<p><strong>Motor Vehicle Tax</strong></p><p>Last year the State Legislature changed the way Bethel values motor vehicles from using the JD Powers Book to a depreciation model based on MSRP. The change essentially created an $828,000 reduction in revenue for the budget that would shift tax burden from motor vehicles to properties in town. The Governor signed a bill this week to allow towns to adopt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/2025/TOB/H/PDF/2025HB-07067-R00-HB.PDF" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a new depreciation schedule</a>&nbsp;that essentially helps towns to phase in the shift in taxes from cars to properties.</p><p><strong>Charter Revision</strong></p><p>The Charter Revision Commission met this week. Among the concepts discussed, were moving to a 5-member board of selectmen and a 4-year term for members of the Board of Selectmen. The commission decided not to recommend a 5-member Board of Selectmen, but recommended a 4-year term for the Board of Selectmen. There will be a few public hearings this spring on all the recommendations and final recommendations will need to be voted on by the town. Charter changes will likely be on the November municipal election ballot.</p><p><strong>Budget</strong></p><p>The Board of Finance has completed a budget proposal and there will be a public hearing on Wednesday, March 19th at the Bethel High School auditorium at 7 pm.&nbsp;The Board of Finance will make necessary modifications on March 20th and present the budget to the Town Meeting on April 2nd at the Bethel High School auditorium at 7 pm. Check out the proposed budget here:&nbsp;<a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/depts-comptroller" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bethel-ct.gov/depts-comptroller</a>.</p><p><strong>GoNetspeed Construction</strong></p><p>The folks at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gonetspeed.com/connecticut/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GoNetspeed</a>&nbsp;have informed us that they have completed construction in town. Wile we may not see a fleet of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gonetspeed.com/connecticut/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GoNetspeed</a>&nbsp;trucks and workers around town, their high-speed fiber internet will be here to serve a little over 3,000 residents and businesses! If you are interested in the service, check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gonetspeed.com/connecticut/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.gonetspeed.com/connecticut/</a>. Thanks, GoNetspeed for additional tool to help our local businesses and residents!</p><p><strong>Office Hours</strong></p><p>Questions or comments on anything Bethel, stop by for Office Hours on Tuesday, March 11th between 5 pm and 6:30 pm.</p><p><strong>Town Meeting</strong></p><p>There will be a Town Meeting on Tuesday, March 11th at 6:30 pm in the Town Hall Meeting Room A. Our charter requires a town meeting for any lease longer than 5 years. We are leasing our new voting tabulators for the state for $1.00 and the lease runs for 10 years. It’s a formality, but anyone who is a registered voter is welcome to stop in.</p><p><strong>P&amp;Z Hearings</strong></p><p>On Tuesday, March 11th at 7:00 pm at Town Hall in Conference Room D, the Planning &amp; Zoning</p><p>Commission will continue public hearings for 105 Milwaukee Ave. (8-30g affordable housing 12 units) and 53 Taylor Ave. (8-30g affordable housing 26 units) Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-zoning" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-zoning</a>.</p><p><strong>Community Calendar</strong></p><p>Have an event to advertise? Don’t forget about the Bethel Community Calendar where residents and businesses can view, submit, and share local events. Check out and bookmark&nbsp;<a href="https://events.bethel-ct.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://events.bethel-ct.gov/</a>.</p><p><strong>Spring Equinox Drum Circle</strong></p><p>A drum circle might sound strange if you haven’t been to one, but everyone should try it sometime. Getting lost in the rhythm is an interesting experience! In celebration of the Spring Equinox, join the Spring Equinox Drum Circle tomorrow, March 8th from 3 pm to 4:30 pm at the gazebo in front of Town Hall. All backgrounds (those with or without prior drumming experience) and ages are welcome. Some percussion instruments will be available, but feel free to bring your own. Suggested donation $5 (to cover the cost of the facility. No personnel are paid for this circle).</p><p><strong>Congresswoman Hayes Town Hall</strong></p><p>Congresswoman Jahana Hayes is hosting a Town Hall on the federal budget this Sunday, March 5th from 2 pm to 3 pm at Avon High School, 510 W. Avon Rd. in Avon. Doors open at 1:45 pm.</p><p><strong>Urinetown the Musical</strong></p><p>Don’t forget the The Bethel High School On Stage Players will be performing Urinetown The Musical next weekend. See the show at Bethel High School on Friday, March 14th at 7 pm, Saturday March 15th at 7 pm, or Sunday March 16th at 2 pm. Adults $16 and Seniors and Students are $13. For information and tickets, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bhstheaterboosters.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bhstheaterboosters.com/</a>.</p><p><strong>Parm Dinner</strong></p><p><a href="St.Thomas" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">St.Thomas</a>’ Church is hosting their Chicken/Egplant Parm dinner on Saturday, March 15th from 5 pm to 7 pm. Dinner includes chicken and eggplant parm, pasta, salad, bread and dessert. Reservations are appreciated, especially for the Take-Outs. Dining and Take-Out pick-ups start at 5 pm. Adults are $15, kids under 16 are $8 with a family maximum of $45. For info and reservations, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stthomasbethel.org/Dinner" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.stthomasbethel.org/Dinner</a>.</p><p><strong>Shoutouts!</strong></p><ul><li>Huge shoutouts, congrats, and accolades to both the Boys and Girls basketball teams who have advanced to the state semifinals! The Lady Wildcats play Bristol at Naugatuck High School on Monday, March 10th at 5 pm and the Boys play Bunnell at Newtown High School on Monday at 7 pm. Good Luck!!</li><li>Good Luck to the BBDI IceCats in the opening round of States on Monday, March 10th at 3pm at the Danbury ice Arena!</li><li>As this update is being written, both the IceCats and Swim team are battling for championships!&nbsp;Go get em!</li><li>Congratulations to Beth Cavagna, our Town Planner, and Bob Dibble, our Highway Superintendent, on your well-deserved retirements! We appreciate your service to Bethel and wish you the best!</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WestConn Announces 2025 M.F.A. Thesis Exhibition, Opening Reception Featuring Six Artists Set for March 27</strong></p><p>The Department of Art at Western Connecticut State University (WestConn) has announced the 2025 Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition, which will take place in The Gallery at the Visual and Performing Arts Center, 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury.</p><p>An opening reception and Alumni Night, co-sponsored by the Department of Art and the Alumni Association, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 27. The exhibition will run from Thursday, March 27, through Sunday, April 13. Both the reception and exhibition are free and open to the public. The gallery will be open for viewing from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. To RSVP for the reception, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/visual-amp-performing-arts-center-at-wcsu-6275173871" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Eventbrite</a>.</p><p>The Master of Fine Arts is the terminal degree for practicing, professional artists. The M.F.A. Thesis Exhibition serves as the capstone experience of the graduate program, showcasing each artist’s personal direction and mastery. This year, six graduate students will present their thesis work:</p><p><strong>Tony DeZinno</strong></p><p>A photographer and interdisciplinary artist from East Hampton, Tony DeZinno earned his B.A. from Western Connecticut State University in 2023, receiving the Excellence in Photography Award from the Department of Art. His deep involvement in theater informs his passion for storytelling and visual communication. DeZinno has worked as a photographer with WestConn’s Communications and Marketing office and at Darkslide Film Lab in film development. His work has been exhibited in the Alumni Show at the VPAC Gallery and most recently in&nbsp;<em>Iterations: A Dialogue of Scale</em>&nbsp;at The Knowlton in Bridgeport.</p><p><strong>Artist Statement:</strong></p><p><em>My work explores identity, politics, and memory, particularly within the LGBTQ community and today’s shifting social climate. Blending digital and film photography with tactile, handmade processes, my practice draws from both nostalgia and the discomfort of growing up in a politically charged environment. Through photography and sculpture, I investigate the intersection of memory and identity, seeking to create a space for reflection—one that invites questions about belonging, family, and the ways in which we navigate an ever-changing world.</em></p><p><strong>Andrea B. McLaughlin</strong></p><p>A painter based in Bethel, Andrea B. McLaughlin finds inspiration in the natural world. She received her B.F.A. in Apparel Design from Rhode Island School of Design and spent 30 years in the fashion industry before shifting her focus to painting. McLaughlin studied at Silvermine Art Guild, Rowayton Art Center, and Ridgefield Art Guild, and in the summer of 2024, she was awarded an artist residency in France. Her work is held in private and corporate collections, including Fairfield Chemical Carriers and William Raveis Realty.</p><p><strong>Artist Statement:</strong></p><p><em>My preferred medium is paper collage, composed entirely of my own paintings, sketches, and prints. While a traditional painting captures a single moment, collage captures multiple moments, allowing viewers to journey through time. My work reflects how our senses absorb a place through fragmented and layered elements. I invite observers to step into my very personal ‘sense of place.’</em></p><p><strong>Jillian K. Mirabal</strong></p><p>An artist from Putnam Valley, New York, Jillian K. Mirabal specializes in illustration, incorporating painting, photography, graphic design, and digital imagery. She earned her B.A. in graphic design with a minor in photography from WestConn and currently works in Communications &amp; Marketing at the university. Inspired by surrealism and horror, Mirabal draws from influences like René Magritte, Stephen Gammell, and Tim Jacobus.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Artist Statement:</strong><em>I’ve always been drawn to the darker and more unusual aspects of life. My upbringing—immersed in horror films and Halloween-themed media—fuels my artistic vision. Through my work, I shed light on the unsettling and unspoken, inviting viewers to confront captivating spectacles often ignored.</em></p><p><strong>Joseph Nolan</strong></p><p>A Waterbury-based artist and Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War, Joseph Nolan earned his B.A. in Studio Art/Painting from WestConn in 2023. Committed to honoring veterans, he has embarked on a long-term project painting portraits of Waterbury veterans, both living and deceased. His work has been exhibited at Waterbury Hospital Art Corridor and the Library Art Gallery in Prospect, Connecticut.</p><p><strong>Artist Statement:</strong></p><p><em>Pope Francis has said that an artist is an apostle of beauty—this has become my mantra. If I can bring beauty into the world, I want to be part of that endeavor. My art revolves around family and daily life, akin to opening a diary. The stories of Vincent van Gogh and Jacob Lawrence inspire me, particularly their ability to intertwine storytelling and history in painting.</em></p><p><strong>Cristina Querrer</strong></p><p>Based in Mystic, Cristina Querrer is a multidisciplinary artist, poet, and writer whose work bridges visual art, literature, and performance. Born in the Philippines to a military family, her experiences of displacement and cultural hybridity shape her practice. Querrer holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing and a Master’s in Library and Information Science. Her mixed-media work incorporates found objects, collage, and organic materials, creating deeply textured compositions.</p><p><strong>Artist Statement:</strong></p><p><em>Memory is a tether—fragile, knotted, frayed. My work navigates the space between presence and absence, where remnants of time are reconstructed or left unraveling. I use found materials and gestural marks in quiet rituals of remembering. Each piece is a passage, a vessel, a moment suspended between holding on and letting go. Rather than recreating the past, I hold space for what remains—fragile, unresolved, and enduring.</em></p><p><strong>Sluggo</strong></p><p>Raised in Chester, Sluggo developed a deep appreciation for nature, plants, and animals. They earned a B.F.A. in Illustration from the University of New Haven and previously studied at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Their work is influenced by taxidermy, digital media, and childhood experiences with online games.</p><p><strong>Artist Statement:</strong></p><p><em>Growing up immersed in nature and digital media shaped my artistic voice. My fascination with taxidermy led me to study the inner workings of living things, while online games fueled my interest in character design. I have been working digitally since 2010, making digital media my primary mode of expression. The aesthetics of children’s online media, combined with my deep spiritual connection to nature, drive my creative process.</em></p><p class="ql-align-center">For more information, contact the Department of Art at (203) 837-8403 or Communications and Marketing at <a href="mailto:pr@wcsu.edu." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pr@wcsu.edu.</a></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC BUZZ Weekend March 7-9</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/cabaret-comedy-series-58b5c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Cabaret Comedy Series</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Friday Mar 7, 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss the Cabaret Comedy Series—exclusive nights of stand-up comedy featuring a rotating lineup of top-notch comedians. Each show brings a unique blend of wit and humor to the stage, promising unforgettable evenings of laughter and good times. Grab your tickets now and join the fun with a comedy experience like no other!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/plant-swap-a0289" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Plant Swap</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rainy Day Paperback, Bethel</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm</p><p>Bring a plant to swap or take some home! You don't have to bring plants to take some home and you can bring plants without taking.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/birding-at-the-bruce-museum-with-greenwich-audubon-912a2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Birding with Greenwich Audubon</strong></a></p><p><strong>Oneida Sanctuary, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm</p><p>Join the Greenwich Audubon for a tour of the neighboring Oneida Sanctuary. Tours will go from the Bruce Park Playground to Audubon's neighboring Oneida Sanctuary, one of Greenwich's only remaining coastal salt marshes. This location not only provides an opportunity to see bird species that use this special habitat such as waterfowl, shorebirds, herons &amp; egrets but also learn about Audubon's conservation efforts to improve our coastal resiliency in Greenwich.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/asl-tour-blanche-lazzell-becoming-an-american-modernist" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>ASL Tour Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce Museum, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm</p><p>Members of the D/deaf, Hard of Hearing, and ASL student communities are invited to experience Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist, the artist’s first monographic exhibition in nearly two decades, on a special tour led by a Museum Educator and an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/working-for-the-revolution-patriot-women-s-lives-during-the-war" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Working for the Revolution: Patriot Women’s Lives During the War</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwich Historical Society, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm</p><p>In the third installment of the Reflections on the Revolution Lecture Series , join the Greenwich Historical Society this March for a special presentation in honor of Women’s History Month. The Historical Society will host an exciting talk from historian and Revolutionary War expert, Dr. Katherine Hermes, who will delve into women’s roles during one of the most tumultuous events in American history.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/25th-birthday-bash" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>25th Birthday Bash</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm</p><p>Come one, come all and celebrate 25 amazing years of Stepping Stones Museum for Children! The 25th Birthday Bash brings the magic of the circus to life with dazzling professional circus performances, exciting circus-themed activities and immersive opportunities to try your hand at circus skills. Plus, don't miss delicious food demos and other whimsical surprises around every corner! Join us for an evening of unforgettable family fun as we commemorate this milestone anniversary.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bruce-after-hours-celebrating-women" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bruce After Hours: Celebrating Women</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce Museum, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss this vibrant evening at the Bruce Museum as we celebrate women’s contributions to art, culture, fashion, business, and wellness. Bruce After Hours: Celebrating Women offers a perfect blend of creativity, inspiration, and connection, with activities and performances to enjoy throughout the night. The addition of International Women’s Day enhances the significance of the event and adds a global connection to the celebration. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/gallery-exhibition-reception" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Gallery Exhibition Reception</strong></a></p><p><strong>Center for Contemporary Printmaking</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 9, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Be among the first to see these fantastic prints created in the studios over the past year. Meet some of the artists in the Center for Contemporary Printmaking's member community. Gather with other print enthusiasts as you enjoy light appetizers and beverages.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

<h3>Fairfield County Bank Food Collection Drive for Jericho Partnership and Ridgefield Playhouse</h3><p>Fairfield County Bank is hosting a food collection drive from March 4 through March 28, 2025, to benefit two important local organizations: Jericho Partnership and The Ridgefield Playhouse. This initiative aims to provide essential food items to those in need while also supporting access to arts education for low-income students.</p><p>Donations can be dropped off at participating Fairfield County Bank offices, including locations on Federal Road (Danbury), Mill Plain Road (Danbury), Georgetown, 150 Danbury Road (Ridgefield), Governor Street (Ridgefield), Weston, and Wilton.</p><p><strong>Needed Items:</strong></p><p><strong>For Jericho Partnership:</strong></p><ul><li>Tuna</li><li>Canned or dried beans</li><li>Peanut butter and jelly</li><li>Canned soups</li><li>Oatmeal and healthy cereal</li><li>Brown or white rice</li><li>Pasta and pasta sauces</li><li>Macaroni &amp; cheese</li></ul><p><strong>For Ridgefield Playhouse's Arts in Education Program:</strong></p><ul><li>Gift cards to local grocery stores to help cover school lunch costs for students from Title I schools attending educational performances</li></ul><p>Fairfield County Bank encourages community members to participate in this effort to bring food and hope to those in need. To learn more about the food drive and donation locations, visit <a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/fooddrive" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.fairfieldcountybank.com/fooddrive</a> or check the full list of bank branches at <a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/branch-locations/branch-locations.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fairfield County Bank Locations</a>.</p>

<p>RVNAhealth is proud to announce that its outpatient Therapy Center is now a participating member of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Rehabilitation National Network. Membership in this distinguished network reflects RVNAhealth’s commitment to delivering exceptional therapy services while upholding the highest standards of care. Access to ongoing education and resources provided by HSS will further enhance the clinical expertise of RVNAhealth’s therapy team, ensuring that patients receive the best in rehabilitation care.</p><p>Located at 27 Governor Street in Ridgefield, RVNAhealth’s state-of-the-art Therapy Center offers a comprehensive range of rehabilitation services designed to help patients regain strength, mobility, and independence. Each therapy program is tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, neurological conditions, and other health challenges.</p><p>RVNAhealth’s Therapy Center provides specialized rehabilitation services, including:</p><ul><li><strong>Physical Therapy:</strong> Addressing pain, weakness, and immobility caused by sports injuries, surgeries, and illnesses, physical therapists focus on helping patients regain strength, mobility, and balance.</li><li><strong>Occupational Therapy:</strong> Supporting individuals in performing everyday tasks, occupational therapists assist patients recovering from injuries or strokes, as well as older adults experiencing physical or cognitive changes.</li><li><strong>Speech Therapy:</strong> Offering cognitive training and speech-language retraining for individuals recovering from strokes, experiencing swallowing difficulties, or living with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, ALS, or multiple sclerosis.</li><li><strong>Vestibular Therapy:</strong> Providing specialized exercises to improve stability, reduce fall risk, and enhance mobility for individuals experiencing dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear dysfunction.</li><li><strong>LSVT BIG® and LSVT LOUD® Therapy:</strong> Evidence-based therapies designed to improve movement and speech in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, focusing on enhancing body movement and vocal clarity.</li></ul><p>For those in need of rehabilitation services or specialized Parkinson’s programs, RVNAhealth’s Therapy Center offers expert care and personalized treatment plans. To schedule an appointment or learn more about available services, contact RVNAhealth at (203) 438-7862 or email <a href="mailto:therapycenter@rvnahealth.org." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">therapycenter@rvnahealth.org.</a></p>

<p>Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 24th, from 5:30-7:30 PM and head over to Nod Hill Brewery in Ridgefield, CT, for a dog-friendly happy hour you won’t want to miss!</p><p>Pints for Pups features live acoustic music by the talented Dan Carlucci, ensuring a relaxing atmosphere for both you and your furry friends. Enjoy a delicious food truck and plenty of refreshing brews while supporting a great cause.</p><p>Tickets are just $15 and include your first Geobunny Beer, making this an affordable night of fun for you and your pup! You’ll also have the chance to spoil your dog with treats from Woof Gang Bakery in Danbury and Paul's Custom Pet Food, both of whom will be in attendance.</p><p>All proceeds from this event benefit DAWS, supporting their mission to help animals in need. So, grab your pup, invite your friends, and come enjoy an evening filled with great food, music, and company—all for a fantastic cause!</p><p><em>21+ only, please. Don’t miss out on this paw-some event—purchase your tickets today!</em> <a href="https://e.givesmart.com/events/H7L/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get your tickets here</a></p>