Dan Carter's Bethel Update: Election, Veterans Day Events, Winterfest, and More!

Election Results

Election results for Bethel are available on the town website at bethel-ct.gov/election-results. For statewide results, visit the CT Secretary of State Election Management System. Bethel's representation in the State Legislature, US Congress, and US Senate remains unchanged. To find your legislators, visit Find My Legislator or search “Find my legislator CT” online.

Note: A few items were left behind by voters, including reading glasses, a magnifying glass, and a wallet (without ID). If one of these items is yours, please check in with the First Selectman’s Office in Town Hall.

Bethel Keeps AAA Rating

The Town of Bethel has maintained its highest credit rating of "AAA," following a review by S&P Global. This rating highlights our dedication to conservative budgeting, proactive financial planning, and sound management practices. The town is preparing to refinance $27.2 million in long-term debt, potentially generating significant savings.

Bethel Water Customers

Bethel water customers: Look for letters addressed to "Current Resident" regarding lead service lines. Please review this important information and help verify your water service materials by following the instructions in the letter to self-evaluate your service line or contact the Water Department for assistance.

BEF Community Grants

The Bethel Education Foundation (BEF) supports projects that promote innovation, creativity, and excellence in learning by offering grants to local nonprofit organizations. This year, $2,000 is available for community grants. Organizations with new project ideas are encouraged to apply by the December 6 deadline. For more details, visit BEF Grants.

FEMA Assistance Deadline

The deadline to apply for assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration is Tuesday, November 19, 2024. Assistance is available at the Disaster Recovery Center (Southbury Town Hall, 501 Main Street, Southbury) Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can also apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

Veterans Day Events

Bethel will honor Veterans Day with the following events:

  • Sunday, November 10: Join us at 8:30 am on the Town Hall lawn for the Folds of Honor 5k Race, followed by vendors and music by Gorja. Folds of Honor provides scholarships to families of fallen or disabled service members. Learn more at Folds of Honor 5k.
  • Monday, November 11: Town Hall will be closed in observance of Veterans Day. A ceremony will be held at the Bethel Veterans Monument (in front of Town Hall) at 10:45 am.

Bethel Senior Center

The Bethel Senior Center is offering Flu and Covid vaccines on Friday, November 15 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am (no appointment necessary). The center will also host its annual Holiday Shoppe on Friday, November 15 (9:00 am - 11:00 am) and Saturday, November 16 (9:00 am - 3:00 pm), featuring baked goods, crafts, jewelry, a quilt raffle, and more.

USA Boxing in Bethel

Witness “The Battle at Bethel” USA Boxing event at Bethel High School Gym on Saturday, November 16. Doors open at 5:00 pm with the first bout at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $25 at the door, or $20 presale at The Greek (PT Barnum Sq.). For more information, visit USA Boxing Event.

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service

Join the Ecumenical Thanksgiving service on Sunday, November 24 at 4:00 pm at Bethel United Methodist Church. The theme is "United in Gratitude." Non-perishable food items for the local food pantry are welcome. Co-sponsored by Bethel UMC, St. Thomas Episcopal, The First Congregational Church of Bethel, and the United Church of Christ.

Winterfest

Winterfest 2024 kicks off on Friday, November 29, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm in downtown Bethel. Enjoy shopping, music, food, and horse-drawn wagon rides, ending with a tree lighting, performance by the Bethel High School Chorus, and Santa’s arrival. For the full schedule, visit Winterfest 2024.

Shoutouts

Bethel Public Schools: Congratulations to Bethel Public Schools for ranking 83.3 in the 2023-2024 Accountability Results—well above the state average. Bethel is also tied for first place among comparable schools statewide.

Go Baby Go Project: Bethel High School, in partnership with CCSU, has retrofitted 19 toy cars for children with mobility disabilities—the highest number by a single high school. For ways to support this initiative, email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov.

Bethel Boys Soccer: Good luck to Bethel Boys Soccer in the State Quarterfinal against Pomperaug!











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Submitted by Dan Carter

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