Bethel Republicans Celebrate Gov. Rell, Mary Legnard, John Lennon

On Saturday, members of Bethel's Republican Town Committee and others came together at the Stony Hill Inn to honor Gov. M. Jodi Rell, Bethel Voter Registrar Mary Legnard and John Lennon, of Bethel's Planning and Zoning Commission - all Republicans who have done great service for their party.

Rell, who ended her nearly seven year governorship in January, was honored with the committee's Republican of the Year Award. 

"I look around this room at so many familiar faces, at the people who have been there for me in thick and thin," Rell said. "To be recognized as the Republican of the Year is quite an honor and I truly appreciate it. I appreciate all of you; you are wonderful people, you're a great town and good friends."

Beth Cavagna, who works in Bethel's planning and zoning department and is a friend of Rell's, spoke of her long career in Connecticut politics, who during that time acted as a mother, teacher and friend to her constituents.

"I recall her last speech...she looked as a mother talking to her children, a teacher lecturing to her students, and said 'the spending has to stop, we have to live within our means,'" Cavagna said. "Thank you, Jodi, for being true to yourself while working for us."

Former State Senator David Cappiello said Rell will be remembered for her continuous work and commitment to bettering Connecticut's public education and for restoring the faith in the public's view of the state government. 

"You didn't serve to enrich yourself, you didn't serve for your ego, you did this because you care about your state and the people you served," Cappiello said.

Rell also recalled her memories in Bethel, especially going door-to-door campaigning, talking to voters and going against Bethel politicians early in her career.

Since leaving office, Rell said she has taken a vacation and spent time with her family, but will miss her colleagues in Hartford the most.

"I don't miss it (the job), but I miss the people...People who go to work everyday trying to do what's right for Connecticut and what's right for their towns and the people they represent," Rell said. "And I think we're very fortunate, because in this state we have really, really good people - Republicans and Democrats who want to do what's right."

Toward the end of her speech, Rell asked Connecticut voters to always make sure their voices were heard in local and state government.

Rell said: "We have a job to do as citizens in this state, to get involved when things aren't going right, to stand up and be heard. I encourage you all to make sure that you stay apart of the local scene, as well as with what's going on in Hartford." 

Acknowledging himself as a Democrat, Bethel's First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker, thanked Rell for being a governor both parties could appreciate. He also read the town's proclamation for Rell's award and announced that May 14 would be "M. Jodi Rell Day" in Bethel.

"Throughout your long career in politics, I will always remember that you worked for everyone, even across the isle," Knickerbocker said.

Rell was also presented with a Bethel Christmas ornament that featured local business Blue Jay Orchards. 

Also during the evening, Bethel residents Lennon and Legnard were presented with the Denis Riordan Award and the John L. Thiele Service Award respectively. 

Cavagna spoke of Lennon's service on the town's planning and zoning commission.

"He looks at the town and asks 'how can we make this better?'" Cavagna said. "Your (John's) love for the town in apparent in everything you do."

After receiving the Riordan Award, Lennon said, "It's hard to go against the grain when something needs to be down for the good of Bethel...but it's very fun and very rewarding."

For Legnard, the evening was a family affair with her husband Bob acting as master of ceremonies and her son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Danielle, presenting her with the Thiele Service Award.

"This is a special award for a very special woman," Danielle said. "She has dedicated her life to her family, her life and her party."

Legnard, who has been Bethel's Republican voter registrar for 30 years, said she was very excited to receive her award and to celebrate it with her long time friend Rell.

To learn more about Bethel's Republican Town Committee, visit the organization's website at bethelrepublicans.org.