**News Release Submitted by Bethel First Selectman Carter**
Sept. 12, 2025
Dear Bethel,
Community
In the wake of recent events, it's easy to feel a growing sense of frustration and division. The anger that echoes across the nation can even feel personal. While these feelings are valid, remember we are so lucky to live in a town like Bethel that has a deep sense of community. When the national discourse feels overwhelming, we have an opportunity to focus on our community by prioritizing our neighbors, local businesses, and shared spaces. Choosing to come together to support a local food drive, attend a town meeting, or simply check in on a neighbor allows us to find common ground and remember that we are all part of Bethel. Emergency Exercise
Bethel leaders and first responders participated in the 2025 Governor’s Emergency Planning & Preparedness Initiative Exercise this week. The exercise scenario addressed responding to drought conditions and a wildfire event. The Bethel team worked together to solve public health challenges, emergency response coordination, public information alert and warning, local and regional government actions, utility company coordination, and coordinating with a state-level response. Thank you to the participants and first responders for your contributions to a successful exercise!
Aquarion Water Ban Update
Aquarion customers in Bethel: an interim water supply interconnection is now in place with the Town of Newtown and Aquarion, while Newtown, Bethel, and other impacted parties continue to negotiate with the Housatonic Rail Road company to resolve the blockage of the Pootatuck River caused by a culvert collapse. As a result. Aquarion has lifted the ban on non-essential outdoor water use. Customers should follow Aquarion's mandatory, twice-weekly sprinkler irrigation schedule on the Aquarion website.
Planning & Zoning
The Planning and Zoning held a regular meeting this week. Their work session addressed three 8-30g developments. The development at 72 Reservoir St was denied without prejudice due to the applicant failing to prove ownership of land for access to the sight, safety issues with sight lines, and issues with snow removal. 17 Whitney Rd. was approved due to a court order after a lengthy legal procedure. A vote 48 & 50 Nashville (Vessel RE Holdings) was tabled until the next regular meeting.
The Planning & Zoning Commission is hosting a Public Hearing to hear your thoughts regarding proposed changes to the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Zone Boundary downtown on Tuesday, September 16th at Town Hall in the General Purpose Room at 7 pm. Please remember a hearing is primarily for you to express your perspective and the commission may or may not answer questions. Visit https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-zoning for more information.
Bethel Parks and Rec
Bethel Parks and Rec Fall Flyer is available! There are so many great programs available, including the Run/Walk Club starting next Thursday! Learn more at https://bethelct.myrec.com/ For questions, please call 203-794-8531 or email [email protected].
Field Hockey Car Wash/ V-Ball Bake Sale
Support the 2025 Wildcats Field Hockey team at their Car Wash tomorrow, September 13th from 11 am to 2 pm at the Bethel Town Hall in the side parking lot (across from CVS). Proceeds go a long way in helping cover expenses for the team. Also, girls volleyball is hosting their “Golden Ticket Bake Sale” on September 19th at 3pm at BHS by the gym doors. That might be hard to get to, so if you want to support either team, please donate at https://bethel-high-school-all-sports-booster-club.square.site/s/shop.
Fall Gardening Social
Join our Master Gardeners for their Free Ice Cream & Fall Gardening Social offered by the Fairfield County Agricultural Extension Council (FCAEC) tomorrow, September 13th from 11 am to 4 pm. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions and help with plant diagnostics. Free diagnostic garden books and other items will be available. Learn more about the FCAEC and how to contribute at https://fcaec.org/who-we-are/.
Chicken Parm Dinner
Gather with friends and neighbors at St. Thomas’ Church for their Chicken Parm dinner next Saturday, September 20th from 5 pm to 7 pm. Dinner includes chicken and eggplant parm, pasta, salad, bread and dessert. Dine in or take out begins at 5 pm. Please make reservations by Friday, September 19th. especially for the Take-Outs. For info and reservations, please visit https://www.stthomasbethel.org/dinner.
Bethel SafeWalk
Abuse can affect anyone—regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, or background—and it impacts every community. SafeWalk is The Center for Empowerment and Education’s (CEE) premier event to raise awareness and critical funds in support of survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Mark your calendar for the annual Bethel SafeWalk at Town Hall on Saturday, October 4th at 8 am. (Rain date 10/5). Whether you walk in honor of a loved one, in support of the cause, or simply because you care — your steps make a difference. Learn more, see sponsors, and register at https://secure.frontstream.com/2025-bethel-safewalk. Send questions to Linda Cummins at: [email protected].
Big Night
Correction: the Bethel Women's Club "Big Night" fundraiser is on Tuesday, October 7th from 6 pm to 10 pm at La Zingara Restaurant. They support many local causes, including The Center for Empowerment, veteran housing, local food pantries, Bethel Social Services, and local students with scholarships. There will be a buffet dinner from 6pm to 8pm, live music, and prizes. Only $60.00/per person! For reservations/tickets call Susan at 203-792-1233.
Shoutouts
Congrats to boys soccer for the shut-out win over New Fairfield this week! 5 – 0. Way to go!
Boys cross country defeated Brookfield, Kolbe, and new Fairfield and girls cross country beat Kolbe and Brookfield this week! A great day for Wildcats XC!
A shoutout to residents who called in about the flags on school street! After examination, it was the wind that damaged the flags, not vandalism.
A personal shoutout to our town employees. Each of you are incredible and I am so grateful for your support over the last few months! Thank you!
The Town Clerk’s office will be CLOSED to the public NEXT Monday, September 22nd due to the implementation of a new software program for storing land records.
P.S. America 250 has some cool swag available at the official website of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. Visit https://store.america250.org/. Learn more and stay tuned for Bethel events and opportunities at https://bethel-ct.gov/america250.