May 5 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

May 5, 2023

Dear Bethel,

Thanks to all who continue to respond with feedback to our weekly updates.

Now that the weather is getting better, please look out for our highway folks on the roads! They have begun patching and repairing our roads, so please slow down when you see them working. The Board of Financed approved a robust road budget this year, so expect to see a lot of activity. We will work on getting the info out on social media when large projects begin.

We are hiring! The Department of Public Works is looking for a full time Civil Engineer to provide municipal engineering support that includes design, review, planning, construction inspection, project management and administration for various Town infrastructure projects.

Speaking of hiring, meet Carson Duffy! Carson joins us as Assistant Director of Bethel Parks & Recreation. Previously known as “Mr. Duffy” by the Bethel High School students he was a substitute teacher for, he was born and raised right here in Bethel. Congratulations Carson!

This week on social media we debuted #TrashTalkTuesday where we share local resources provided by the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA). Head to our Facebook & Instagram to learn about What’s IN and What’s OUT when it comes to recycling. We also moving forward with our food scraps program at the transfer station. Stay tuned for a big announcement next week!

Donations are pouring in to Bethel Social Services for sponsoring a child for summer camp this season. Thank you to all of those who have donated, spread the word, or inquired with our Social Services Department. If you are still interested in lending a helping hand, reach out to Megan at 203-794-8537.

Thanks to Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC) for the tour of their Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center on the WCSU Campus in Danbury! It wasn’t what I would expect. So clean and the technology available is amazing. My son would call it “fire.” If you are a high school junior or senior who is looking for path after high school, NVCC is offering a free 4-day workshop in June. There are so many opportunities in the manufacturing industry ranging from machining parts to running a plant. Dates are Jun 12 – Jun 15 from 3 pm to 6 pm. If interested. Email nv-amtc@nv.edu or call 203-575-8029. It is also worth noting there are opportunities scholarships available for the NVCC Advanced manufacturing Certificate Program starting in the fall. There are great opportunities for career beginnings and career changes!

I have never thought about what I would do if my dog, Dixie, needed CPR! The Stony Hill Fire Department is hosting a program on Pet CPR and First Aid this Sunday, May 7th from 10 am to 12:30 pm OR 1:30 pm to 4 pm at the Fire department on 59 Stony Hill Rd. The cost is $55.00 and includes a detailed handbook, certificate of completion and emergency muzzle. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Company. Space may be limited, so register online at www.pawsnclaws911.com. For any questions, contact Tom Rinelli of Paws N Claws 911 daily until 10 PM at 631-721-8129.

Food Truck Friday is almost here! We are compiling vendor schedules and working to create a week-by- week schedule for residents. If there are any local restaurants interested in offering a special to-go menu, please reach out to Emma at fehre@bethel-ct.gov

A huge shout out to the Bethel Garden Club for distributing beautiful May Day floral baskets for us to display at the Municipal Center, Library, and Police Department. When you travel around town, take a moment to look at their gardens!

We have a few new Eagle Scouts around town! Shout outs to Katrina Callinan, Jerry Hill, Brendon Spies, and Owen Detwiler. Thanks for your service to our community and congratulations!

Finally, good luck to the Bethel Track and Field teams in Middletown this weekend! We keep hearing great things about your success. Go Wildcats!

Have a great weekend!

Dan