Oct. 13 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Oct. 13, 2023

Dear Bethel,

Absentee ballot applications are available for the Bethel municipal election on November 7th, 2023. Visit https://bethel-ct.gov/ and use the Absentee Ballot Information link on the main page to access the online absentee ballot application and a sample ballot. The Town Clerk’s office will send you a ballot. You can also apply in the Town Clerk’s office or by mail. Visit the https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS/Election-Services/Voter-Information/Absentee-Voting for more information.

We have had a few cars broken into over the past few months. Thieves often arrive into Bethel in stolen vehicles, rummage through cars, and then leave town. Given the fact that police can only pursue a vehicle if the occupant was involved in a violent crime, suspects in stolen vehicles often get away. Last week the Board of Finance approved a request from the Board of Selectmen for a 1-year pilot program using a stationary License Plate Reader (LPR) that can be moved around town where stolen vehicles are likely to enter Bethel. This is the same technology that is used on a few of our police vehicles already. The hope is that we can catch offenders coming into town before they commit another crime or in the act. We hope this tool helps reduce break-ins and other crimes. Of course, we can all do our part by bringing valuables inside our homes and locking our cars.

On Sunday, October 15th the price for electric vehicle charging in the Depot Place and Train Station lots will go up to $0.22/kWh. The rate for cars left in the spots after the vehicle is charged will be $3.00/hour with a 30-minute grace period. Note that the price set at chargers in town is only enough to cover the cost of the units and electricity.

The Board of Selectmen will meet next week to set a public hearing date to consider an offer on 20 Trowbridge Dr. in Francis J Clarke industrial park. This is the third sale from the 4 available properties in the park and another big win for Bethel! Stay tuned.

I will have office hours on Wednesday, October 18th from 7 am to 8 am at Town Hall in the First Selectman office. Please stop by with any questions or concerns!

Like popcorn? The Bethel Marching Wildcats popcorn fundraiser begins TODAY at 5:00pm and ends on Tuesday, October 17th. Pandora’s Box is the theme for their fall program. Support our Wildcats and get a glimpse of the Band’s performance here: https://s.dgpopup.com/btcj6773.
Tomorrow, Saturday the 14th Bethel Pride is hosting a Plant Swap at 81 Greenwood Ave. Bring a plant to swap or take some home! No plants, no problem. There are plants to take home. If you have leftover seed packets, drop them off too!

Battle of the Badges takes place tomorrow, October 14th at the DeSantis Football Field at Bethel High School! Come see our Bethel First Responders play a charity flag football game to benefit the American Cancer Society through Real Men Wear Pink and raise Breast Cancer Awareness. (And secure bragging rights!) Who will it be, PD or FD? There will be some fun events to raise money for Real Men Wear Pink, but admission is free! Special thanks in advance to the BHS All Sports Booster Club for opening the snack shed!

Next Saturday, October 21st, Blue Jay Orchards is the place to be! Enjoy the Autumn Craft Fest at from 10 am to 4 pm AND the Autumn Public Safety Day from 12 pm to 3 pm. Between crafts, Touch-A-Truck, safety demonstrations and displays, and cider donuts, there will be something for everyone!

Halloween is almost here. What better way to kick off Halloween fun with a Pet Parade and costume contest! Global Treats by Nips and Paws is hosting the event on October 21st from 12 pm to 2 pm at 268 Greenwood Ave.

Mark your calendar for the Bethel Trick or 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.

Congratulations to Glenton Green on his selection as Firefighter of the Year for the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department and Rick Johnson for his selection as Firefighter of the Year for Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Company! We are all so grateful to have you both looking out for us!

A big shoutout to Evan Bureau and Nina Labarbera, Athletes of the Week! Good luck to all the Wildcats this week. Many of you are racking up some impressive wins!

Have a great weekend!

Dan