Nov. 8 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Nov. 8, 2024

Dear Bethel,

Election Results

Election results for Bethel are posted on the town website at https://bethel-ct.gov/election-results. If you would like results statewide, visit the CT Secretary of State Election Management System. Bethel’s representation in the State Legislature, US Congress, and US Senate did not change. To find out who your legislators are, visit https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp or type “Find my legislator CT” in your search engine.

A couple items were left behind by people coming into vote. (reading glasses, a magnifying glass, and a wallet without an ID). Visit the First Selectman office in town Hall.

Bethel Keeps AAA Rating

The Town of Bethel has been preparing to refinance $27.2 million of our long-term debt, which would create a substantial savings to the town. As part of that process, our credit worthiness was reviewed by S&P Global and Bethel has retained the highest rating of “AAA.” The rating is a result of our continued commitment to conservative budgeting, proactive financial planning, and sound management practices.

Bethel Water Customers

Bethel Water Customers: Be on the lookout for those letters addressed to "Current Resident" that were mailed out this week. Please review this important information regarding lead service lines and assist us in verifying water service materials by following the instructions to self-evaluate your service line or call the Water Department for assistance.

BEF Community Grants

The Bethel Education Foundation’s mission is to promote innovation, creativity, and excellence in learning. They offer grants to Bethel nonprofit organizations for projects that fulfill that mission. They have earmarked $2,000 for community grants for new projects this year, but if the organization can make a case for more, give it a try! The application deadline December 6th, so visit https://www.betheledfoundation.org/apply-for-a-grant.html.

FEMA Assistance Deadline

The deadline to apply for assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration is Tuesday, November 19, 2024. Visit the Disaster Recovery Center at Southbury Town Hall (501 Main Street, Southbury) Monday through Friday from 8:00 am. to 6:00 pm or next Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Assistance is available via the FEMA mobile app, online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

Veterans Day Events

Working on Veterans Day? Come celebrate Veterans Day on Sunday, November 10th at 8:30 am on the Town Hall lawn with the Folds of Honor 5k Race, followed by vendors and music by Gorja. Since 2007, Folds of Honor has provided life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military and first responders. 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 Senior Center

The Bethel Senior Center is offering Flu and Covid vaccines on Friday, November 15th from 9 am to 11 am. No appointment necessary and it’s open to the public.

The senior center is also hosting the annual Holiday Shoppe from 9 am to 11am on Friday, November 15th and Saturday, November 16th from 9 am 3 pm. Enjoy White Elephant, Baked Goods, Crafts, Jewelry, Quilt Raffle, Refreshments, and Private Vendors.

USA Boxing in Bethel

The Greek is hosting a first time ever event, “The Battle at Bethel!” See this USA Boxing sanctioned event between Athens Greece and CT-USA at the Bethel High School Gym on Saturday, November 16th. Doors open at 5 pm with the first bout at 6 pm. Tickets are $25 at the door or $20 presale at The Greek in PT Barnum Sq. (Under 12 free). Call 516-838-0531. Visit https://usaboxing.webpoint.us/wp15/Events2/ViewEvt.wp?EventID=242845 for additional details.

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service

Mark your calendars for an Ecumenical Thanksgiving service in Bethel on Sunday, November 24th at 4 pm at Bethel United Methodist Church. This is a service for everyone in our community and the theme is "United in Gratitude!" The event is co-sponsored by Bethel UMC, St. Thomas Episcopal, and The First Congregational Church of Bethel, and the United Church of Christ. Non-perishable food items for the local food pantry are welcome!

Winterfest

Winterfest 2024 is right around the corner! The Bethel Chamber continues the tradition on Friday, November 29th from 2 pm to 7 pm. Enjoy shopping, music, food, and horse drawn wagon rides downtown. The event culminates on the Town Hall lawn with a performance by the Bethel High School Chorus, the Tree Lighting, and the arrival of Santa! Check out https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/winterfest for the schedule and sponsor opportunities.

Shoutouts

Way to go Bethel Public Schools! The State Department of education released the 2023-2024 Accountability Results. Bethel had an overall ranking of 83.3, higher that the state average of 70.8. Bethel is also tied for number 1 among 24 schools used for comparison based on the socioeconomic status of students. The results indicate how well a school is preparing its students for success in college, careers and life. Congrats!

A shoutout Go Baby Go for your successful build! Bethel students, in a partnership with CCSU, rewire and retrofit toy cars to give children with mobility disabilities a chance to play and socialize with their peers. To date they have fitted a total of 19 cars at BHS which is the most a single high school has done in partnership with CCSU! If you want to learn how to support the effort, email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov.

Good luck to Bethel Boys Soccer today in the State Quarterfinal against Pomperaug!

Have a great weekend!

Dan