Charter Revision
The Charter Revision held a public hearing this week. The potential changes that received the most attention at the hearing were changing from a 2 year term to a 4 year term for the Board of Selectmen, changing from a 3 member to a 5 member board of selectmen, having firefighters on the Board of Fire Commission, and adding 2 members to the Public Utilities Commission.
A 4 year term for the Board of Selectmen is probably the most controversial issue. Pros to a 2 year term: it is better to get rid of a bad elected official in 2 years than 4 and there will be a First Selectman at the top of the ticket in every municipal election, which might increase turnout. Pros for a 4 year term: attracts better candidates to run, an opportunity for the board to have long term vision and get something done, more stability in local government, aligns with all the other elected boards and commissions in town which all have 4 year terms, except for Board of Assessment Appeals. Learn more about the Charter Revision Commission at: https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-public-hearing and https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-crc.
Stormwater
Bethel submits a report to the state every year to document our efforts in the previous year to comply with the requirements of our permit to discharge stormwater. The draft of the 2024 MS4 Annual Report for Bethel is on our website and we are seeking public comment until May 31st. Please visit https://bethel-ct.gov/stormwater-docs to view the report and learn more about Stormwater Management. Please send comments to publicworks@bethel-ct.gov.
After Prom
BHS Prom is scheduled for early June! For years parents, teachers and community members have joined together to provide a fun, safe environment for Bethel High School graduating seniors on one of the biggest nights of their lives. The evening is a free, safe, substance-free event - a gift to our kids from the Bethel community. If you would like to contribute to the event, please Venmo @BHS-PTSO and add “Post Prom” in the memo. If you would like to pay by check or donate raffle prizes, email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov and we will send you information.
Best of Bethel Awards
The Best of Bethel Awards are back! Now’s your chance to recognize the amazing local businesses that make our community shine. Your vote helps celebrate what makes Bethel unique. Nominate your favorite Bethel business for the Best of Bethel 2025 Award by June 6th at https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/bestofbethel. Winners will be announced at the Annual Bethel Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on Wednesday, June 11th.
Tomorrow’s Events, May 3rd
- Join the Relay For Life of Greater Danbury at the Danbury Mall between 8 am and 2 pm and fight back against cancer. Teams walk at 9 am and the walk-a-thon follows. Special welcome bags for the first 100 attendees and lots of family fun! Learn more at http://relayforlife.org/GreaterDanburyCT.
- The Bethel Patriotic Association is hosting a short dedication ceremony at 12 pm on the Town Hall Lawn for the banners along school street.
- The Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Department has an open house on between 12 pm and 4 pm! Meet the volunteers and check out the equipment! Please register at: https://forms.gle/mveu4PCGmUZgUDa17
Bethel Toastmasters Free Open House on Monday, May 5th from 6 pm to 7:45 pm, Toastmasters provides a supportive environment where you can develop public speaking and leadership skills! Grow and become a confident speaker. No reservations, refreshments, and door prizes.
Cardiac Health Fair
RVNAhealth is hosting a Cardiac Health Fair on Friday, May 9th from 11:45 AM to 4:15 PM at 27 Governor Street in Ridgefield. It’s a free, half-day event with a keynote by cardiologist and author Dr. Evan Levine. Learn evidence-based strategies for living a longer, heart-healthy life. Breakout sessions include a free health screening (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, BMI, carotid artery, and more) or an interactive talk on the benefits of exercise for older adults. A midday presentation on stroke prevention and carotid artery health and a light, heart-healthy lunch are also provided. Click here to register.
Fishing Derby and Pig Roast
The Annual Bethel Fish and Game Association Fishing Derby takes place next Saturday, May 10th from 8 am to 11 am at Bennet Park. It is followed by their 4th Annual Pig Roast and Clam Bake at 4 pm! Visit https://www.facebook.com/bethelfishandgameCT/ or https://bethelfishandgame.square.site/ for tickets and info.
Bethel Land Trust Event
Our Bethel Land Trust is hosting a one-of-kind presentation! 99% of the American Chestnut Trees in eastern United States forests were eliminated by the Chestnut blight of 1904. Join the BLT and Richard Swenson at the Bethel Public Library on Thursday, May 15th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm to learn more about efforts to restore the magnificent American Chestnut Tree to its former place in the eastern hardwood forests! Register from the library calendar at: https://www.bethellibrary.org/events/
Shoutouts
- Special thanks to the Garden Club for the lovely flower basket delivered to the Town Hall departments. They really brighten our days!
- Congrats to our Town Clerk, Lisa Bergh, for her election to 2nd VP for Town Clerks association! Not only does she do a great job for Bethel, she is a leader across the state!
- A shoutout to the Bethel winners of the 18th Annual HRRA Billboard Contest! Reagan Tucci (2nd place, First Grade), Olivia Greiter (3rd Place, Kindergarten) Preethika Shenoy (Honorable Mention, 11th Grade), and Madelyn DeGennaro (3rd Place 12th Grade). Check out their art at https://hrra.org/billboard-contest-2025/
- A huge thanks to the Bethel Youth Soccer Association for helping fund the turf reconditioning/maintenance service this spring!
- Congrats to Bethel Baseball for achieving 10-0 after wins over New Milford and New Fairfield. Good luck at your home game on Monday, May 5th at 4 pm on Hunt Field!
- Congrats to girls lacrosse with a win over Lakeview HS, bringing them to 7-3. Good luck against Bristol Eastern tonight and at home on Monday at 4 pm at the Middle School Turf.
- Great job boys Lacrosse with wins over Guilford and Notre Dame Prep this week! They are 8-2 and take on Stamford tomorrow. Go get em!
- Good luck to girls tennis who are playing at home 5/5 at 3:45 pm! This is the first game on our newly renovated tennis courts! Thank you Parks and Rec, Board of Selectmen, and the Board of Finance!