Oct. 20 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Oct. 20, 2023

Dear Bethel,

Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy this week and is closing 154 stores nationally and, unfortunately, our local Rite Aid is closing Nov 2nd. We are fortunate to have one locally owned pharmacy, English Apothecary on Greenwood Ave. They are already working with Rite Aid pharmacists to help patients transfer. All it takes is a visit or a phone call with English and they take it from there. If you have a Senior in your life who is could be Rite Aid customer and relies on medication, please let them know, as compliance with their medication is important.

With recycling in mind, Connecticut’s “nickel-per-nip” environmental stewardship program generated $18,176.03 for Bethel in FY 2023 to be used to reduce the generation of solid waste the impact of litter. Under a law passed in 2021, a 5-cent surcharge is placed on the sale of each 50 ml “nip” container at the point of sale. Every April and October Bethel receives 5 cents for each nip sold within its borders during the preceding six months.

This week the Board of Selectman approved a plan to move the annual tree lighting to the Town Hall lawn. Holding the event at PT Barnum Square has become a safety concern with the size of the square and local traffic. The displays will remain on PT Barnum square and the dates of display expanded slightly. Winterfest will still utilize Greenwood Ave, PT Barnum, and School Street. Stay tuned for details.

Costumes are too fun to wear just once! Start Halloween a little early at WorkspaceCT’s Haunted Theatre Extravaganza on October 21 from 4:30 pm to 6 pm. Bethel teen actors will tell haunted stories for the entire family to enjoy. After, enjoy cookie decorating, apple cider and a costume parade with prizes! Registration encouraged at workspacect.org. Address: 16 Trowbridge Drive.
One of our Bethel own, Ginny Hull Hartline, is riding for BikeMS on this Sunday, October 22nd. The ride changes the world for people affected by multiple sclerosis. You can support Ginny and MS research at https://events.nationalmssociety.org/participant/269212

Road work begins on Vining Rd. on Monday, October 23 and will progress through the first week on November. Use caution for equipment and trucks on Old Hawleyville Rd.

Our Bethel Run Club coach, Allison Lynch St. Germain, and Peachwave are teaming up to help the Iris Fund research what causes pre-term birth. Allison is running NYC Marathon to support cause and she will be at Peachwave on Monday, October 23rd from 6 pm to 8 pm. Note that 10% of Peachwave sales from 12 pm to 9 pm go to the Iris Fund.

Treat Street hosted by the Bethel Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, October 28th from 1 PM to 3 PM. Trick or Treat down Greenwood Ave and end with the annual costume contest in front of Town Hall. Contact the Bethel Chamber of Commerce with questions.

There will be a public hearing on an offer for the sale of 20 Trowbridge Dr. on Monday, October 30th at the Town Hall in Meeting Room A at 7 pm. 20 Trowbridge Dr. is the third of 4 properties in the Francis J Clark Park available to receive an offer. The first two properties were approved for sale and are under contract.

Thank you to the all those supported the Battle of the Badges flag football game last weekend! The Fire Departments and the Police Department played valiantly for a victory, but the contest ended in a tie with 26 to 26. The overall winner: Real Men Wear Pink and the American Cancer Society! Thank you to the sponsors: Rizzo Corporation, Belardinelli Tire Company, Scalzo Real Estate, The Tim Martin Team at Guaranteed Rate, Ingersoll Auto, Bethel IT Services, Cleann Residential Cleaning, and Bethel Printing. Next year? Softball?

A big shoutout to Bethel Soccer Coach Tony Fernandes on 200 wins!

Golf Champion Max Pawloski and Soccer Captain Macie Mietz have both secured the honor of Athlete of the Week. Great job!

Have a great weekend!

Dan