Oct. 11 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Oct. 11, 2024

Dear Bethel,

Charter Revision

The Charter Revision Commission met this week. The topics discussed included: eligibility of town employees to serve on certain boards/commissions, members of Board of Assessment Appeals to serve on additional boards/commissions, filling vacancies for the First Selectman and Selectmen, changing from a 2-year to 4-year term for Selectmen, and changing the membership on the Board of Selectmen from 3 to 5. The next meeting is Wednesday, November 13th at 7 pm in the Town Hall General Purpose Room. Learn more at https://bethel-ct.gov/2024-crc.

Election

Town leaders and Bethel Police participated in a call with State and Federal agencies this week regarding Elections Security. Our Town Clerk, Voter Registrars, and their staff are working hard to ensure every Bethel voter can trust the process and have their votes count. Remember, early voting is available in Town Hall Meeting Room A between October 21st and 31st and November 1st and 3rd. Hours are 10 am to 6 pm and are extended to 8 am to 8 pm on October 29th and October 31st. Look for our Election Day link at https://bethel-ct.gov/ or visit MyVote.CT.gov

Flood Mitigation

Bethel is not alone when dealing with increased flooding around town. The Joint Policy Committee from the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities met this week to discuss CCM’s recent report on flooding mitigation. The comprehensive study highlights the challenges we face addressing drainage related flooding in Bethel, including the lack of funding and the need for administrative help to manage grants. The study will support our recommendations to the Legislature in January.

Leaf Pickup

The Town of Bethel will begin curbside pickup of leaf bags Tuesday, October 15th. Residents can also bring bagged leaves to the transfer station at no cost from October 15th to December 6th. Please bring an ID to confirm your Bethel residency when you drop off your leaves. All leaves must be neatly bagged in paper bags. Please read the instructions and schedule for the “Leaf Pickup Fall 2024” at https://bethel-ct.gov/news

Downtown Banners

Showcase your business prominently in the heart of Downtown Bethel with an eye-catching lamppost banner on Greenwood Avenue. These high-quality banners are designed to attract attention and promote local businesses and chamber members effectively. Visit https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/shop/sponsorship/greenwood-avenue-lamppost-banners

Honor a veteran or member of the Armed Forces with a Hometown Heroes Banner. The 18” x 36” digitally printed double-sided vinyl banners will be placed on town owned lampposts on School Street in front of the Bethel Town Hall. Each banner will honor a specific Bethel service member. Visit www.bethelhometownheroes.org for info and the application or stop by the First Selectman’s Office in Town Hall or the American Legion Post 100.

Common Ground

Greenwood Features offers some really interesting movies with panel discussions. Check out “Common Ground” followed by a panel discussion with area farmers to discuss how “regenerative” farming systems are key to unlocking more (and healthier) food to feed America and the world. Saturday, October 19th at 6pm. Learn more and buy tickets at https://www.greenwoodfeatures.com/common-ground-with-local-farmer-speaking-panel.

Ice Cream Social at the BTC

The Bethel Teen Center will be hosting an Ice Cream Social/Open House on Friday, October 25th from 6:30 pm to 8 pm for kids between 7th and 12th grade that live in Bethel. 6th graders interested in visiting the Teen Center and Open Gym on the last Friday of each month are also welcome. Meet the staff, take a tour, and learn about the types of after school activities and special events we offer. Parents are welcome. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Teencenter@bethel-CT.gov.

Trick or Treat Street

Trick or Treat Street is coming back to Greenwood Ave. on Saturday, October 26th! Sponsored by the Bethel Chamber of Commerce, this event is a huge event between 1pm and 3pm and it culminates in a costume contest at 3pm at the Town Hall. If you are a business and want to participate, visit https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/trick-or-treat-street.

Shoutouts

Congratulations to Byrds Books and Alice Hutchinson for receiving the 2024 Arts Impact Life Award from the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut! Learn more about the award and the alliance’s Business Supports the Arts initiative at https://cawct.org/collaboration/business-supports-the-artss-breakfast/.

A huge shoutout to our Firefighters of the Year: Lt Lucas Wells from the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department and Nick Devita from Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Company! Thank you for all you do!

A shout out to Stew Leonard who signed on as a sponsor for the Folds of Honor Veterans Day 5k on November 10th! Word has it he may even send a cow for the event! Sponsors and participants visit www.foh.org/VeteransDay5k.

Congrats to Bethel Boys Soccer and Wildcat Football – Both still undefeated! Check out this Reel from the Football game against Pomperaug https://www.facebook.com/share/r/Hkdat7kaPvY9hSU3/

Town Hall is closed on Monday, October 14th.

Have a great weekend!
Dan