11/08/2023
Message from the First Selectman
Dear Bethel,
Thank you to the residents and breweries who attended the Bethel Beer Fest last week! It’s important to note that all the ticket sales will support Bethel Education Foundation grants for our schools and Chamber of Commerce community programs.
The Town of Bethel Citizens Alert phone/text/email messaging service has a new caller ID. The new number is 203-904-2509. Please update your contacts to be sure to know when we are calling with important emergency information! This new number allows for an audio bulletin board so you can dial this number if you miss the call to hear the message. Messages are generally kept for 24 hours after they are sent. If you are not signed up to receive alerts? Go to https://member.everbridge.net/index/1332612387832221/ #/signup OR www.bethel-ct.gov and scroll to the bottom of the screen and click on “Sign Up for Emergency Alerts”.
We have had some questions regarding street sweeping. We are required by DEEP to sweep all our roads yearly. Some areas like downtown get swept several times a year. There is no set schedule of roads so the Highway crew will work in one area for two weeks and move to another area of town repeating this through the season.
Governor Lamont announced a $4.5 million grant this week that will be awarded to the Town of Bethel if the Diamond Ave project is approved downtown. The grant doesn’t affect the approval process, but it would allow the town to improve infrastructure, such as Greenwood Ave or the area around the train station, and lighten the cost burden on Bethel residents. If the project isn’t approved, Bethel will not receive the grant. Stay informed of the Planning and Zoning approval process at https://www.bethel-ct.gov/agendas-minutes
Tomorrow, August 12th is the “soft launch of our Food Scrap program at the Bethel Transfer Station. If you are interested in participating, let the folks at the transfer station know and they will provide you a black countertop basket and 2 rolls of bio bags for free. You can use your own 5-gallon bucket or you can purchase a large bucket for $20 and a punch card will be given for 10 free disposals. Every time you empty a bucket, it’s $1.00. Diverting food waste from your garbage will save you money and help the environment. Expect more information over the coming weeks and visit https://hrra.org/organics-food-scraps-bethel/
On the Town Hall lawn this weekend: Tomorrow, August 12th you can join the Bethel Drum Circle on from 3 pm to 4:30 pm. This is a first time event and is sponsored by Bethel Arts. It’s a free community event, so bring an instrument or something to create a rhythm! The J&B Band performs on Sunday, August 13th from 6 pm to 8 pm. The forecast looks good for this weekend, but call the information line at 203-794-8502 if weather is in the area.
I will have office hours on Wednesday, August 16th from 6 pm to 7 pm at Town Hall in the First Selectman office. Office hours is an informal opportunity to stop in an ask questions and express concerns.
The final Food Truck Friday of the summer will be on August 18th. “Boondocks” will be playing and Szabo, We**ie Lynn’s, Fork in the Road, The Coop, Notch 8, and Polar Sweets will be on hand. Don’t forget that downtown restaurants have to go options and please remember to park behind the Town Hall. Thanks to Newtown Savings for your support of the event. Call information line at 203-794-8502 if there is a threat of inclement weather. Weather decisions made by noon.
Attention Minion fans, the rescheduled Park and Rec movie night is Friday, August 25th at 8 pm on the Town Hall lawn. Come see a special showing of “Minions: Rise of Gru” for Bethel residents only. Admission is free.
Speaking of our charter, are you familiar with how municipal government works and are looking for a project that helps our town? The last charter revision was never implemented due to the pandemic. If you have municipal experience and are interested in serving on the next charter commission over the next year, please reach out to [email protected].
A huge shoutout to K9 Bishop and congratulations on your retirement! We are so grateful for your distinguished service to Bethel over the past 11 years. We appreciate your help keeping drugs off our streets and locating so many missing people and suspects. We wish you lots of lazy days with your favorite toys and we are certain you will find things to do in retirement with Sergeant Cleary and your family!
Have a great weekend!
Dan
Separating organic materials from the trash should be thought of as a resource, not a waste. In Connecticut, food scraps make up about one of every five pounds of garbage, according to a 2015 study published by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. More food reaches landfills....
