From the First Selectman's Desk
32. 5/21/26. Bethlehem's Memorial Day commemoration is scheduled for this coming Monday May 26th. The parade will form at Nick's parking lot and step off at 1:00PM, proceed north on Main Street and end at the Green. The ceremonies are immediately following on the Green (approximately 1:30PM). As always, this event is planned, organized and executed by Bethlehem American Legion Post 146. In the event of rain, the decision to cancel the parade will be made by 8:00AM and the ceremonies will be in Memorial Hall at 1:00PM. Please join us. Ray
33. 5/26/26. Good Morning! The parade is a GO today at 1:00PM! Because the Green is very wet and soggy the ceremonies will take place in Memorial Hall immediately following the parade. Hope to see everyone there. Ray
34. 5/28/26. Please be advised that the news item reported in the May 27th issue of Voices on page 16 regarding the Bethlehem budget contains several factual errors. The correct proposed budget can be found on this website under the Board of Finance tab. The meeting Warning can be found under the News and Notices tab. Ray
35. 6/1/26. Reminder: the Annual Budget and Special Town meeting will be held this Thursday, 6/4 at 7:30PM in Memorial Hall, as previously noted, the Warning can be found on the Town Calendar and News and Notices tab of this website. Ray
36. 6/20/26. Dear Friends, The 4th of July and Bethlehem's celebration of our nation's 250th birthday is right around the corner. For over two years a committee has been meeting to plan an agenda that will inform, engage and entertain the town's citizens. Extensive detail is on this website under the America 250 tab regarding all of the activities planned for that day. Information, tee shirts and challenge coins are available at Town Hall. Please join us for all or part of the festivities and bring your family and friends. Ray
37. 6/24/26. In observance of the July 4th holiday next week, Town Hall will be closed on Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th. Ray
38. 6/30/26. The Connecticut Department of Emergency Management has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for Litchfield County from 12N on Wednesday 7/1 to the afternoon of Sunday 7/5. Accordingly, the designated cooling center in Bethlehem is Memorial Hall. Anyone desiring access should contact Emergency Management coordinator, Tom O'Neil on 203-528-6646. Please be aware of signs of heat related distress and stay safe over the holiday weekend. Ray
39. 7/1/26. The Extreme Heat Warning Watch noted above has been upgraded to an Extreme Heat Warning by the Department of Emergency Management. Let's stay safe out there. Ray
40. 7/6/26. Dear Friends, The Town's celebration of our nation's 250th birthday was a huge success! A heartfelt thanks to the scores of citizens who contributed to that success. To the marchers, float-builders, bandsmen, riders, first responders, technicians, photographers, speakers, clergy, singers, vendors, spectators and most especially to sub-committee chairs and members (a complete list of whom can be found in my remarks in the News and Notices section of this website) please accept my WELL DONE! Ray
41. 7/14/26. Good Morning, the Office of the Governor has activated the extreme heat protocol beginning at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, and continuing through 5:00 PM on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Accordingly, the designated cooling center in Bethlehem is Memorial Hall. Anyone desiring access should contact Emergency Management coordinator, Tom O'Neil on 203-528-6646. Please be aware of signs of heat related distress, particularly in the aged and infirmed. Ray
42. 7/28/26. Due to a possible blue-green algae bloom, the beach at Long Meadow Pond is closed until further notice. We will provide an update as soon as the beach is safe to reopen. An advisory has been sent to all season pass holders. Ray
43. 7/30/26. The Town has now begun participation in the Connecticut Tire Stewardship program. This program allows any Bethlehem resident to drop off any car or truck tire, on or off the rim, at the Transfer Station free of charge for recycling. Large construction vehicle, agricultural or excessively muddy tires will still be charged a fee. Tires can be dropped at the existing trailer. Ray
44. 8/3/26. The swimming advisory announced on 7/28 associated with the blue/green algae bloom has been lifted. The beach at Long Meadow Pond is now open. Ray
45. 8/7/26. A swimming advisory is again in effect at the Town beach at Long Meadow. Please refer to the News and Notices section of this website for details. Ray
46. 8/9/26 The swimming advisory announced on 8/7 has been lifted. The beach at Long Meadow Pond is now open. Ray