Dan Carter Update: St. Mary School CARNIVAL, Memorial Day Parade, and More!

May 9, 2025

Appointed Boards

Appointed boards and commissions are a great way to help our community! We currently have two vacancies on the Ethics Commission. The commission reviews and administers the Ethics Code of the Town of Bethel. We also have a position on the Public Site and Building Commission. The commission advises the Board of Selectmen on public building needs helps in the design, bidding and construction of public buildings. Please email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov if interested these or other boards and commissions.

Building Projects

The Board of Selectmen voted to assign two projects to the Public Site and Building Commission this week. The town is looking to replace our animal shelter, which is in terrible shape. We also have much needed roof replacement for the highway garage. These projects will take time, so stay tuned for more information.

Beavers!

Those in town with flooding issues caused by beaver dams: the bad news is the trapping season ended in March. The good news is the town has been approved for a special permit to trap beavers on various town owned properties through May 26th. For more information on beavers, visit https://portal.ct.gov/deep/wildlife/nuisance-wildlife/problems-with-beavers.

Electric Discount Rate

In June, the existing Electric Discount Rate is expanding from two tiers (10% and 50%) to five tiers (5%, 15%, 20%, 40% or 50%). Customers that meet household income requirements or receive a public assistance benefit for at least one household member and have a financial hardship status on their electric account are eligible for discounts. Visit www.eversource.com/discount-rate to learn more.

Recycling Video

Leaders and Public Works officials from around the area toured the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Shelton this week. It’s an amazing recycling facility! Message from the MRF: Attention Vape and Cell phone user. Please do not put batteries or old phones in your garbage! It is a huge fire risk! Learn more about disposing of all batteries an https://hrra.org/batteries/. Watch the video on how the MRF works at https://youtu.be/6Bwlii0m39M?si=AAb95OSXZ0YtE-83.

Office Hours

The next office hours is on Monday, May 12th from 5 pm to 6 pm. If you have questions or comments about happenings in town, stop by. You can also make an appointment at 203-794-8540 or firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov.

P&Z Public Hearings

Planning and Zoning has continued public hearings for 53 Taylor Rd. (8-30g affordable housing 20 units) and 72 Reservoir Rd. (8-30g affordable housing 6 units) on Tuesday, May 13th 7 pm in Town Hall Meeting Room D. Learn more at https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-zoning. Our interim provider of town planning, Tyche Planning and Policy Group, will also be introduced.

Tomorrow’s Events, May 10th

Enjoy the Annual Bethel Fish and Game Association Fishing Derby tomorrow 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.

Don’t forget the regional Household Hazardous Waste collection event tomorrow at Newtown Public Works, 4 Turkey Hill Road, from 9 am to 2 pm! It is a great way to get rid of household chemicals. Visit https://hrra.org/household-hazardous-waste/ for more information.

Tomorrow is the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive! Each year on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers collect donations of non-perishable food items to benefit local food pantries. Simply leave your donation of non-perishable food in a bag near your mailbox and your letter carrier will do the rest. All food stays in the Town of Bethel with Brotherhood in Action. Please be generous!

St. Mary School Carnival

The 47th annual St. Mary School Carnival is on the Town Hall lawn from Wednesday, May 14th to Sunday, May 18th! Lots of rides, games, food, and fun! Visit https://smhsabct.ejoinme.org/SMSCarnival for more info and to pre purchase ride bracelets. Pre purchase appears to end on Tuesday, May 13th.

Furry Fiesta

Stop by DAWS on Saturday, May 17th between 12 pm and 4 pm and meet the animals. The “Furry Fiesta Adoption Event” is a great way to find your new furry friend!

Memorial Day Parade

Mark your calendar for the Bethel Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 18th! The parade steps off at 2 pm in front of Whitlock’s Restaurant, travels east on Greenwood Ave., turns on to PT Barnum Sq, and ends on School St. with a ceremony in front of Town Hall. Don’t miss this hometown event!

DAWS Putt FORE Paws

The Danbury Animal Welfare Society still has some tickets for “DAWS Putt FORE Paws - Joyce Allen Memorial Tournament” on June 9th at the Redding Country Club. Support DAWS and help care and shelter to animals in need. Learn more at https://e.givesmart.com/events/GtJ/.

Shoutouts

Thank you Bethel Naval JROTC for putting up the flags on Greenwood Ave, PT Barnum Sq., and School St! They look amazing and we appreciate all you do!
A huge shoutout to Emily Turek and Josh Heyel for recognition as CIAC Scholar Athletes! Your ability to play sports and get great grades is amazing!
Thank you, Stony Hill Fire Department for the open house last weekend! A special shoutout to Emilly Mendes and Giulianna Riccio-Weisse who led the event and connected the FD with the community!
A week late: Congratulations to Coach Fernandes (soccer) for being recognized as the SWC’s Most Outstanding Coach!
Congrats to Bethel High School girls and boys outdoor track teams for wiping out the competition this week! Girls are 9-1 and boys 10-0!