May 10 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

May 10, 2024

Dear Bethel,

UPDATE from the CT Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection: The Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a SEVERE GEOMAGNETIC STORM WARNING. A large sunspot cluster (16 times the diameter of earth) is likely to cause interference with HF communications, GPS, and power grids later today and through the weekend. Operators of critical infrastructure across the state have been notified. Visit https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ for more information.

The town has entered a contract to purchase a new ladder truck to be delivered this fall and based in Stony Hill. While we have communicated that the truck will be based at the Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Company, the card sent out via snail mail prior to the referendum didn’t say where the truck would be based. Sorry for the confusion.

The legislature wrapped up the 2024 session this week. While some of the controversial bills that would have had a negative impact on Bethel failed to pass, our major concern is Bethel was underfunded for education. Education Cost Sharing (ECS) for the town was underfunded by $200k and the Excess Cost grant for special education was also underfunded by $200k. We will be working together limit the impact on your kids.

Bethel has a Housing Authority is independent from the town and regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Connecticut State Department of Housing (DOH). The Bethel Housing Authority manages two properties in Bethel and rental assistance funding for these subsidized apartments is provided by HUD and the USDA/RD. Call (203) 797-9909 or email office@bethelhousingauthority.org for more info on availability.

Check out upcoming public hearings at https://bethel-ct.gov/2024-public-hearing.
Public Hearing: Planning & Zoning Commission re: 140 Greenwood Ave and 18 Stony Hill Rd on Tuesday, May 14th at 7:00 pm at Town Hall in Conference Room D

Tomorrow, May 11th is National Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger Day. Place a bag of nonperishable food next to your mailbox and our letter carriers will deliver your donation to Brotherhood in Action and The Bethel Community Food Pantry. Please check the expiration dates to not include expired items!

Don’t forget Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day for Bethel residents is tomorrow, May 11th at the Newtown Public Works Facility. Check out what you can and can’t dispose of at https://hrra.org/household-hazardous-waste.

The Saint Mary School Carnival is back! Come down to the Town Hall green for food, rides and more starting Wednesday, May 15th and ending Sunday, May 19th. Wednesday through Friday 6 pm to 10 pm, Saturday 4 pm to 10 pm, and Sunday 4 pm to 7 pm.

Join Sustainable Bethel for the Bethel Walk Audit on Saturday, May 18th at the intersection of Stony Hill Rd and Old Hawleyville Rd. at 1 pm. You will help document and capture the experiences of pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation riders to find and recommend to the town more sustainable transit-oriented development options. The objective is to improve safety, ease of access to local businesses, and quality of life for Bethel residents, organizations, and businesses in the Stony Hill area. Contact gj.hernandezkeene@gmail.com or sustainablebethel@bethel-ct.gov with questions.

The Bethel Memorial Day parade steps off on Sunday, May 19th at 2 pm. The Bethel Patriotic Association have been working to make this year’s parade fantastic. The parade will begin in front of Whitlock’s Restaurant and travel east on Greenwood, turning left (north) at PT Barnum Sq., left (west) on School Street, and end in front of the town hall. There will be a ceremony at town hall.

A big shoutout to Joy Kisling, Bethel’s own softball junkie! She helped found the Bethel Softball Association in 1979 for Bethel girls. After playing, coaching, holding every position in the BSA, and induction into USA Softball of CT Hall of Fame, Joy hosted an amazing Opening Day at Kisling Field! Congrats and thank you, Joy!

A shoutout to Bethel Teachers for Teachers Week! Fact: The majority our teachers have master’s degrees and many sixth-year diplomas! Thank you for your dedication, long hours, and compassion for our community!

A big shoutout to our Bethel Police Officers of the year, Sergeant Jared Robinson (2022) and Corporal Keith Freeman (2023), and all the officers recognized with service awards! The stories about what you do every day to protect our town are amazing!

Congrats to Bethel boys outdoor track for advancing to an 11-0 season! Great job!

Good luck to the Bethel Baseball on your senior night game against Stratford tonight!

To all you Moms out there, Happy Mother’s Day!

Have a great weekend!

Dan