Aquarion CAB
Aquarion customers: Aquarion held a Customer Advisory Board Meeting this week. Like the Bethel Water Department, Aquarion is undergoing a mandatory effort to identify lead service lines. Learn more at https://www.aquarionwater.com/water-quality/learn-about-lead. Also, Aquarion’s Newtown Regional System’s wellfield, which was damaged in the August storm, remains flooded. The temporary irrigation ban and the suspension of new service connections remain in place.
WWII Veteran Ceremony
Our Lt. Governor, in partnership with Connecticut Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch and Major General Francis Evon of the Connecticut National Guard, is coordinating a ceremony to recognize all living World War II veterans in the state in May. We would like to arrange for Bethel WWII veterans who would like to attend to do so in style. If you are a Bethel resident who served in World War II, or you know a Bethel resident who served, please contact firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov.
Truck 4
Truck 4, Bethel’s new ladder truck assigned to Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Company, is back in town. Bethel firefighters are receiving training on the apparatus this weekend provided by the manufacturer. After training and final upfitting of equipment, the goal is to have Truck 4 in service on New Year’s Day. Stay tuned for more information.
ZBA Public Hearing
Public Hearing: The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding 17 Shelter Rock Rd. (East Brook Construction, Inc Sec 3.4.C.a Front setback from 50 ft to 25ft) on Tuesday, December 17th at 6 pm at Town Hall in Meeting Room D. Learn more at https://bethel-ct.gov/2024-zba.
Tax Bills
From the Tax Collector: Don’t forget that taxpayers can bring their payments to the Bethel and Stony Hill branches of Newtown Savings Bank. Please remember to bring your bill or a portion of the bill showing what you owe.
Town Holiday Hours
The Transfer station will close at 11:00am on December 24th and December 31st. The Town Hall will be closed on Friday, December 20th and will close at 12 pm on December 24th and December 31st. The early closures are due to contractual requirements. We are utilizing the morning of December 20th to recognize Town Hall employees and for customer service training.
This Weekend
- The St. Thomas’ Church 28th Annual Cookie Sale on Saturday, December 14th 9:30 am to 12 pm. A great way to support others and walk away with homemade cookies and fudge!
- The annual Holiday Party and Sing-a-Long Open House at Plumtrees Schoolhouse on Saturday, December 14th from 1 pm to 3 pm. Town Historian Patrick Wild, music by Billy Michael and Santa. Contact Shani at shaniburkespecht@hotmail.com or 203-501-7594. You can also reach Sheila at 203-501-7717.
- Bethel Winter Guard Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 15th from 9 am to 11 am at the Dodgingtown Fire Department. Reserve your $15 tickets at https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/pancake-breakfast-with-santa-2
BHS Chamber Singers
The Bethel Public Library is hosting The Bethel High School Chamber Singers on Thursday, December 19th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Under the direction of Christine Manalo, the singers will perform a short set of music and close with a holiday sing along. Patrons can attend in person or over zoom. Register at https://www.bethellibrary.org/events/ or by calling 203-794-8756. Thanks to an AARP Grant, attendees will have the ability to listen to the event at a volume that suits them simply by using their app enabled device and headphones or earbuds. Thank you, AARP Foundation!
WorkspaceCT has announced its winter schedule for its youth theatre, adult cooking, and other enrichment classes. And on December 21st, they are having two special holiday events – Dance with a Radio City Rockette and a family gingerbread house decorating day (with family friendly prices). Join one or both. Check out their offerings at: https://www.workspacect.org/events.
Student Loan Relief
On January 1st a Student Loan Reimbursement Program created by the State Legislature this year will go live. The program will provide qualified recipients up to $5,000 a year with a $20,000 cap over four years. Applicants must be Connecticut residents, graduates from a Connecticut school, have a loan balance, and have volunteered 50 hours for a Connecticut non-profit. Applicants will be awarded on a first-come first-serve basis. Check out https://www.ohe.ct.gov/Docs/SLRPInformation2025.pdf.
Regional Hospice Cheesecakes
Ease your holiday load and support Regional Hospice by purchasing one of their delicious, homemade 10-inch cheesecakes that serve 6-10 people. Order by emailing info@regionalhospicect.org by December 18th for pick up at Regional Hospice in Danbury (30 Milestone Road) on December 22nd-24th. Payment of cash, check or credit card is accepted at pick up.
Shoutouts
- A shoutout to the Bethel businesses who welcomed Bethel’s own bubble tea shop, Jubi Tea & Sweets. It’s a story we hear over and over how our businesses stick together. You are all a class act! Check out the story: https://www.bethelgrapevine.com/articles/how-a-filmmakers-vision-led-to-bethels-first-bubble-tea-shop.
- A shoutout to the Facilities Staff of the Bethel Public Schools! With 2025-2026 budget discussions on the horizon, members of the Board of Education, Board of Selectmen, and Board of Finance had an opportunity to walk through our schools this week to discuss the maintenance needs ahead. Thank you working with the town to take care of our resources!
- A shoutout to the new 2024 members of the Bethel Chamber of Commerce: Ashley Hair Salon, The Bethel Grapevine, Bethel Healthcare. Blue Jay Orchards, and CBF Athletic Club!
- Good Luck to the Lady Wildcats basketball team at their season opener against Wolcott tonight and their home opener on Monday against Staples!