Nov. 22 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Nov. 22, 2024

Dear Bethel,

Stony Hill Preserve

The Town has been in contact with Stony Hill Preserve and UCONN about acquiring the Stony Hill Preserve property on Stony Hill Rd. The 11 acre property would have restrictions for charitable uses related to agriculture and be protected from development. In addition to protecting the property, there would be an opportunity to partner with UCONN in a way that benefits folks from all across Western Connecticut. Stay tuned for more info.

Transfer Station Fees

The Board of Selectmen set a public hearing for Tuesday, December 3rd at 6:30 pm in Town Hall Meeting Room A to discuss changes to the Transfer Station fee schedule. The transfer station will have an additional scale installed by spring for food scraps which will allow us to charge $0.10 per pound vs $1.00 per container. For most residents this will mean a slight savings. The charge for bulky items, such as tables, chairs, end tables, bed frames, desks, dressers, and carpet will also be raised from $0.25 to $0.30 per pound.

Office Hours

Questions or concerns about town issues? Stop by Office Hours on Monday, November 25th from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. A common question: what if multiple residents show up? We usually have everyone together and discuss the issues one by one. You can also make appointments at firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov or 203-794-8540.

P&Z Public Hearing

The Planning & Zoning Commission continues a public hearing 9 Putnam Park Road (6 units of 8-30g Affordable Housing) on Tuesday, November 26th. Learn more at https://bethel-ct.gov/2024-zoning.

Friends of Bethel Parks and Rec

The Friends of Bethel Parks and Recreation held their first annual meeting this week. One of their primary goals is to promote and improve our parks, playgrounds, recreational facilities, and recreational programs that are managed by the Bethel Parks and Recreation Department. Learn more about this new community group at www.friendsofbethelpandr.org.

Camping for Cans

I95’s Camping for Cans is back! Beginning at 6 am today, November 22nd through this Sunday at 1 pm, I95 will be broadcasting from BJ’s parking lot in Brookfield. You can stop by and meet some of your favorite local celebs and support Hillside Food Outreach, one of the food pantries that serves Bethel residents. Online donations or non-perishable food items are appreciated. Visit www.hillsidefoodoutreach.org to donate or stop by BJs!

Friends & Neighbors of Putnam Park

The Friends & Neighbors of Putnam Memorial State Park are hosting their annual meeting at the Mark Twain Library in Redding at 2 pm this Sunday, November 24th. The event is free and open to all, although donations are always appreciated. Enjoy light refreshments and a presentation from Richard Franklin Donohue who will discuss a collection of “New Songs” and Hymns published in Connecticut during the American Revolution. Learn more about FANS and Putnam Park at https://www.putnampark.org/friends-neighbors.

Help Veterans

Veterans Community Drive Continues: Tuesday November 26th is the final day of the Bethel Women’s Club’s collection of 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.

Turkey Trot

After putting your bird in the oven, start the Thanksgiving holiday weekend at the Bethel Turkey Trot, presented by Steep Endurance and Ingersoll Auto of Danbury. Runners, walkers, and watchers gather at on the Town Hall lawn on Thanksgiving morning, November 28th. The 5k run/walk kicks off at 8 am and proceeds benefit the Bethel Park and Recreation Department and Ability Beyond. For registration, the route, and to info our fantastic sponsors, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Bethel/BethelTurkeyTrot

Winterfest (Closing School Street)

Having family in for Thanksgiving? Share the Bethel Winterfest tradition next Friday, November 29th from 2 pm to 7 pm. Enjoy shopping, music, food, and horse drawn wagon rides downtown. Our amazing Bethel High School Chorus performs on the Town Hall lawn from 5 pm to 5:30pm, followed by the Tree Lighting and the arrival of Santa. School Street will be closed to thru traffic and parking, so the additional entrance across from CVS to the lot behind Town Hall will be open. Check out the Winterfest schedule at https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/winterfest.

Additional Winterfest exclusives from the Bethel Chamber: Stop by The Friends of The Bethel Public Library annual Holiday Sale from 10 am to 2 pm. Visit UK Gourmet in Stony Hill and get a FREE UK Gourmet Canvas Tote Bag with every $50 in store purchase, while they last. Get free Advanced Reader Copies from Byrd’s Books with any purchase. Build your own charm bracelet/necklace at Pink Lemon and receive a gift with purchase of $50 or more. Join the Giggling Pig at Greenwood Features for a 90 minute guided paint class at 1 pm where kids take home a Moana inspired canvas masterpiece, followed by a showing of Moana at 3 pm.

Small Business Saturday

If you are in a Turkey Coma on Friday, don’t despair! You can support many downtown businesses on Small Business Saturday, November, 30th! This is a huge day for many small businesses in Bethel and a great day to walk-off the holiday dinner!

Shoutouts

Congrats to the Bethel Public Schools Team for their performance in the 1st Lego League Challenge Robotics Competition. They earned 3rd place for the overall and a Special Award for Core Values! They will go on to the state competition!

A shoutout to the Bethel PD and your “Beards for Scotty 2024” campaign! We are hoping you make your 5K goal and keep your beards through December! Visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-scotty-fund-keep-our-beards-growing.

A huge shoutout to the Bethel Knights of Columbus who donated over 200 coats to Bethel Social Services last year! They are working hard to do it again! Visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-coats-for-kids-in-need-this-winter.

Have a great weekend,
Dan