Nov. 1 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Nov. 1, 2024

Dear Bethel,

Fire Danger

Our fire danger level is "Extreme" and our Fire Marshal is urging residents to refrain from outdoor fires, including campfires, fire pits, and chimineas. The forecast for the next nine days shows no significant rainfall, which means the fire danger will remain High or Extreme. Even a small ember or spark can easily ignite dry leaves and lead to a rapidly spreading fire. There have been significant fires in Connecticut, including one that burned over 100 acres took the life of a Wethersfield firefighter.

Voting

As of yesterday, 4,252 residents have voted, representing over 31% of the registered voters in Bethel! Early voting is available tomorrow, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd in Town Hall Meeting Room A between 10 am and 6 pm. There is NO early voting on Monday November 4th. Polls are open from 6 am to 8 pm on election day, November 5th. You can find your designated polling location at our Election Day link at https://bethel-ct.gov/.

Heating Assistance Awareness

Bethel is partnering with Eversource during the fourth annual Heating Assistance Awareness Month this November to raise awareness of the many programs available to help pay or lower your heating bills and keep your home warm this winter. If you or someone you know is struggling to keep up with energy bills, now is the time to connect with Eversource to get assistance. Call 800-286-2828 or visit eversource.com/billhelp.

Friends of Bethel Parks & Rec

Announcing a new nonprofit: the Friends of Bethel Parks and Recreation! The group will support the Parks and Recreation Department through financial, volunteering, informational and practical assistance. You can learn more and become a member here: www.friendsofbethelpandr.org.

Office Hours

The next Office Hours is Wednesday, November 6th from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. This is a great time to stop by and share thoughts, concerns, or whatever is on your mind regarding Bethel. Of course, you can always make an appointment by calling 203-794-8540 or emailing firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov.

Get the Lead Out

As part of the “Let’s Get The Lead Out” campaign, the Bethel Water Department completed a mandatory inventory of water service lines. Unfortunately, the material makeup of many of the water service lines are still unknown. Please be on the lookout for a letter from the Bethel Water Department that might be addressed to “Current Resident” and help the department by following the instructions to self-evaluate your service line or contact the water department.

Veterans Community Drive

Veterans Community Drive: Beginning today through November 26th, the Bethel Women’s Club is collecting new clothing, accessories, and toiletries for veterans in need. Collection bins are located at Ace Hardware, Greenwood Physical Therapy, St Mary Church, Stony Hill Wine and Spirits, UK Gourmet, and the United Methodist Church.

Final Hazardous Waste Drop-Off

Tomorrow, November 2nd is our final Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day for the year at Brookfield High School. Check out what you can and can’t dispose of at https://hrra.org/household-hazardous-waste.

Legal and Financial Planning

RVNAhealth offers services to residents across Western Connecticut, including Bethel. They are hosting a free legal and financial planning session on Wednesday, November 6th at their Ridgefield location. Check out https://rvnahealth.org/calendar/ for more info on this and other opportunities.

BHS Theater Presents

The Bethel High School On Stage Players are performing “A Midsummer Nights Dream” on Friday, November 8th and Saturday, November 9th. For tickets, Visit https://www.bhstheaterboosters.com/

Veterans Day 2024

Don’t miss a special Veterans Day event on Sunday, November 10th. The day will kick off with a charity 5k race sponsored by Folds of Honor, followed by a “Veterans Village” on the Town Hall Lawn. Learn more at www.foh.org/VeteransDay5k

Town Hall will be closed on Monday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day. The 2024 Veterans Day ceremony will take place at the Bethel Veterans Monument in front of Town Hall at 10:45 am. It is a short ceremony, but a meaningful way to recognize our veterans.

Bethel Public Schools are closed on November 11th for Veteran’s Day. If you need a program for children (grades 2 and up), check out WorkspaceCT’s “No School Enrichment Day” with Pasta Making from 8:30 am to 3:30pm. Visit https://www.workspacect.org/event-details/no-school-enrichment-day-with-pasta-making-veterans-day.

Shoutouts

Congrats to Jack and Kat Drake for making this month’s cover of Bethel Living! And thank you for all you both do for our community!

A huge shoutout to Bethel Boys Soccer and their SWC Championship win! And a special congrats to Nick Freire, the SWC tourney MVP and Athlete of the week!

Good luck to 5-1 Wildcats Football tonight! The weather is fantastic and it’s senior night, so it’s a great time to come out and support the team!

Have a great weekend!

Dan