March 29 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

March 29, 2024

Dear Bethel,

The Annual Town Budget Meeting takes place next Thursday, April 4th at 7 pm in the Bethel High School Auditorium. It is the social event of the season and anyone who is someone will be there. Well, it might not be that fun but it’s important! Review the budget at https://bethel-ct.gov/depts-comptroller.

Also being considered at the annual town meeting is the purchase of a ladder truck to be based at the Stony Hill Fire Department. With the development in Stony Hill, the need for a ladder truck has been apparent and discussed many times over the last few years. The Fire commission, Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance have approved up to $1.8 million for the purchase. If approved, the question will be on the referendum ballot on April 23rd.

Residents have an opportunity at the town meeting to purchase the Wells Fargo property downtown when the bank closes in May. Chances to acquire land downtown that we can preserve for our future needs do not come along often and given the fact that the Wells Fargo property abuts our library, which is as much of a community center as it is a library, this is an excellent opportunity for Bethel’s future. There are many ideas being considered for use of the existing building by the town right away or leasing to a business. Using the parking as a municipal lot is another huge plus. If we decide not to use the property someday, we can still develop the property in a way that works for the town. The property is currently listed for $1.4 million and the Board of Selectman and the Board of Finance have approved up to $1.6 million for purchase and development of the property. If approved, the question will be on the referendum ballot on April 23rd.

Office hours are on Wednesday, April 3rd at the Town Hall in the First Selectman Office from 5 pm to 6:30 pm.

Check out this week’s P & Z public hearing at https://bethel-ct.gov/2024-public-hearing

If you've been participating in the food scraps recycling pilot program, and want compost, please come to the Transfer Station and gather up to 3 buckets of finished compost tomorrow, March 30th or Thursday, April 4th.

Brotherhood in Action volunteers will be delivering 189 Easter food baskets to those households registered to receive a basket. If you are able to help deliver, please go to the Bethel United Methodist Church at 9:00 am tomorrow, March 30th. Enter from Greenwood Avenue and exit onto School Street.

Our next Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day for Bethel residents is April 6th at Danbury Public Works from 9 am to 2 pm. 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.

Support BHS Girls Lacrosse on Tuesday, April 2nd! Visit Notch 8 and MEANTION their Fundraiser. Notch will donate to Girls LAX team! Then catch the team at their home opener against Brookfield at 4pm followed by JV at the BHS turf field.

Feel like a board game? Bethel Education Foundation Family Board Game Night April 3rd 6 pm to 8 pm at the BHS Cafeteria https://www.betheledfoundation.org/family-board-game-night.html

Our own “Super Fly Lunch lady” and manager for the Bethel school nutrition program, Amanda Riley, has paired up with author Jarrett Krosoczka for a live reading of his award-winning graphic novel “Sunshine” about his high school experiences as a counselor at Camp Sunshine for children with terminal illnesses. Join them at Edmond Town Hall in Newtown on Wednesday, April 3rd at 7pm. Byrd’s Books from Bethel will have available for sale and signing by the author at the event. Admission of $5 will be donated to a local charity. Visit www.edmondtownhall.org for info and tickets.

Test your trivia skills at the Trivia Night fundraiser to benefit “Off The Streets” on Friday, April 5th at the St. Mary’s Parish Hall. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the game starts at 7 pm. Tickets sold at the door. $10 adult, $5 schools age, $20 max for family

It's a Hard Knock Life! The Bethel Parks and Rec Theater Program is at it again performing Annie Jr. on Friday April 5th at 7pm and Saturday April 6th at 2pm and 7pm. $13 for general admission and $11 if you are a student! visit www.ticketpeak.co/bethelparkandrec to get your tickets today!
Shows will be performed at the Bethel High School Auditorium and let's not forget... The sun will always come out tomorrow!

Bethel Arts, in cooperation with Make Music Day Global, is hosting our first “Make Music Day Bethel” on June 21st, 2024! 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! If you are interested in participating as a venue or performer, check out https://www.makemusicday.org/bethel/participate or email info@bethelartsct.org.

Shout out to the BHS Varsity and Novice division Debate Teams that made states! Willa Zalaznik and Jack Woleck placed 18th overall and Willa was tied for 18th speaker for varsity. Joe Corigliano and Toshan Bhattachyra placed in 14th overall and Toshan placed 9th speaker for Novice. Seamus Knauff, Aidan Baddia, Avni Shah, Adhwaitha Devasani qualified Great Job!

Good luck to all the Bethel Wildcat teams with openers this week! It’s going to be a great season!

Have a great weekend!

Dan