State Legislators at Town Hall
Our State Legislators were in Town Hall this week to discuss issues that affect how our town serves our residents. The Connecticut General Assembly will convene on February 7th, 2024 and adjourn May 8th, 2024. If you have issues or concerns, you can find and contact your state and federal representatives at https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp.
Shoutout to Bethel Public Works
Thank you to our fantastic Public Works staff for their walking tour presentation of our town buildings to some of our elected officials this week. It takes a lot of work and resources to maintain our buildings and we appreciate you!
Bethel Water customers: If you see an E as your read code on your water bill, you could be paying more on your water bill! Your Meter Interface Unit (MIU) needs to be replaced. Please call 203-794-8509 to set up an appointment. It’s a fast and free repair.
Eversource rate increase
Bethel Residents will see an increase in the Eversource standard service rate from 13.82 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) to 14.71 cents / kWh starting January 1st, 2024. Remember, in CT Eversource does not make money on the supplier side of your electric bill when you use the standard rate. They purchase power from generators, just as you can. Visit www.energizect.com to learn more about available programs if you need help and choosing electric suppliers which may lower your cost.
Transfer Station Permits
A reminder that 2024 Transfer Station permits come with a Food Scrap Recycling starter kit with collection supplies and instructions that are available for pickup at the Transfer Station. Each food scraps drop off, regardless of weight, is only $1. The program saves you money! Visit https://bethel-ct.gov/transfer-station-application.
After discussions with local artists this week, your ideas on how to support the arts in Bethel could be really helpful. Email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov or stop by one of the Offices Hours. The next Office Hours is Thursday, December 21st from 5 pm to 7 pm.
Bethel High School Fencing Club
There is still time to sign up for the Bethel High School Fencing Club. The sessions are on Tuesdays from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Newtown Youth Academy. Visit www.candlewoodfencing.com/nhs for more info.
St. Thomas’ Church Cookie Sale
Stop by St. Thomas’ Church Cookie Sale tomorrow, December 16th between 9:30 am to noon for homemade cookies!
You can still visit the Pop-up Holiday Art Market at Big Bunny Gallery at 155 Greenwood Ave, Bldg. D. December 16th, 17th, and 23rd from 10 am to 5 pm. Don’t forget the raffle that supports Bethel Arts and Big Bunny. You could win a limited edition print by Bethel artist Diana Gubbay. Search for Bethel Arts CT on Facebook or visit https://app.galabid.com/ba-raffle/items. The drawing will take place on December 23rd at 6:00 pm on Facebook Live.
Broken Symmetry is hosting a Holiday Pop-Up Market that supports Bethel’s Brotherhood in Action starting at Noon on Sunday, December 17th. Please visit www.brokensymmetrybrew.com/events for more info on the event, vendors, and how important Brotherhood in Action is to Bethel. Of course, don’t forget a canned or dry good to donate.
BHS Winter Concert
If you are looking for a nice evening out, support the Bethel High School band, choir, orchestra, and Tri-M students at their winter concert on Wednesday, December 20th at 6 pm in the BHS Auditorium.
Drum Circle
The next Bethel Seasonal Drum Circle is being held in honor of the Winter Solstice on December 23rd from 3 pm to 4:30 pm at the Town Hall. Bring $5 donation (suggested) and a percussion instrument, if you have one. Email Suze@sagelead.com with questions. If the weather is cold, the event will be in the GP room.
Bethel students release song
Almost 30 million Americans, including our neighbors here in Bethel, will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. The holidays can be difficult for those with a disorder and their families. One of our own Bethel students released a song last month to increase awareness about teenage eating disorders. It is worth a listen. Well done Olivia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6fPgo9KvQE
Thank you, first responders!
Thank you to our volunteer firefighters, EMS, and Police for your quick response to the structure fire at Greenwood Plaza last Sunday. We are also grateful to the units who responded from Danbury, Brookfield and Redding. Our Health Department, Building Officials, and Fire Marshal also deserve shoutouts as well for helping businesses will less or no damage get back up and ruining quickly.
Go Baby Go!
A huge shoutout to the “Go Baby Go!” team and Mrs. Boman at Bethel High School. The program involves CCSU students helping BHS students in upfitting ride-on vehicle toys for kids with mobility issues. Twice per year families are able to have the small, electric vehicles customized to their children’s needs. Truly amazing and heartwarming.
A big shoutout to all the Wildcats who made All-Conference for Fall 2023! Visit https://sites.google.com/bethel.k12.ct.us/bhs-athletics/honors/2023-2024-honors. Also visit the “Scholar Athletes” link at the top of the page!
Have a great weekend!