Feb. 16 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Feb. 16, 2024

Dear Bethel,

The budget presentation by the Board of Education to the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance is rescheduled to Tuesday, February 20th at Town Hall in Meeting Room A at 7 pm. The Board of Selectmen will begin deliberations after the presentation and likely continue on Thursday, February 22nd after a special town meeting. Comments on the budget for FY 24 - 25 can be sent to: budget@bethel-ct.gov.

The special town meeting to discuss adding an additional early voting location for the Presidential Primary in April is rescheduled to Thursday, February 22nd at 6 pm in Town Hall, Meeting Room A. Last year a new law established 4 days of early voting for presidential primaries, excluding holidays and Easter in 2024. Bethel’s main early voting location on April 2nd for the Presidential Primary will be Town Hall, Meeting Room A.

A representative of the Bethel Patriotic Association visited Town Hall this week to begin planning for the Memorial Day Parade in May. If you are a member of a group in town who would be interested in marching in May, reach out to firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov. More info will be available as we get closer to May.

Fostering a sense of community and connection in Bethel has been a priority over the last year. We are now hearing more from our leaders at the state and federal level about an epidemic of loneliness affecting our friends and neighbors. Last week the Governor announced the launch of a social connection campaign that combats loneliness through prioritized funding and partnerships with agencies, nonprofits, federal programs, and municipalities. Any ideas that help Bethel residents are welcome!

The next office hours is on Tuesday February, 20th from 6 pm to 7 pm at Town Hall in the First Selectman office.

Now that we are well in to 2024, it’s time to take a look at what is happening in town government. All the Bethel board and commission meetings are on the town meeting calendar: https://bethel-ct.gov/meeting-calendar. Also check out meeting agendas, minutes and recordings: https://bethel-ct.gov/meetings. Stay in the know!

February 20th, 2024 is the last day to appeal your property assessment to the Board of Assessment Appeals. The application form is available at the Assessor’s office in Town hall, or online. Look for the “Assessor” under the “Departments” tab on the town website. Click on “downloadable forms.

Do you have a women-owned small businesses in Connecticut? The Ignite Grant, sponsored by the Women’s Business Development Council, awards cash grants between $2,500 and $10,000 to qualified women-owned small businesses in Connecticut for clearly defined projects that will have a measurable impact on the business, its growth and profitability. The next information session is scheduled for February 21st. Learn more at https://ctwbdc.ecenterdirect.com/

Looking for a fun night to “Paint the Town?” The Bethel Education Foundation is hosting their annual benefit for our schools on Saturday, March 2nd. If you ever made it to a BEF Gala, you know they do a great fundraiser, so put on the fancy cloths and party for a good cause! The last day for ticket sales is February, 22nd. For tickets and info visit: https://event.auctria.com/cca1b77a-290f-4a58-8d13-ce8161d99fca/ (If you can’t make it, visit the link and donate at the bottom of the page. Don’t read the page, as you will be really upset about missing it!)

Bethel Restaurant Week is February 26th to March 3rd and is sponsored by Bethel Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Economic Development. Participating restaurants will be offering three-course lunch and dinner priced-fixed menus, with some venues offering popular dishes alongside some unique creations. Participants so far include Armandos; Sycamore Drive-In; Daily Fare; Edison Kitchen; Community Shellfish; Portofino; Bora Restaurant; Dragonfly; Putnam House; La Zingara; Broken Symmetry; Vesta; Notch 8; Fat Tony’s Deli & Pizzeria; and Shakedown Street Eats. Visit the Chamber’s website for menus and more. https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/chamber-events

Congrats to the SWC Champions BHS Boys Soccer Team!

Shoutout to Bethel High School Kindness Club and the Kindness Award winners: Julia Taborsak. Juliana Hertzog, and Simar Soni! Thank you for all you do!

A big shoutout to the students and teachers at Rockwell Elementary for their well-organized Career Day!

Town hall Closed on Monday, February 19th in observance of Presidents Day.

Have a great weekend!

Dan