Nov. 29 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Nov. 29, 2024

Dear Bethel,

Budget

Budget reviews for the first quarter were completed with all of the town departments in October and we are in good shape. We are still working to mitigate the enormous increase in electric delivery rates, but with the savings this year from our bond refinance and staying on top of expenses will go a long way. With that said, December brings the beginning of the next budget cycle. Stay tuned for updates.

Serving on Boards and Commissions

Appointed boards and commissions are a great way to support our community. Check out the various commissions, vacancies, and expirations at https://bethel-ct.gov/boards. If you have an interest in serving on a board or commission, or an interest in running for elected office, please use the following contact information based on party affiliation: Democrats email BethelCTDemocrats@gmail.com, Registered Independents message at https://www.facebook.com/BethelITC/, Republicans email Paul.Improta@theinsurancectr.com, unaffiliated email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov.

Transfer Station

There will be a public hearing on Tuesday, December 3rd at 6:30 pm in Town Hall Meeting Room A to discuss changes to the Transfer Station fee schedule. The charge for bulky items, such as tables, chairs, end tables, bed frames, desks, dressers, and carpet will be raised from $0.25 to $0.30 per pound. In the spring, the food scraps fee will change to $0.10 per pound vs $1.00 per container. For most residents this will mean a slight savings.

Parks and Recreation Winter Flyer

The Parks and Recreation Winter Flyer is out! Registration begins on Thursday, December 5th. Check out all the programs available at the Winter Flyer link on the middle of the page at https://bethelct.myrec.com

Carbon Monoxide

Have you checked your carbon monoxide detector lately? About 1,500 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year, including around 50 children. While deaths can happen at any time during the year, the cold weather is upon us and we are beginning to heat our homes. Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in a central location outside each sleeping area. Test them monthly, along with smoke alarms. Learn more at the https://portal.ct.gov/dph/environmental-health/environmental-and-occupational-health-assessment/carbon-monoxide.

Bethel Fire & EMS Tree Sale

The Bethel Fire and EMS Christmas Tree Sale started today at 8 am. $50 for any size tree and support our first responders! The sale runs 8 am to 8 pm today and all weekend. And don’t forget to checkout the Bethel Fire Museum. This is also a great opportunity to learn about becoming a volunteer!

Make A Difference. Shop Local.

Shopping local not only gives Bethel businesses a boost, but it can often make or break a small business. If you are starting your Christmas shopping this weekend, please start right here in Bethel. We have lot’s of great shops around town, so please help out on Small Business Saturday with a trip downtown or to Stony Hill. Check out the gift guide by the folks at the Bethel Grapevine for local ideas. You can also visit the Bethel Chamber of Commerce directory.

98Q’s 14th Annual Bags & Bears

Local kids in foster care can really use our help. There is an urgent need for gift cards to any store and for any denomination, as well as new baby bottles, binkies, baby wipes and diapers. New items including unwrapped toys, backpacks, stuffed animals, books, baby toys & clothes are also needed. Stop by the food court in the Danbury Mall next Saturday, December 7th between 10 am and 3 pm where Rich Minor will be broadcasting live and accepting donations for Bags & Bears. If you can’t get there, please stop by Byrd’s Books or the Toy Room in Bethel on or before December 6th. Donations are also accepted at Bethel Social Services in Town Hall.

Pop-Up Holiday Art

Bethel Arts and La Zingara are hosting a Pop-Up Holiday Art Market at La Zingara on Sunday, December 8th from 4 pm to 7 pm. In addition to lots of great items created by local artists, you can get your one-of-a-kind Bethel ornament for $20, while they last. Preorder ornaments are available from Jeffery Padua on Venmo at @bethelartsct.

Giving

As we enter the season of giving, we all become more aware of those in need. Don’t’ forget your favorite charities on Giving Tuesday, December 3rd. If you are looking for resources or are looking for ways to support others in need, contact Bethel Social Services at 203-794-8537 or visit https://bethel-ct.gov/social-services.

Shoutouts

A shoutout to everyone who is attending Winterfest today and all those who made it possible. Winterfest culminates tonight with the BHS Choir on the Town Hall Lawn at 5 pm. The tree lighting takes place at 5:30 pm followed by Santa. As for the horse and carriage, the Bethel Chamber advised that something fell through, so it will be replaced by a ride in a Fire Truck!

Thanks to our Public Works folks for the installing the poll on the middle of the Town Hall lawn. For those who celebrate Festivus, despite it’s very high strength-to-weight ratio, it’s purpose is to provide some extra light for safety and it is removable. Never the less, an early “Happy Festivus” to you who celebrate!

Good Luck to our Champion Bethel Winter Guard who are kicking off the 2024-25 season soon! The Winter Guard combines the physical demands of an athletic event with entertainment and creativity. Participants develop teamwork, learn sportsmanship, and entertain through the performance art of color guard. Best of all, “no one sits on the bench!” Given their propensity for hard work, they will certainly achieve their goal to make it back to the world championships in Dayton, OH in April. They will also need help from the community to afford the trip. Please learn more about this amazing program at www.bethelwinterguardct.com.

Have a great weekend!
Dan