifamily disasters and how to handle response, donations, and reunification.Emergency Alert Program:If you are new to town or have not signed up for emergency notifications, please sign up for our Emergency Alert Program which will provide you with critical information in situations such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons, evacuations and local/state Emergencies. <a href="https://member.everbridge.net/1332612387832221/login" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">Emergency Alert Program</a>Food Scrap Pilot Program:Town staff met this week to discuss how we can make our Food Scrap pilot program permanent. Those who have signed up for the program have been impressed with their savings and we have received lots of feedback on how easy it is. Learn more at <a href="https://hrra.org/organics-food-scraps-bethel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">HRRA - Organics Food Scraps Bethel</a>Highway Department Update:We have had a lot of interest on the sudden appearance, and thanks to the Highway Department, the quick repair of the “sink hole’ on Hoyts Hill. A metal pipe that carries storm water rotted and allowed water to wash out the area around the leak, causing the hole.Eversource Electric Service Shutoffs:Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eversource customers with financial hardship or a serious illness have been protected from electric service shut off. Eversource will resume shut offs on May 2, 2024. If you are having difficulty paying your bill, please visit <a href="https://www.eversource.com/content/residential/account-billing/payment-assistance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">Eversource Payment Assistance</a>WorkspaceCT Theatre Program Discount:There are only 5 more days for WorkspaceCT’s April discount on summer theatre programs! Codes and registration links are here: <a href="https://bit.ly/workspacecttheatre" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">WorkspaceCT Theatre</a>.Post Prom Donation at Notch 8:Visit Notch 8 on Monday, April 29th and mention “Post Prom.” A donation will be made to the annual alcohol and drug free event held to keep our kids and community safe on prom night. So, let’s make sure Tony has to write a big, fat check!Bethel Chamber of Commerce Event:The Bethel Chamber of Commerce is hosting their annual Summer Kickoff Networking event at the Putnam House on Wednesday, May 1st from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Meet and mingle with Bethel's most innovative and forward-thinking business professionals! Register at <a href="https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/events/2024/summer-kickoff-special-networking-event" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">Bethel Chamber of Commerce - Summer Kickoff Special Networking Event</a>Bethel High School Music Performances:Support our student musicians – The Bethel High School Orchestra performs on Monday, April 29th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the BHS Auditorium. The Bethel High School Band performs on Thursday, May 2nd from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at the BHS Auditorium.Foster Care Presentation:Interested in fostering a child? Don’t forget the foster care presentation on Thursday, May 2nd from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Town Hall in meeting room A. Visit <a href="https://events.bethel-ct.gov/events/annie-c-courtney-foundation-ct-dcf-foster-presentation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">Annie C. Courtney Foundation - CT DCF Foster Presentation</a>Teacher Appreciation Week:Attention parents, students, and recent BHS Grads, May 6th begins Teacher Appreciation Week. If you have a favorite teacher or mentor, you have until Friday, May 3rd to send them a personalized thank you note and $10 gift card to Famous Pizza! You will also be supporting the Bethel Education Foundation. Visit <a href="https://www.betheledfoundation.org/honor-a-teacher.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">Bethel Education Foundation - Honor a Teacher</a>Bethel High School Ranking:A big shoutout to the Bethel High School Staff and Educators, Board of Education, Board of Finance, Town Departments, and everyone who supports Bethel High School for achieving a ranking of 33 in the state! <a href="https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/connecticut/districts/bethel-school-district/bethel-high-school-4413" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">US News - Best High Schools - Bethel High School</a>HRRA Billboard Contest Winners:Congrats to the Bethel winners of the HRRA Billboard contest “Keep It Loose” Don’t Bag or Bundle Your Recycling!” Winners: Anvitha Gautham (3rd Place, Kindergarten), Hope McGovern (2nd Place, Ninth Grade), and Preethika Shenoy (2nd Place, Tenth Grade)Senior Center Flowers:Thank you, Fran Peters, your wonderful Community Partnership students, Mr. Marasco, and your amazing Ambassador Students at Bethel High School for your collaboration to plant flowers for the Senior Center. They are beautiful and bring such joy to our Seniors!Sports Updates:Shoutouts to Bethel baseball, boys lacrosse, girls tennis, and both boys and girls track who all had big wins this week!Have a great weekend!

Apr 26, 2024

Bethel First Selectman Dan Carter Joins RVNAhealth at Spring Breakfast

With lots of spring in their step, 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! 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.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. 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 & Wellness programs.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.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. 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.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! 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! Once again, photographer Deborah O’Brien captured the morning beautifully! To view additional photos, check out our Instagram and Facebook pages.Visit RVNAhealth online <a href="https://rvnahealth.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://rvnahealth.org/</a> to learn more about this important nonprofit. 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.*All images courtesy Deborah O'Brien Photography. Learn more <a href="https://deborahobrien.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://deborahobrien.com/</a>

Apr 25, 2024

Town of Bethel Hosts Event on May 2 to Promote Need for Foster Parents in CT

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.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.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.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.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.The event will last approximately 30- 45 minutes. Pizza will be provided.

Apr 22, 2024

College Admission and Financial Aid Planning: Free Workshop on Thursday, May 16

College Admission and Financial Aid Planning: Free Workshop on Thursday, May 16Join Lynn Verrilli, founder of Advanced College Funding Solutions, LLC, as she discusses college planning and financial aid for parents of high school freshman, sophmores, juniors and middle school students. 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. Her talk will discuss the full gamut on how to pay for college from 529's, scholarships, loans, saving strategies, etc.After completing her studies in Business Management at Eastern Connecticut State University, Lynn began her career in business development, working with 3 major corporations. She then became a Registered Investment Advisor. 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. She founded Advance College Funding Solutions and her knowledge of college planning and funding has succeeded in relieving much stress for parents and students.This is a hybrid event; you can choose to attend in person or on Zoom.Here is the Zoom link:  <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83651317811" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83651317811</a>CONTACT:  Adult Services Department  203-794-8756, ext. 3  <a href="mailto:adult@bethellibrary.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(255, 7, 7); background-color: transparent;">adult@bethellibrary.org</a>LOCATION: Maria Parloa Community RoomLearn more and register <a href="https://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/B/BETHEL/EK.cfm?zeeOrg=BETHEL" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.