July 18 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

**News Release Submitted by Bethel First Selectman Carter**

July 18, 2025

Dear Bethel,

Parloa Park Renovation

The Parloa Park renovation has begun! Expect work to be done in phases, so we appreciate patience as various parts of the park may be closed. For instance, the basketball court has been removed to begin work on an expanded playground. The court will be rebuilt in another location. Funding for the $1 million in improvements comes from a state grant and Bethel’s remaining ARPA funds.

Poet Laureate

In collaboration with Bethel Arts and the current Honorary Poet Laureate, we are looking for our next Honorary Poet Laureate! Honorary Poet Laureate is an unpaid position and it is appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The position is open to all Bethel residents over the age of 18. The Poet Laureate composes poems for special events and occasions and takes a leadership role in expanding the community’s appreciation of the magic of poetry and literature. To apply, click HERE.

Town Meeting

The Board of Selectmen voted to set a Town Meeting for Thursday, July 24th at 6 pm at Town Hall in meeting room A to vote on the recommendation of a single location for early voting in November. Our Voter Registrars designate the location for early voting, in our case it’s usually Meeting Room A in Town Hall. When the legislature created early voting, they required towns to have the legislative body determine whether to designate an additional location for early voting, which means we have a vote of the Town Meeting every year.

P&Z Public Hearing

On Tuesday, July 22nd at 7:00 pm at Town Hall in Meeting Room D, the Planning & Zoning
Commission will continue a public hearing for 48/50 Nashville Road (8-30g affordable housing 75 units/5 stories). Visit https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-zoning for more information and how to watch online. Select the agenda, and the google drive link on the agenda to view the documents.

Office Hours

The next office hours is on Wednesday, July 23rd from 7:30 am to 8:30 am in the First Selectman Office in Town Hall. This is an opportunity to stop in and share what is on your mind. If it’s not convenient, please email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov or call 203-794-8540 for an appointment.

Info Meeting: Car Tax Assessment

The change in the car tax assessment has created many questions! Mark your calendar for an informational meeting on Car Tax Assessments! Join us Thursday, July 31st at 6:00 pm in Meeting Room A. To watch virtually, visit https://meet.google.com/mct-gqme-bwi or dial in at ‪+1 267-415-1914 PIN: ‪359 994 026#

Shop & Stroll Tomorrow

Don’t forget about the Summer Shop & Stroll tomorrow from 11 am to 4 pm. Check out list of vendors at https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/shop-stroll

Artists & Crafters at will be at PT Barnum Square tomorrow, July 19th during Shop & Stroll offering guided tours of the downtown sculpture exhibit. Tours depart from the Bethel Arts table at PT Barnum Square between 11:30 am and 3 pm.

98Q Bags and Bears

The 15th annual 98Q Bags and Bears kicks off tomorrow, July 19th during the Shop & Stroll with their “Christmas in July” collection. Bring new unwrapped toys, books, backpacks, diapers, baby bottles, pacifiers, stuffed animals, and gift cards to The Toy Room and Byrd’s Books. The Toy Room, Byrd's Books, and Bethel Social Services in Town Hall will accept the donations through July 30th. 98Q's Rich Minor hosts the Bags and Bears at the Danbury Mall annually on the first Saturday in December to collect items for over 3,000 children in foster care. Thank you for helping us get an early start on ensuring every child's needs are met this coming holiday season!

Bethel Public Library

Escape the humidity of summer at the Monday Night Movie at the Bethel Public Library. This Monday, July 21st at 6 pm. The movie is Dream Scenario with Nicholas Cage.

Nuvance Health is presenting “Stop The Bleed” on Thursday, July 24th at 6:30 pm. By learning how to STOP THE BLEED, you'll gain the ability to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control bleeding. Become empowered to make a life-or-death difference when a bleeding emergency happens!

Visit https://www.bethellibrary.org/events/ to register for these and other great events!

Food Truck Friday

Join us at Food Truck Friday next Friday, July 25th on the Town Hall Lawn from 5 pm to 8 pm. Smash Bros, Taco Road Trip, Rich’s Wings & Things, Nicky Zooks, Dish it Right Here, Jesse’s Ice Cream Truck, T’s Italian Ice, and Wild Sips will be on hand to feed our hunger. Music provided by The Steel Blues Band. Don’t forget many of Bethel’s amazing restaurants have to go items!

Bethel Beer Fest

Love craft beer? The Bethel Beer Fest is back on Saturday, August 2nd on the Town Hall lawn from 3 pm to 6 pm! VIPs can show up at 2 pm for an extra hour of tasting and a gift to take home. Get your ticket before they sell out at https://www.bethelctbeerfest.com/.

Wildcats Golf Tournament

Wildcats Football is having their inaugural golf tournament on Monday, August 4th at Newtown Country Club. Grab a few friends and play 9 holes to support our football team! Register at: https://charitygolftoday.com/event?e=22137&ce=2d053c. For sponsorship information, contact the Gridiron Club at bhsgridiron2020@gmail.com.

Thank you to the Bethel Patriotic Society and our volunteers from Bethel High School for your efforts to recognize and locate veterans in our cemeteries!

A huge shoutout to the Bethel Land Trust and volunteers who did an amazing job improving the Franc Preserve! Clearing out the invasive vegetation, removing fallen trees, and installing barriers to trucks and ATVs will make a big difference for residents who want to enjoy the property! If want to be notified of future volunteer events, email bethel.land.trust.ct@gmail.com.

Have a great weekend!

Dan


P.S. “Join the Story” as Bethel celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Learn more and stay tuned for events and opportunities at https://bethel-ct.gov/america250.