Safety
Military veterans may recall the annual campaign by all the armed services called “The 101 Critical Days of Summer.” It’s the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when most military members take vacations, which means it’s a time when a lot of outdoor accidents happen. Just like service members, most of the folks in our Bethel community will be traveling and participating in outdoor activities this summer. Nothing is more tragic than losing a friend, coworker, or loved one to a preventable accident.
Please take time to consider threats to your safety and the safety of your friends and family this summer, including alcohol use, speeding, heat, fatigue, and water activities. Be a good wingman to those you care about and watch out for yourself when you don’t have a wingman. You can find lots of summer safety info at the state’s Department of Public Health website here
I had an excellent meeting with State Representative Raghib Alle-Brennan this week. We were able to discuss legislation being considered in Hartford. Expect a special update from me next Wednesday on specific bills that may have an impact on our town. If you want to contact your representatives who learn more about what they are doing for Bethel, Google search “find my legislator ct” or click here
Bethel was approved for a $42,000 grant to support a food scrap collection pilot program
The big news I mentioned last week… Bethel was approved for a $42,000 grant to support a food scrap collection pilot program at the Bethel transfer station. In short, residents will have an opportunity dispose of food scraps separately, which helps reduce costs for residents and converts food scraps into energy. Stay tuned for more information on how the program will work. A big shout out to Public Works, our Economic Development Director, Sustainable Bethel, and the crew down at the transfer station who have been working on this opportunity!
Traffic Study
The development in town, traffic, and parking all remain top concerns when residents stop by for office hours. Last June the Board of Selectman approved money to begin a study to address issues with traffic, parking, and accessibility downtown. As the study has progressed, various stakeholders from town departments who would be responsible for aspects of the project have been meeting with our engineering contractor to give input. We have also completed an initial meeting with CT Department of Transportation. Stay tuned in the weeks ahead when the study is complete and we have opportunities for presentations and public input.
My next office hours will on May 31st from 7 am to 8 am in Town Hall. Look for the First Selectman’s office just inside the main entrance. Please feel free to stop by and share any thoughts or concerns you have.
On a safety note, Newtown Savings Bank, the Bethel Fire & EMS, the Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Company, and Newtown Youth & Family Services are hosting a Community Safety Day tomorrow, Saturday, May 13th at 68 Stony Hill Road, Bethel. They will have safety demonstrations, truck tours, games, and giveaways. And, yes, K9 Penny will be making an appearance! I can’t think of a better way to get geared up for the 101 Critical Days of Summer.
Bethel Fish and Game Annual Children’s Fishing Derby
Tomorrow, Saturday, May 13th is the Bethel Fish and Game Annual Children’s Fishing Derby at Bennett Memorial Park from 8 am to 11 am. Children 15 years and younger are welcome to this free opportunity. All you need is your rod, reel, tackle, and bait. The pond will be full of trout, so rain or shine, this could be a fun family activity.
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event
Tomorrow, Saturday, May 13th, Newtown Public Works is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event at 4 Turkey Hill Rd. from 9 an to 2 pm. This opportunity is for the towns in the HRRA region, which includes Bethel. For all the spring cleaners in town, this is a great opportunity to part with old paint and chemicals. PLEASE take a look at the flyer before you go for instructions on how to get rid of items that are not accepted tomorrow. https://hrra.org/household-hazardous-waste/
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive takes place tomorrow, Saturday May 13th. This is arguably the EASIEST food drive ever. Every second Saturday in May, letter carriers with the US Post Office collect non-perishable food donations for local food banks or pantries. Just place a box, bag or can of non-perishable food next to your mailbox tomorrow, and your letter carrier will do the rest! #stampouthunger2023
Juleen’s Team”
Reminder for the friends and fans of Juleen Flanigan: Juleen, a forty-year resident of Bethel and a friend to many, has been living at Maplewood at Stony Hill since last November and is living with Mid Stage Alzheimer’s Disease. “Juleen’s Team” will gather tomorrow for the day to raise money for Juleen’s care, as well as bring attention to what families go through. The day starts with a Mass at St Mary’s at 9 am, followed by a walk at the Bethel High School track from 11 am to 1 pm. Finally, there will be a reception from 2 pm to 4 pm at Maplewood at Stony Hill. 46 Stony Hill Road, with live music and refreshments. Please check out The Bethel Grapevine for the article on Juleen.
To the moms, Happy Mother’s Day!
Have a great weekend!
Dan