Shakespeare, early voting, funds for Parloa Park, Trick or Treat Street, road closures, Inland Wetlands Public Hearing and more Bethel News…
Patch Staff
**News Release Submitted by Bethel First Selectman Dan Carter**
Oct. 25, 2024
Dear Bethel,
Early Voting Turnout
As of yesterday, 1533 residents have voted, representing over 11% of the registered voters in Bethel! Early voting continues until November 3rd in Town Hall Meeting Room A between 10 am and 6 pm. Hours are extended to 8 am to 8 pm on October 29th and October 31st. Look for our Election Day link at https://bethel-ct.gov/ or visit MyVote.CT.gov.
Early Voting Ballot Counting
After each day of Early Voting, ballots are placed in sealed containers and locked in the non-public area of the Town Clerk’s vault. On election day, November 5th, the ballots will be opened by election workers representing the two major political parties with members of the public present. The folded ballots are removed from the envelopes and separated into a stack of envelops and stack of folded ballots. The stacks are counted to ensure there are the same number of each. The ballots are shuffled before being unfolded and then run through the tabulators. At no time can anyone see how a resident voted.
Nips
Bethel will be receiving $10,519.10 for the 210,382 nips sold in town between April and September, which ranks Bethel at 71st in the state. In 2021 the legislature passed a law to collect a 5-cent surcharge on each 50 mL container of alcohol, also known as a "nip." We receive a payment every 6 months for the nips sold in our town which is deposited in a non-lapsing account and can only be used to help us reduce the generation of solid waste or reduce the impact of litter caused by solid waste.
Funds for Parloa Park
The State Bonding Commission approved $500,000 for improvements at Parloa Park this week. A big thanks to Rep. Allie-Brennan, the Park and Rec Director, and the Park and Rec Commission for staying on top of the project! Stay tuned for more information on how we are moving forward with the improvements.
Child Care
The Bethel Youth Commission is conducting an assessment of childcare in our community. The survey is anonymous, but participants who provide an email can win 4 tickets to Bill Blagg's Family Magic at the Ridgefield Playhouse Sunday, February 9th at 11 am. The results of this survey will help coordinate efforts between public, private and non-profit organizations and does not guarantee an expansion of services by any organization. Please use this link https://forms.gle/xisWNoJcgrZz8FoB8
Trick or Treat Street
Use caution downtown during Trick or Treat Street tomorrow, October 26th between 1pm and 3pm! The event is sponsored by the Bethel Chamber of Commerce and draws a huge crowd, so expect PT Barnum Square may be closed to through traffic during the event. And don’t forget the costume contest at 3pm at the Town Hall!
Road Closures
Expect road closures for paving on Milwaukee Ave. on Monday, October 28th. The contractor will move on to High St., Division St., Elgin Ave and Whitney Rd. on Tuesday and Wednesday and Old Hawleyville Rd. on Thursday and Friday. Emergency vehicles, buses, and residents will have access.
Inland Wetlands Public Hearing
Inland Wetlands public hearing: On Monday, October 28th at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall Meeting Room D, the Inland Wetlands Commission will hold a public hearing for 9 Putnam Park Road (Fill 2’x2’ area of possible poorly drained soil).
Bethel Chamber Fall Networking
Join the Bethel Chamber of Commerce at the Fall Networking Event on Tuesday, October 29th at Kind Works, 32 Stony Hill rd. from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Refreshments will be served and it’s free to local businesses. Email [email protected] with questions.
Household Hazardous Waste
Our next Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day for Bethel residents is next Saturday, November 2nd at Brookfield High School. This is the final opportunity for 2024! Check out what you can and can’t dispose of at https://hrra.org/household-hazardous-waste.
BHS Theater Presents
Looking for a nice night out? Mark your calendar for the Bethel High School On Stage Players production of “A Midsummer Nights Dream” on Friday, November 8th and Saturday, November 9th. For tickets, Visit https://www.bhstheaterboosters.com/
No School Day at WorkspaceCT
Bethel Public Schools are closed on November 11th for Veteran’s Day. If you need a program for children (grades 2 and up), check out WorkspaceCT’s “No School Enrichment Day” with Pasta Making from 8:30 am to 3:30pm.Visit https://www.workspacect.org/event-details/no-school-enrichment-day-with-pasta-making-veterans-day For family baking classes & sewing classes and adult culinary classes go to: https://www.workspacect.org/events
Shoutouts
A huge shoutout to the Sustainable Bethel Commission for leading the way to Bethel being awarded the BRONZE Level certification by Sustainable CT! The town demonstrated significant achievements in twelve sustainable impact areas ranging from inclusive community building, thriving local economies, and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and diverse housing.
Good luck to all the Bethel Wildcats competing this weekend! Bethel football takes on Masuk away tonight, the boys and girls cross country teams are competing at states tomorrow, the girls and boys Soccer teams are both in the SWC Semifinals at home tomorrow, and the Marching Wildcats are performing in the State Championships tomorrow in New Britain.
A shoutout to athletes of the week: Laina Caffrey, a senior on the girls soccer team, with 4 goals and an 22 assists last week, and Mateo Romero, a senior on the cross country team, for his performance in the SWC championship!
Have a great weekend!
Dan
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.