June 14 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

June 14, 2024

Dear Bethel,

Bethel, along with other municipalities across the state, participated in an exercise this week to test our ability to respond to a series of election related threats. Sponsored by the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security, representatives from many of our departments demonstrated our capability to respond to election day disruptions and improved our ability to communicate. Thanks to all our town employees who supported this initiative!

Question 1 of 5: Last March a small group of citizens and stakeholders from all over the community gathered at Town Hall for World Café style workshop with the goal to help Town leadership to define our priorities. The group explored 5 questions. The first question: “What is working well in Bethel?” The answers indicated three themes: We have a great downtown with mostly mom and pop shops, music and arts, events, food trucks, festivals, and walkable with historic charm, we have a Bethel pride community, and we have good schools, including the educational park. What do you think is working well in Bethel? Email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov. Stay tuned next week for question 2.

From the Town Clerk: don’t forget that June is Dog License month! Dogs require a license at 6 months of age. Those with current licenses should have received a renewal application in the mail. New applications must be completed at the Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall. We are told the state is working on an online permit. For now, visit https://bethel-ct.gov/depts-clerk for information and the Town Clerk for the license.

With very hot and humid temperatures expected next week, the Governor has activated Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol effective at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, June 18th and remaining in effect through 12:00 pm on Sunday, June 23rd. The Bethel Senior Center and Library are traditionally our town cooling centers. Stay tuned for information on our website, social media, and emergency phone notification system. Even without an emergency protocol, keep in mind town buildings, including the library, are safe choices.

Contracts for sidewalk projects along Wooster St. and Durant Ave have been approved. We are expecting construction to begin in the next two weeks!

From the Highway Department: Over the next two weeks we are repairing the storm water drainage on sections of Vail Rd to prepare for paving. Expect closures and detours set up using Ridge Rd, Long Hill Rd and Meadow La as a traffic workaround.

Don’t miss the annual “Giant Tag Sale” at the First Congregational Church, Tomorrow, Saturday, June 15th from 9 am to 3 pm! Learn more at www.firstchurchbethel.org.

Bethel Arts, in cooperation with Make Music Day Global, is hosting the first “Make Music Day Bethel” on Friday, June 21st, 2024 from 11 am to 11 pm! As part of the world’s largest annual music event, local musicians will play short sets in public spaces around town and in selected restaurants and businesses. Everyone is invited to sing along and enjoy the first day of summer! There are currently 26 artists signed up, including our Food Truck Friday band, Sugar Death Whistle. Visit https://www.makemusicday.org/bethel/listings/artists for artists and locations!

Our next Food Truck Friday is Friday, June 21st from 5 pm to 8 pm. Our culinary experts: The Artisan Food Trailer, Weenie Lynn’s, Brazilian BBQ Boys, Punchy’s Island Grill, Szabo’s Seafood, Jesse’s Ice Cream Truck, and T’s Italian Ice! And don’t forget our local restaurants and their to-go options. Sidewalk chalk, cornhole, and a bubble machine are on hand to complete that summer experience! Town will be busy, so don’t forget to use the parking lot behind the Town Hall! Thank you Newtown Savings Bank and ELC Energy Solutions for sponsoring!

Our next Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day for Bethel residents is at Bethel High School on Saturday, June 22nd. It is super easy and they remove the items from your car for you. Check out what you can and can’t dispose of at https://hrra.org/household-hazardous-waste.

Bethel’s Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk takes place on Sunday, June 23rd at 8:30am at the Bethel High School Football Field. This year’s run honors TFC Aaron Pelletier #536 of the Connecticut State Police. Fore more info and registration, visit www.T2T.org and click on the calendar under the National Events tab.

Congrats Greenwood Features on your Bethel Chamber of Commerce Best of Bethel Award for 2024! Having a movie theater in town is great. Having a theater owned by a family that goes out of their way to help other businesses and the community is absolutely awesome!

A huge shoutout to all of our Bethel High School Graduates! We are grateful for the hours of community service over the years and all you do to make Bethel amazing! Where ever you go, remember you always have your home in Bethel!

A big shoutout to our American Flag on Flag Day! 27 different designs and almost 250 years strong!

Have a great weekend!
Dan