America 250
In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the country. In support of the effort to reflect on the ideals of the founders of the nation and look at our path forward to realizing those ideals today, the America 250 Bethel Ad Hoc Committee was formed by the Board of Selectmen had they had their first meeting this week. Stay tuned for more information regarding events!
Smithland
We have received inquiries regarding the sale of 74 South Street where the Smithland Pet & Garden Center is located and if the town would consider purchasing the property. First and foremost, we are really sorry to see them go and wish the best for all our neighbors who work there. The Board of Selectmen and the EDC director briefly discussed the property this week and there is certainly and interest in working with a future owner for shared parking. More to follow.
P&Z Hearings
Planning and Zoning has continued public hearing for 72 Reservoir St. (8-30g affordable housing 6 units) on Tuesday, June 10th at 7 pm in Town Hall Meeting Room D. P&Z also has public hearing for 48 & 50 Nashville Road (8-30g affordable housing, five story, 75 Units) on Tuesday, June 24th at 7 pm in Town Hall Meeting Room D. Learn more at https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-zoning.
Town Referendum
Don’t forget the machine referendum next Thursday, June 12th from 6 am to 8 pm at your normal polling location. The $1.2 million SCADA project will be paid for through a loan at 2% over 20 years, reduced by available grants. The project is eligible for an EPA grant of up to $640,000 and potentially a subsidy through the state of Connecticut. Payment for the appropriated sums shall be paid by the water account users of the Bethel PUC. Please visit https://bethel-ct.gov/elections for more information.
Senior Center Outreach
The Senior Center has a new vehicle purchased with ARPA funds approved last November. The addition of a vehicle in addition to the Senior Center van will allow the staff to make additional home visits and help our most vulnerable have access to needed resources. Learn more about the Bethel Senior Center and available programs at https://bethel-ct.gov/senior-center.
Summer Youth Football and More
Sign Up before it's too late! Summer Youth Football hosted by High School Varsity Coach Nick Tarantino is excited to introduce football to the younger generation! Sign up here or call 203-794-8531. Check out the Bethel Parks and Recreation Summer Flyer and their amazing programs at https://bethelct.myrec.com/.
Off The Streets
Our friends at Off The Streets are in urgent need of vacuums, toasters, air fryers, dressers and kitchen tables. Visit https://sites.google.com/view/offthestreets/home for more information.
Kind Works
Empathy is the Cure is a music series in Bethel that aims to raise money and goods for local charities. It takes place every 2nd Sunday of the month at Molten Java in Bethel. This Sunday, June 8th, from 1 pm to 4 pm, the event will support Kind Works in Bethel, which promotes building communities through kindness and empathy. Performers will be Barry Seroff, Dan O'connor, and Rich Golden. Visit https://www.kind-works.org/events.
Please stop in at the Bethel Historical Society Museum, located at the Second Meeting House, 40 Main Street tomorrow, June 7th from 10 am to 1 pm. View the collection of P.T. Barnum memorabilia, hatmaking tools, military items and much more.
Don't miss the huge Tag Sale at the First Congregational Church tomorrow from 9 am to 4 pm. There is something for everyone and lunch items for sale as well. Most items are 1/2 price between 3-4 pm! Check out https://www.firstchurchbethel.org/ for more information.
Tomorrow is the big day! Stop by Dr. Mikes and help them celebrate their 50th anniversary! There will be plenty of free toppings and a drawing to learn how to make ice cream and a free gallon to take home! Learn the story behind Dr. Mikes at www.drmikesic.com.
Bethel Public Library
The library as some fantastic events on the horizon! On Friday, June 13th from 2 om to 3 pm, join Dr. Markowitz for “Non-Surgical Solutions For Neck and Lower Back Disc Herniations and Spinal Arthritis.”
If you are living with neck, lower back pain, arm or leg pain due to herniated discs or arthritis, this event is for you. ATTN TEENS: celebrate the beginning of Summer with the BPL Teen Trivia Summer Kickoff on Friday, June 13th from 6 pm to 7 pm. Flex your knowledge, win prizes, and have fun! They have pizza, prizes, games, and more! This program is intended for teens in 6-8th grade. Check out these and other great events at www.bethellibrary.org/events.
Food Truck Friday
On The Road Again launches the summer’s first Food Truck Friday next Friday, June 13th from 5 to 8 pm! Interested in sponsoring a Food Truck Friday? Sponsorships allow the town to offset the costs and provide “Food Tuck Loot” coupons that are distributed by Bethel Social Services and help brighten the summer for some of our neighbors. If interested, please contact Emma@zahanskye@bethel-ct.gov.
Shoutouts
- Congrats to the Bethel track 4x100 team, Bob Fiengo, Luke Richardson, Jackson Sorbello, and Adrian Vasquez who took a 1st place and are All-State! Also, congrats on the new school record!
- Hats off to the Bethel track 4x800 team, Ryan Kovacik, Josh Heyel, Mateo Romero, and Ye-Jun Ng, for their 1st place win and achieving All-State! And, yes, another school record!
- Congrats to the NJROTC scholarship winners and academy appointees! Over a MILLION dollars in scholarship and benefits! Way to go!
- Congrats Coach Fesh from Bethel Baseball! Connecticut HS Assistant Coach of the Year!
- Thank you to the BHS Lady Wildcats tennis team for the free tennis lesson and the photo with the team! Watching you work with the much younger, future Lady Wildcats who also won your raffle was priceless. You are a class act!