Making an Impact - Sustainable Bethel Commission
As the founding Chair during the Sustainable Bethel Commission’s formative years, I have had the privilege of helping guide the early development, structure, and direction of the Commission and the initiatives that have supported the Bethel community.
This is how you make an impact: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mxljx_MB8pa2KThcFwCdUk_CW-oefvP_/view?usp=sharing
Established by the Board of Selectmen in 2021, the Sustainable Bethel Commission was created as a volunteer advisory body to advance initiatives that strengthen Bethel’s long-term vitality through collaboration, education, and innovation. From the outset, the Commission embraced a comprehensive approach to sustainability, recognizing that a thriving community depends on environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, civic engagement, and cultural vitality.
Guided by the values of collaboration, innovation, education, equity, and resilience, the Commission organized its work around three key areas: environmental stewardship, municipal and economic vitality, and social and cultural well-being. This framework helped encourage partnerships among residents, businesses, nonprofits, and Town departments while advancing initiatives that support Bethel’s quality of life and long-term resilience.
During my tenure as Chair, the Commission helped launch and support several initiatives that have had a positive impact on the community. These included achieving Sustainable CT Bronze Certification, supporting Community Match Fund projects benefiting local organizations, advancing EV charging infrastructure planning, hosting Bethel’s growing annual Earth Day celebration, conducting the Stony Hill walk audit that helped secure pedestrian improvement funding, supporting the Small Business Energy Advantage program, expanding food scrap recycling initiatives with HRRA, participating in regional programs such as the Repair Café and Pollinator Pathway, and supporting community engagement initiatives including the Parloa Park “third space” concept, flood mitigation discussions in the Fleetwood neighborhood, and the P.T. Barnum mural installation as part of Bethel’s historic preservation efforts.
These accomplishments reflect the strength of volunteer leadership and the power of collaboration in advancing initiatives that benefit the entire community.
While the Commission has achieved meaningful progress during its early years, it is well positioned to continue evolving. The partnerships established and the framework created provide a strong foundation for the Commission’s next phase—one that can further strengthen collaboration with Town departments, expand community engagement, and continue supporting innovative initiatives that enhance Bethel’s sustainability, resilience, and quality of life through measurable outcomes.
It has been an honor to serve the Town of Bethel in this leadership role. I am grateful to the commissioners, Town staff, community partners, and residents who contributed their time and ideas to these efforts. I remain confident that the work begun through the Sustainable Bethel Commission will continue to grow and positively impact on our community for years to come.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Hebert
Founding Chairman, Sustainable Bethel Commission
203-994-3408
khebert601@gmail.com