Sept. 8 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Sept. 8, 2023

Dear Bethel,

It’s hard to believe that Labor Day has passed and the fall is upon us, especially with this crazy hot weather! This week the Governor activated the Extreme Heat Emergency Management Protocol. In short, we remind residents they can escape the heat at “cooling centers” in town. Even without an emergency protocol, keep in mind town buildings, including the library, are safe choices.

There were some discussions on social media last weekend regarding crime in Bethel. While we must always be vigilant against crime in our neighborhoods and, according to the Bethel PD, one of the big concerns currently is identity theft. Watch what you are putting out online and take advantage of annual free credit reports that we are all entitled to under federal law.

The crew down at the Highway Department has been working hard to make life better for residents. With one of the biggest road budgets ever for 2023-2024, they are finishing up jobs around town, but the bulk of the work comes again in the spring. We took the first steps this week to create an objective scoring system to rate our roads. The goal is to help the town prioritize roadwork and give residents an objective, transparent view of how all the Bethel roads compare.

We had a presentation of the results of the highly anticipated Mobility, Walkability, and Parking Improvement Survey. The goal of the survey was to capture data and come up with data driven solutions to present to residents and businesses. While we had a good turnout, we have only had a fraction of the feedback we need. Please review the presentation and feel free to contact us at firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov. Here is the Link: https://www.bethel-ct.gov/local-news/?FeedID=1115

You may not have a child in school, but you are a Wildcat too! School sports are in full swing and you can root for Bethel. Visit the BHS Athletics calendar at https://sites.google.com/bethel.k12.ct.us/bhs-athletics. (On the bottom of the page) There are lots of home games to choose from. What a great way to spend a fall afternoon or evening!

Municipal Center employees will be observing a moment of silence at 8:46 am on Monday, September 11, 2023 on the front lawn of Town Hall. Bethel First Responders are also sponsoring a ceremony to remember the events of the day 22 years ago, at 6:30 pm on the Town Hall lawn. All are welcome at both events.

My next office hours is Tuesday, September 12th from 6 pm to 7 pm in the at Town Hall in the First Selectman’s Office.

Did you know there is a BMX track in Bethel? Wednesday, September 13th at 6:00 pm starts the fall race series which runs through October in Mitchell Park at 164 Old Hawleyville Rd. This week is Police Appreciation night and, yes, they will be using radar to clock the speeders!

Don’t forget the HRRA Hazardous Waste drop-off event for our area is tomorrow, September 9th at the Miller-Driscoll School at 217 Wolfpit Rd. in Wilton from 9am-1pm. Please check out the HRRA website for details and a full schedule of drop-off events: https://hrra.org/household-haz...

Bethel Neighbors in Need! Please Donate Non-perishable foods to the Bethel Community Food Pantry. Neighbors can drop off donations on Wednesdays 10:30 am - 12 pm at 141 Greenwood Avenue or call 203 947 1754 to coordinate a drop off time.

Want to run a 5k, but need to prepare? Train in a group with the same goals in an 8 week program to run a 5K on Thanksgiving Day. Participants progress from walking to running with a goal of completing the Bethel Turkey Trot presented by Steep Endurance. RCAA Allison Lynch St. Germain Level I certified coach. 18 year runner and completed over 20 half and full marathons ready to coach you to success. Thursdays at 6:30pm - 7:30pm from 9/21/23 9/21/2023 to Race Day on 11/23/2023. $75.00 fee. Maximum of 20 people. Join the Bethel Run Club at https://bethelct.myrec.com/

The Bethel High School All Sports Booster Club invites you for an evening of nonstop laughs while supporting the BHS Wildcats football program at the BHS Gridiron Comedy Night. Tony Liberati, RIcky Roberts and Moody McCarthy bring the comedy and Urban Taqo will offer amazing food on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Bennet Park (14 Shelter Rock Rd.) at 7:30 pm. Tickets and more at: https://bethel-high-school-all-sports-booster-club.square.site/s/shop

A shoutout this week to Bethel PD’s newest Sergeant, Jared Robinson, who was sworn in this week. Many in town only know him by his alias: K9 Penny’s handler. Congratulations, Jared!

Have a great weekend!

Dan