Road and Infrastructure Updates
Paving on Ridge Rd. and Vail Rd. is now complete and slightly under budget. Crews will return at the end of next week to work on driveway aprons. Residents should also be aware of crews working on catch basins and potholes around town next week. Additionally, the water main break on Midway Dr. has been repaired, with a more permanent fix to the road scheduled for later in the summer.
Bethel High School HVAC Improvements
Improvements to Bethel High School's HVAC system are underway. The town's Charter allows for two additional appointments to the Public Site and Building Commission to represent the “user’s interest” in the project. The commission meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7 pm in Town Hall, with remote participation available. The project is expected to be completed by December 2025, although this could be extended. Parents of Bethel students with HVAC or construction experience interested in learning more are encouraged to email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov or call 203-794-8540.
New Outdoor Irrigation Policy
The Bethel Public Utilities Commission has approved an Outdoor Irrigation Policy for Bethel Water Customers. Following the drought of 2016, a schedule of twice-weekly irrigation has proven effective in conserving water for essential services while maintaining the health of lawns and landscapes. Customers with even-numbered addresses are asked to water on Sundays and Wednesdays, while those with odd-numbered addresses or no address should water on Saturdays and Tuesdays. Watering should be done outside the hours of 9 am to 6 pm to minimize evaporation loss. For more information on water conservation, visit Bethel Water Conservation.
Community Workshop Outcomes
In March, a diverse group of citizens participated in a workshop to help town leadership define priorities. The top need identified was a community center with activities for all ages, including a pool, exercise center, teen center, theater, and a rain garden. Other priorities included affordable senior housing, purchasing Blue Jay Orchard, sustainability initiatives, park improvements, a new tax structure, uses for the Old PD, more handicapped parking, welcoming new residents, and linguistic diversity. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts by emailing firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov. Stay tuned next week for feedback from the workshop's five questions.
Bethel Winter Guard Fundraiser Cancelled
The Bethel Winter Guard’s Annual Car Wash and Bake Sale scheduled for tomorrow, July 13, has been cancelled due to the weather. However, support for this organization can still be given through contributions. Learn more or donate at Bethel Winter Guard.
Weekend Events
Town Hall Closure
The Town Hall will close at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, July 16, for maintenance on the internet. The afternoon will be used for employee training. Emergency services will not be affected.
Upcoming Events
- Footloose the Musical: Friday, July 19 at 7 pm, and Saturday, July 20 at 2 pm and 7 pm at Bethel High School. Tickets are available at Bethel Park and Rec Events.
- Food Truck Friday: Friday, July 19 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Enjoy food from various trucks and live music by Grooved Pavement.
- Summer Shop & Stroll: Saturday, July 20 from 11 am to 4 pm, sponsored by the Bethel Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy shopping, live music, and family-friendly activities.
- Pet CPR and First Aid Class: Saturday, July 20 at 10 am at the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department. The cost is $60. Register at Paws N Claws 911.
- Ben’s Bells Cornhole Tournament: Sunday, July 21 from 12 pm to 4 pm at Michael’s Tap Room. Visit Ben's Bells Cornhole for more info and registration.
Town Political Committee Picnics
- Bethel Republican Town Committee Lobsterfest: Saturday, July 27 from 3 pm to 7 pm at Bennett Park. Tickets are available at Bethel RTC Lobsterfest 2024.
- Bethel Democrat Town Committee Picnic: Sunday, July 28 from 12 pm to 4 pm at Bennett Park. Tickets are available at Bethel Democratic Town Committee Picnic.
SCOTTY Fund Achievements
Over the past 28 years, the SCOTTY Fund has raised over $2.5 million to support children in the local area with life-threatening and critical illnesses. The fund assists with medical expenses, transportation, and other related costs. Save the date for the SCOTTY Fund Winter's Eve Gala on Saturday, December 7. Learn more at SCOTTY Fund.
Congratulations Bethel Baseball Association
Congratulations to Bethel Baseball Association’s 11U team for winning 2nd place in the state tournament! Good luck in the New England regionals this weekend in Oxford.