Aug. 9 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Aug. 9, 2024

Dear Bethel,

Showers and thunderstorms are expected tonight and into the morning as Post Tropical Cyclone Debby passes through region. The highest amounts of rain are predicted to occur in Western Connecticut and sustained winds from 12-25 mph with common gusts from 30-35 mph are predicted across the state. Eversource Electric will declare an ERP Level 5 today at 6 pm, indicating the potential for up to 125,000 customers without power and less than 3,000 tree-related damage locations on the system. Please stay tuned local media channels and use caution on the roads. If needed, town emergency management personnel will communicate through our alert system. You can sign up for alerts on the link at https://bethel-ct.gov/

We have had reports this week about a website that looks like the Town’s website but leads to a message bearing a Microsoft logo that states your computer has been compromised and locked for your protection, and you must call the number on your screen to be walked through the steps to fix it. Please make sure you use www.Bethel-CT.gov when looking for town information.

Historically the town has not taken down lawn signs that promote events for nonprofit entities, as so many nonprofits help our community. However, the town will remove signs that are advertising for businesses or political signs on town property, when we have the manpower. Please make sure to take down any lawn signs used to advertise an event after the event is over. If you are missing signs, contact Public Works, since we do not discard them.

Every year, more than 1,000 Connecticut children are impacted by lead poisoning, which can cause health and brain changes that may cause behavior problems, poor performance, and a risk of long-term, negative impacts. Lead-based paint and lead dust in pre-1978 homes are the largest contributors to childhood lead exposure in homes. The Governor announced the launch of Lead Free CT this week, with a key component being a lead abatement program that provides homeowners and landlords with the opportunity to make older homes lead-safe by removing lead paint hazards at no cost. Visit www.leadfreect.org to see of you qualify.

Bethel’s Food Scrap Program is a success and we are moving towards permanence! Bethel transfer station users positively responded to this new service and by the close of the 12 months, 12 tons of food waste will have been diverted. Residents save money on their waste disposal while also benefiting the environment and doing our part to address the state's waste crisis. Our Public Works department has done a great job managing grant funds, resulting in CT DEEP providing additional funding for scale repairs and upgrades to the POS system at the Transfer Station. We are now planning ahead to reduce/eliminate the transportation and disposal costs by creating processing capability within the municipality.

Nicky makes Mozz! Join our own Nicky Zooks at Bethel Organics and Specialty Market on Elizabeth St. tomorrow August 10th between 9 am and 5 pm for a fresh Mozzarella event complete with a free tasting! Enjoy Nicky’s line of homemade Focaciatta bread too.

P & Z public hearings: On Tuesday, August 13th at 7:00 pm at Town Hall in Conference Room D, the Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing for 268 Greenwood Ave. (Special permit to conduct a dog grooming business) The commission will also continue public hearings for 22 Stony Hill Rd. (construct new gas station/convenience store) and 165 Grassy Plain St. (an addition to the existing manufacturing warehouse.) Learn more at https://bethel-ct.gov/2024-public-hearing and https://bethel-ct.gov/2024-zoning.

On Wednesday, August 14th at 7:00 pm at Town Hall in the General Purpose Room, the Charter Revision Commission will hold a public hearing to hear comments regarding changes to the Bethel Town Charter. Our charter establishes our government's structure and the rules that govern elected and appointed officials, so this is an excellent opportunity to lean more and influence local government.

Don’t miss our final Food Truck Friday of the season on Friday, August 16th from 5 pm to 8 pm. The Steel Blues Band will be performing and our hunger will be satisfied by: The Artisan Food Trailer, Weenie Lynn’s, Brazilian BBQ Boys, Punchy’s Island Grill, Szabo’s Seafood, and Jesse’s Ice Cream Truck! Weather has been a challenge this year. Let’s hope for a great night! Please remember to-go options from our local restaurants and utilize the lot behind the town hall. Thank you Newtown Savings Bank and ELC Energy Solutions for sponsoring!

The Town of Bethel Summer Concert Series continues on Sundays in August on the Town Hall lawn from 6 pm to 8 pm. The lineup includes Reckless Rodeo on August 11th, the Kenn Morr Band on August 18th, and the Tom Duffy Band on August 25th. There are no food trucks on hand, so plan accordingly. In the event of inclement weather, call 203-794-8502 for cancellations.

Holbrook Farm has come back to life with Iron Hill at Holbrook Farm! Holbrook farm has been an icon in Bethel for the 40 years prior to John Holbrook’s passing in 2021. John is remembered for his love of the Bethel community, and of course, his chickens. It’s great to see a new farmer who has the same love that John had for farming and the people of Bethel. Ironically, our new Bethel farmer is named Jon! Stop by and check them out any day between 10 am to 6 pm at 45A Turkey Plain Rd. I hear their scones and bread are amazing too.

A huge shoutout to Bethel Social Service and volunteers for the Back-to-School program! 96 backpacks with school supplies were distributed! A special shoutout to ComNet Communications volunteers for your continued support of the program.

Have a great weekend!

Dan