Dec. 12 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

**News Release Submitted by Bethel First Selectman Carter**

Dec. 12, 2025

Dear Bethel,

Flex Lane

Traffic on Rt 6 in Bethel is a nightmare, especially when I-84 is backed up. CT DOT is proposing to install a “Flex Lane” along I-84 in Danbury between Interchanges 3 and 7 and will be meeting with town leadership in the next few weeks. The Flex Lane will operate the left shoulder in the westbound direction during the weekday morning peak period and the eastbound direction during the weekday afternoon peak period. Hopefully this will encourage drivers to stay on I-84, instead of travelling through Stony Hill. Construction starts in 2028. For more information about the flex lane, visit https://www.i84danbury.com/flexlane/.

Get the Lead Out

Bethel Water Department continues to inventory the water service material of all water services in our system to comply with the EPA Lead & Copper Rule Revisions. Many water services are still noted as "Unknown" and letters are being sent to the Current Resident at those locations. Please be on the lookout for a letter indicating "Important Lead Information" and assist in this effort by following the instructions to self-evaluate the service line or contact the Water Department at no cost to come out and inspect and verify the service line material.

Snow Sunday AM

A shortwave / clipper system will drop in from the Great Lakes early Sunday morning bringing a few inches of snow to our area. Our weather guru says snow starts at 1 am Sunday, the highest hourly snowfall rates will be around 6 am and snow should clear the area by 8 am. Please remember to remove vehicles, garbage cans, basketball hoops, or anything else from your street that could interfere with snow removal. The Town is not responsible for any damage occurring to these items if not addressed prior to snow removal.

This Weekend

Don’t miss the annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa hosted by our Bethel Winter Guard tomorrow, December 13th from 8:30 am to 10:30 am at the Stony Hill Fire Department. $15 per person, Kids under 2 free. For info, tickets, and donations, visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/pancake-breakfast-with-santa-5.

Do a little less baking this year. St. Thomas’ Church 29th Annual Cookie Sale is back tomorrow from 9:30 am to 12 pm. Homemade cookies and Fudge for $10.00 per pound!

Don’t miss the Plumtrees School Association Annual Holiday Party and sing-a-long tomorrow from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Plumtree School. Enjoy music by Billy Michael and Santa Claus will make a special appearance! Contact Shani Burke Specht with questions at shaniburkespecht@hotmail.com or 203-501-7594.

State Rep Raghib Allie-Brennan, Bethel Chamber of Commerce, and Bethel Economic Development are sponsoring a Fresh Start Job Fair at Michael’s Tap Room tomorrow from 11 am to 3 pm. Explore job openings, training programs, and more.

Don’t miss the Bethel Big Band Holiday Show on Sunday, December 14th at 3:30 pm at Greenwood Features. This concert will feature members of the Bethel music community, teachers, alumni, and students performing classic and contemporary holiday jazz selections. The Vocal Jazz students and with the Bethel Big Band have been preparing collaboratively and are excited to showcase their talents! It is a wonderful opportunity for us to bring students, families, and community members together to celebrate the season and highlight the strength of the arts in Bethel. For tickets, visit https://www.greenwoodfeatures.com/upcoming-events/.

Chamber Events

Looking to network for your business? The Chamber of Commerce’s next Connect for Success Networking Meeting is at Uncle Leos on Tuesday, December 16th from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. You can also join the Bethel Chamber of Commerce for appetizers and drinks at their Holiday Party on December 16th from 4 pm to 7 pm at Whitlock’s Restaurant. $25 for guests and non-members which includes 1 free drink ticket and appetizers. For tickets, visit https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/event/bethel-chambers-holiday-party or email BethelChamberCT@gmail.com.

Cheesecake Fundraiser

Regional Hospice Cheesecakes are back! Support Regional Hospice by purchasing one of their homemade 10-inch cheesecakes that serve 6-10 people. Choose from plain ($25), lemon ($30) or strawberry ($30). Order by emailing info@regionalhospicect.org by Thursday, December 18th for pick up at Regional Hospice in Danbury (30 Milestone Road) on December 22nd-24th. They will confirm your order! Payment of cash, check or credit card is accepted at pick up.

Blue Christmas Services

The holiday season can be difficult for many and you might be looking for the right opportunity to connect with others. Consider checking out a Blue Christmas Service where there is an understanding that not everything is always Merry and Bright during the holiday season. First Congregational Church of Bethel - Wednesday, December 17th at 7 pm, St. Thomas’ Church - Saturday, December 20th at 4pm, and Bethel United Methodist Church on Friday, December 19th at 7 pm.

Santa Con

The Bethel Santa Con is on Sunday, December 21st! Dress in favorite Santa attire enjoy the stroll: 12pm at Shakedown Street Eats, 1 pm at Portofinos, 2 pm at la Zingara, 3 pm at Broken Symmetry, 4 pm at Putnam House, and 5 pm at Notch 8. Each restaurant will offer a special that benefits Brotherhood in Action! Please Santa responsibly!

Tree Pickup

Mark your calendar for The Bethel Naval JROTC annual Christmas Tree Pickup on Saturday, January 10th from 9 am to 12 pm (Rain/Snow Day Sunday, January 11th from 12 pm to 3 pm) This is an excellent opportunity help the Bethel NJROTC Boosters fund educational programs for the cadets. Learn more at https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML52FGG11FQAZ/checkout/YUM6U7U5VVSEOYXQ2IWQKCFV?src=webqr

Shoutouts

A shoutout to Brady Fitzgerald, senior captain on the boys soccer team, for being named All New England! This is Brady’s 2nd All New England. Way to go!

Congrats to Bethel’s own Anthony Rizzo Jr. on receiving the Cecil J. Previdi Award! Learn more about the award and past recipients at https://www.danburychamber.com/previdi-award/

Thank you to Bethel Public Utilities and Public Works for your quick reaction and repair to the sewer line break at Town Hall this week! Thanks to you Town Hall remained open!

Have a great weekend!
Dan