Bethel Public Schools Strategic Planning Committee
The Bethel Public Schools Strategic Planning Committee met this week. One of the goals in the current plan is to ensure school staff have the appropriate resources to create the empowered learner and develop social emotional competencies of our students.
Growth of Bethel
One of the topics discussed is the growth of Bethel and the need to assess the current capacity of our schools and what we may need in the future. There are no plans for additional facilities at this time and this effort will take some time. It’s something we should all be aware of.
Board of Assessment Appeals
Motor vehicle assessments billed in July may be appealed at the September meeting of the Board of Assessment Appeals. The Board of Assessment Appeals in meeting on September 26th, 2023 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Town Hall in Meeting Room A.
Road Construction
Vining Rd. and Shelly Rd. are both undergoing major construction through the end of October. Use caution for trucks and equipment around the intersection of Vining Rd. and Old Hawleyville Rd. and the intersection of Shelly Rd. and Dodgingtown Rd. (RT 302).
Connecticut Department of Transportation
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced a series of public hearings to gather input on proposed rail changes that affect Bethel. The changes include decreased weekday service on the Danbury Line from 28 trains to 26 trains and just over a 5% increase in fare. Visit www.ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges for more information.
Parking
The town's mobility and parking consultants, Hardesty and Hanover, presented data and conceptual improvements at a public meeting on September 7th. If you would like to know more or provide feedback, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/downtownbethelcs to complete our survey. Illustrations of the improvements are incorporated in the survey, or the entire presentation is available at https://www.bethel-ct.gov/local-news/?FeedID=1118.
Office Hours
The next office hours are on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 from 6 pm to 7 pm at the Town Hall in the First Selectman Office. Feel free to stop by with any questions or concerns you may have.
Senior Information Fair
The Senior Information Fair will be held at the Senior Center on Monday, October 2 from 9 - 3 pm. It is open to the public. We are having vendors from both the State of CT and local vendors. There will be presentations as well. We will publish on the Town of Bethel /Senior Center website as well as throughout town, on Facebook and Instagram. We are sending postcards to all current and former members and will post lawn signs throughout town.
If you own a business and have questions about your personal property declaration, our Bethel Tax Services will be hosting a presentation by the Town of Bethel Tax Assessor on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at the Town Hall in Meeting Room A from 12 pm to 1 pm. The presentation will be streamed Register with an email to eddirector@bethel-ct.gov
The second real estate property tax payment on the 2022 Grand List is due and payable on October 1, 2023. If not paid by Wednesday, November 1st interest will be charged at 1 ½ percent from the due date, or a $2.00 minimum charge, whichever is greater. Mailed payments must be postmarked no later than November 1, 2023. Visit https://www.bethel-ct.gov/departments/tax-collector to learn more or pay online. You can also call the Tax Collector with questions at (203)794-8509 .
Real Men Wear Pink
Bethel First Responders are partnering with Henry Atkins, our local Ambassador for Real Men Wear Pink, to bring you the Battle of the Badges! Join them on Saturday, October 14th at Bethel High School for a charity competition between the Bethel Fire Departments and the Bethel Police. Admission is free and donations benefit the American Cancer Society. Sponsors appreciated: Email zahanskye@bethel-ct.gov. Stay tuned for more.
Bethel Women's Club
Bethel Women's Club are having their 2023 Big Night Fundraiser on Tuesday, October 10th from 6 pm to 10 pm at La Zingara in Bethel (8 PT Barnum Sq.) Live music by Billy Michael and a buffet dinner from 6-8 pm for $50. For Tickets, contact Susan @ 203-792-1233
Bethel Craft Fair
Love craft fairs? The Bethel Craft Fair will take place on Saturday, October 10th on the Town Hall lawn from 10:00am - 4:00pm. And, don’t miss the Autumn Craft Fest at Blue Jay Orchards on October 21st from 10 am to 4 pm!
Danbury Animal Welfare Society
Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) will host their annual Gala on Saturday, October 21st at 6 pm at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury. This is guaranteed to be a great night with our host, Rich Minor of 98Q, a live and silent auction, music by The Bill’s Toupee Band, dancing, and fun that will not want to be missed. Learn more or purchase tickets at dawsgala.givesmart.com.
Athletes of the Week
A big shoutout to Emma Perrotti and Pietro Marin as Athletes of the week!