**News Release Submitted by Bethel First Selectman Carter**
2025 Municipal Election
Our Registrars of Voters, the Head Moderator, and 6 Democratic/Republican teams, conducted a recanvass, or recount, due to close votes, within 1/2 of 1% of the 5,826 ballots cast in the Bethel Municipal Election, for the Planning & Zoning and Inland Wetlands Commissions. The Close Vote Recount did not change the outcome of the election. The recanvass results and the final Moderator Return is available at https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-Elections.
Bethel Utility Bills
The Town of Bethel has transitioned to a new utility billing software system. Unfortunately, due to a software issue with the vendor, the online payment portal for water and sewer payments is temporarily unavailable. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and are working diligently to resolve this. Check payments can be dropped off at any time in our secure yellow drop box located at the front of Town Hall or the Tax Collector’s office can accept cash or checks.
Winter Weather Prep
From the Highway Department: Winter weather could be arriving soon! Please help our crews keep Bethel’s roads safe and clear. When it snows, please avoid placing garbage cans in the street, make sure your mailbox is secure and in good condition, clear any basketball hoops or obstructions from the street before snow begins, and remove vehicles from the street.
Child Care 5 of 6 Recap: The Bethel Youth Commission’s 2024 childcare needs survey identified child care challenges for parents: programs for kids under 5 and children with special needs, short program hours, rising costs, and lack of coverage during school holidays or early dismissals. While Parks & Rec programs may be part of the solution, our Economic Development office is also poised to make a difference over the next few years by working with existing childcare and afterschool providers in the community and sharing the survey results and programs that are becoming available from the state. Stay tuned for the final part of the series next Friday.
Holiday Fair
Don’t miss the Annual St. Thomas’ Church Holiday Fair tomorrow, November 15th from 9 am to 3 pm. With crafts, gift baskets and attic treasures, it’s a great place to start your holiday shopping. Soup, sandwiches, chili, and lots of other treats are available.
Coffee and Conversation
Attention Seniors: There is a lot to talk about in Bethel! Stop by the Senior Center this Monday, November 17th from 9:30 am to 10:30 am for “Coffee and Conversation.” Of course, if you would like to connect another time, please make an appointment at [email protected] or call 203-794-8540.
Turkey Bingo
St. Mary School is hosting Turkey Bingo on Friday, November 21st at 6 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm) in the St. Mary School Gym. Pre-purchase tickets by Thursday, November 20th at 4 pm HERE and grab your cards at the door. Bingo Card packs will be sold the night of the event as well (cash/check only). Kid-friendly games, dinner available for purchase and tons of prizes!
Youth Wrestling
Parks & Rec Youth Wrestling for grades 3-8 kicks off at the Bethel High School Wrestling Room on Tuesday, November 18th at 6 pm. The goal is to have fun and prepare future athletes for high school wrestling. The practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm to 7 pm through February 12th. Cost is $100. Register at the first practice or contact Ron Schulman at 203-792-2526 for more information.
BMS Beauty and the Beast
Bethel Middle School will be presenting "Beauty and the Beast Jr." on Friday, November 21st at 7 pm and Saturday, November 22nd at 1 pm and 7 pm in the Bethel Middle School Auditorium. Tickets are $12 and are available at the door. Come support the arts in Bethel Public Schools!
Community Thanksgiving Service
You are invited to a Community Thanksgiving Service hosted by Bethel United Methodist Church, St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, and First Congregational Church Bethel, UCC on Sunday, November 23rd at 4 pm at The First Congregational Church of Bethel. Everyone is invited no matter your faith tradition. Please consider bringing non-perishable food item(s) for the local Bethel Food Pantries. Please call 203-743-1877 with questions.
Winterfest
We are only two weeks away from and amazing Bethel tradition, Winterfest! On November 28th between 2 pm and 5 pm, shop along Greenwood Ave, enjoy music and caroling, take a ride on a horse drawn wagon, and more. Join the festivities in front of Town Hall between 5 pm and 7 pm with the BHS Chorus, the tree lighting, and a visit with Santa! There are still sponsorship opportunities available. Please note that Greenwood Ave will be closed during the event on 2 pm to 5 pm between Rector Street and Depot Place. Visit the Bethel Chamber of Commerce website for sponsor information and a schedule of events. https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/winterfest.
Shoutouts
Congratulations to the State Champion Marching Wildcats for your amazing season!
A belated shoutout to the 11U Bethel Wildcats for an amazing season with a double overtime win to end the season which propelled them to the championship! You are definitely a bright future for Bethel Football!
Good luck Wildcats Football against rival Joel Barlow tonight! Kick off at 7 pm at JBHS.
Thank you, Bethel Patriotic Association, America 250 Bethel, BHS NJROTC, and all who attended for making Bethel’s 2025 Veterans Day Ceremony amazing!
Have a great weekend!
Dan