Dec. 19 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Dec. 19, 2025

Dear Bethel,

Transfer Station Fees

The Board of Selectmen approved a fee increase for accepting couches at the transfer station from $25 - $35 per item to $25 - $50 per item. As an example, under the new fee the disposal of a love seat would cost $25 and a sleeper sofa would be $50.

Public Site & Building

The Board of Selectmen received an update this week from the Public Site and Building Commission regarding the projects they are working on. PS&BC are currently working on 5 projects that were assigned by the Board of Selectmen: The HVAC Upgrades and roof replacement at Bethel High School, the Highway Garage roof replacement, replacing the Bethel Animal Shelter, and renovating the Town Hall locker rooms. These are all long projects. Learn more at https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-psbc.

Town Planner Needed

Bethel has a few career opportunities posted and a few more due to be posted soon. If you know someone who has a degree in city and regional planning, urban planning, or other planning field, please let them know we are looking for a Director of Planning and Zoning. For career opportunities with the town, please visit https://bethel-ct.gov/Employment. The Town of Bethel is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

DOT Construction

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that there will be no inspection, maintenance, or construction activities on major highways over the 2025 winter holidays from 6 am Wednesday, December 24th to 6 am on Friday, December 26th and 6 am Tuesday, December 30th to 6 am Friday, January 2nd. Only work of an emergency nature will be considered.

FLU!

The Bethel Health Department is recommending the perfect gift this Christmas, a flu shot! Seriously, flu cases are surging over last year and we are seeing the effects locally. If you are choosing not to get a flu shot, please wash your hands often and clean surfaces regularly. If you are sick, stay home and consider a mask if you have respiratory symptoms. Most of all, avoid the elderly, very young, or those who have weak immune systems. Avoid Santa too – he is over 1700 years old and could be a super spreader.

Town Hall Renovations

The Public Works department in Town Hall is undergoing renovations through Tuesday, December 30th. The staff will be available by phone and documents can be left in the building department.

Drum Circle

The Seasonal Drum Circle will be held tomorrow, December 20th from 3 pm to 4:30 pm at the Town Hall in honor of the Winter Solstice. It’s a holiday pause moment to connect, drum & de-stress in community. No drumming experience required and all ages are welcome. There are percussion instruments available to borrow and you are welcome to bring your own. A $5 is recommended to cover the cost of the facility. Come drum in rhythm with your neighbor for some holiday cheer!

BPL Winter Break Events

The Bethel Public Library has some exciting children and teen events planned for Winter Break! On Monday, December 29th at 6 pm, teens in grades 6-12 will be learning how to make delicious calzones in Crash Course Cooking. On Tuesday, December 30th at 5 pm kids in grades 2-5 will make chocolate croissant bites in the Food Explorers program. On Friday, January 2nd, teens can start the new year off at new heights with a Flight Simulator event at 2:30 pm, while kids in grades K-5 will travel back to the past for the Jurassic Classroom event at 2 pm. Learn more and sign up at https://www.bethellibrary.org/events/.

Feeling Blue

The holiday season can be difficult for many and you might be looking for the right opportunity to connect with others. You may want to attend a service where there is an understanding that not everything is always Merry and Bright for you this holiday season, such as a Blue Christmas Service at Bethel United Methodist Church on tonight, December 19th at 7 pm or St. Thomas’ Church - tomorrow, December 20th at 4pm. Walnut Hill offers “The Gift of Peace” on Wednesday, December 24th from 9 am to 10 am in the Chapel. If you or a loved one needs emotional support, you can dial 988.

Bethel Business Spotlight

Shoutout to the Bethel Business Spotlight for putting the spotlight on the businesses that shape the
Bethel, CT community! Check out the latest spotlight, Hull Graphic Design, at https://www.facebook.com/people/Bethel-Business-Spotlights/61581045707197/

Bethel Santa Con

Use caution for Santas in downtown Bethel this Sunday, December 21st! Santa Con participants will be downtown at 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!

Shoutouts

Thank you to the Highway crews and first responders who were on top of the tree issues in town. With the temps dropping and wind blowing, we are grateful you ate out there!

A big shoutout to the Bethel Vocal Jazz “Mistletones” for your performance with the Bethel Big Band last Sunday! What a great holiday kickoff from both groups!

A shoutout to our own Amanda Martinez in P&Z for this year’s Elf on Shelf! You definitely brightened our spirits in Town Hall departments!

Congrats Lady Wildcats with 40-20 win over Wilton yesterday! They are 2-1 and taking on Wolcott at home on Tuesday, December 23rd at 6 pm. Good luck!

Way to go boys basketball with the opening season win over Brookfield! 66 to 38 is impressive! Go Wildcats! (Calling their First Selectman to gloat.)

Town Hall Holiday Hours

The Town Hall will be closed on Monday, December 22nd from 12 pm to 1:30 pm.

Town Hall closes at 12 pm on Wednesday, December 24th and will be closed on Friday, December 26th.

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season!

Have a great weekend!

Dan