BOS approves sale of 20 Trowbridge Drive in Francis J Clark Park
After a public hearing, Board of Selectmen (BOS) approved the sale of 20 Trowbridge Drive in Francis J Clark Park. Once the contract is complete, the BOS will set a date for a Special Town Meeting in a few weeks for residents to vote on the sale. This is the 3rd of the 4 lots developed by the town for sale. Stay tuned for a date for a Town Meeting.
Election Results and THANK YOU poll workers!
Results from this week’s election are available at www.bethel-ct.gov on the landing page. The Voter Registrars, the Town Clerk’s Office, our Moderators, and poll workers work really hard and do a great job for all of us. If you know someone who works at the polls, please make sure to stop them in town and say thank you!
Bethel Water Dept
PFAS is in the news. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals widely used since the 1940s in manufacturing and are found in water, air, fish, soil, food, and people all over the planet. Studies suggest that PFAS could be harmful to humans, although how harmful is still unanswered. The Bethel Water Department tests our groundwater sources for PFAS and the results indicate that our PFAS results are less than the CT Department of Public Health Action Levels. However, the EPA is researching the effects of PFAS and may propose new regulations. We will continue to test our water and work with state regulators to stay current with the latest developments and we are preparing for additional treatment needs of our water, should it become necessary. Water test results are on the town website and you can learn more about PFAS at https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained.
Local Government Roundtable
Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) hosted a Local Government Roundtable on High-Speed Internet this week. While most Bethel residents have access to reliable internet, cost barriers to connectivity remain for some. Bethel will continue to work with DEEP to expand access to fast, affordable, and reliable internet. If you have problems finding affordable internet, visit www.lifelinesupport.org or www.affordableconnectivity.gov. Visit https://portal.ct.gov/broadband for all kinds of internet related resources.
Community Calendar
We are experiencing a delay in the launch of our community calendar. The website designers are having technical issues with the form to submit events. We will keep you posted.
Preparing for Winter
It is time to prepare for winter! Please do not overlook your mailbox! The town is not responsible for a damaged mailbox caused by snow expelled from the plow as it passes by. A properly installed mailbox should withstand the force of the snow. Should a plow contact a mailbox directly, which is rare, please contact Public Works within 7 days of the storm. The Town will assist elderly or impaired homeowners with repairing damage to their mailbox or post.
Veterans Day Ceremony
Don’t forget the Veterans Day ceremony will take place at the Bethel Veterans Monument in front of Town Hall tomorrow, November 11th at 10:45 am. The local veteran organizations gather every year to host the event. Showing up for the short ceremony is a great way to honor them.
Bethel Chapter of the CT Poetry Society
Are you into poetry? The Bethel Chapter of the CT Poetry Society has monthly poetry workshops on the 2nd Saturday of every month. The events are open to members and visitors. Check out the Bethel Public Library calendar for tomorrow, November 11th for more information or contact Michael Garry, President, Bethel Chapter of CPS at mgarry1955@gmail.com.
Congrats to BHS Marching Wildcats and Guard
Congratulations to the BHS Marching Wildcats and Guard who are National Champions for a second time with their 2023 Class IIA winning score of 94.0, Best Visuals, Best Color Guard, Best Music, and Best Overall Effect! They are being honored with a parade on Monday, November 13th at 10:30 am at Bethel High School. Members of the public are invited to stand on Whittlesey Drive to celebrate their achievement.
Office Hours
If you have concerns, comments, ideas, or anything else you might like to talk about, drop by office hours on Wednesday, November 15th from 7 am to 8 am at the Town Hall in the First Selectman Office. The next office hours will be on Monday, November 27th from 5 pm to 7 pm.
Congratulations to the Bethel High School NJROTC Marching Drill Team
Congratulations to the Bethel High School NJROTC Marching Drill Team who took 2nd Place Overall at the SUNY Maritime College Drill Meet. The Varsity and JV Color Guards placed 1st, NJROTC placed 2nd in the academic competition and the physical fitness competition, and 3rd in platoon drill. Great job Cadets!
BHS Girls and BHS Boys Soccer Teams Advance to Quarterfinals
A big shout out to both the BHS Girls and BHS Boys Soccer Teams who have advanced to the Quarterfinals of the state playoffs. The girls play today, November 10th at 4 pm at home and the boys play tomorrow at 2 pm in East Lyme. Congrats and we are rooting for you!
Have a great weekend!