Nov. 15 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Nov. 15, 2024

Dear Bethel,

$2 mil Win for Bethel

The town had a big win this week when we refinanced almost $27.5 million of our long-term debt. As a result of Wednesday’s bond sale, the town saved just over $2 million! The bond refunding does not increase the length of the term and our interest rate dropped from 4% to 2.76%. We received 18 bids, which our Bond Council and Bond Advisor do not ever remember seeing that many bids for an issuance before in their 30+ years of experience. That level of interest certainly helped Bethel outperform the expectations for the day and underscores the importance of the financial discipline that maintains our “AAA” rating.

Parloa Park

The Board of Selectmen approved $500,000 of our remaining ARPA funds for the Parloa Park renovation. With the grant from the state, we will be making $1 million in improvements. The Park and Rec commission has been working diligently to finalize plans!

Safe Streets for All

The town received notification today that we have been awarded a $160,000 federal grant for our Bethel Safe Streets Initiative! The Safe Streets for All grant will help us address infrastructure and safety issues in town, especially Route 6 in Stony Hill. Once complete, we will have a plan to make improvements for traffic and pedestrian safety. A big thanks to town and WestCOG staff for all your work!

Dust Blowers

Please be kind with your leaf blowers! While most of us think noise might be the issue, with the stage 2 drought the dust created by powerful blowers can really make a mess for your neighbors. And don’t forget – NO OPEN BURNING PLEASE!

Winter Prep

From the Highway Department: while it might not seem like it, winter weather could be ahead! Please help our crews keep Bethel’s roads safe and clear. When it snows, please avoid placing garbage cans in the street, make sure your mailbox is secure and in good condition, clear any basketball hoops or obstructions from the street before snow begins, and remove vehicles from the street.

Childcare Survey

The Bethel Youth Commission is conducting an assessment of childcare in our community. The survey covers topics such as daycare, summer camp, before/after care, days off, activities and clubs, and more. It is anonymous, but participants who provide an email can win 4 tickets to Bill Blagg's Family Magic at the Ridgefield Playhouse on Sunday, February 9th, at 11 AM. The results will help coordinate efforts between public, private, and non-profit organizations, though it does not guarantee an expansion of services by any organization. Take the survey here.

Internships Needed

Bethel High School is looking for businesses to participate in their Student-Internship Shadowing and Work-Study programs. Internships can be mutually beneficial—offering businesses valuable support and innovation while providing interns with valuable experience. If you are interested, please complete the Google form here and a program administrator will contact you.

America Recycles

Today is America Recycles Day. A moment of truth – while we know recycling is important, it can seem really complicated. Take a moment and learn “What’s In and What’s Out” at www.HRRA.org. You can also print the WIWO Flyer to keep around the house. HRRA, a regional, governmental, waste management and recycling authority serving fourteen municipalities, including Bethel.

Parm Dinner

St. Thomas’ Chicken/Eggplant Parm Dinner is back tomorrow, November 16th at 5 pm! Dinner includes chicken and eggplant parm, pasta, salad, bread and dessert. Reservations are appreciated, especially for the Take-Outs. Check out https://www.stthomasbethel.org/Dinner for reservations and info or call 203-743-1794. Walk-ins welcome!

Jazz Cabaret

Sunday, November 17, 6 pm, the Bethel Music Department will present "Jazz Cabaret," a night celebrating song and big band music featuring outstanding Bethel vocalists! Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door. Doors open at 5:30 pm.

BEF Family Board Game Night

The Bethel Education Foundation is hosting a Family Board Game Night on Tuesday, November 19th from 6 pm to 8 pm at the high school cafeteria. The cost is $5 per person and there are games for all ages! Order online at https://www.betheledfoundation.org/. After November 18th, please pay at the door. Even if you can’t attend, please check out the website and check out the sponsors who do so much for Bethel!

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service

Set aside some non-perishable food items to bring to the Ecumenical Thanksgiving service in Bethel! Everyone is welcome on Sunday, November 24th at 4 pm at Bethel United Methodist Church and the theme is "United in Gratitude!" The event is co-sponsored by Bethel UMC, St. Thomas Episcopal, and The First Congregational Church of Bethel, and the United Church of Christ.

Shoutouts

A huge shoutout to our Superintendent of Bethel Public Schools, Dr. Christine Carver, on her selection as CAPSS Superintendent of the Year! We all knew you were the best in the state. So now we know it’s official!

Congrats to Bethel's Teacher of the Year, Mandy Esposito! The Teacher of the Year program is designed to recognize educators who inspire a love for learning in their students and who have distinguished themselves in the profession.

A shoutout to Evan Bureau for earning All New England in the New England Interscholastic XC Championship! 15:59 in the Boys 5K! Outstanding!

Good luck to our 7-1 Wildcat Football Team tonight at New Milford. The playoffs are so close!

Have a great weekend!
Dan