Oct. 17 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Oct. 17, 2025

Dear Bethel,

Early Voting Monday

Early Voting for the 2025 Municipal Election begins this Monday, October 20th at Town Hall at 10 am in Meeting Room A, just inside the main entrance. Early voting will continue every day until November 2nd between 10 am and 6 pm, with extended hours of 8 am to 8 pm on October 28th and October 30th. Contrary to urban legend, the Voter Registrars and poll workers are not taking a leisurely day off on the 3rd. They are diligently preparing for Election Day on November 4th where they are manning all our normal polling locations between 6 am and 8 pm.

There are 8 ballot questions on the ballot to make changes to the Bethel Charter. Where possible, similar charter changes were grouped together as questions to limit the number of questions on the ballot. Note that any changes are approved will not take effect until 30 days after the election. An overview of the questions and the actual ballot is available at https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-Elections.

School Street Paving

Due to contractor delays, milling and paving on School Street is scheduled for Thursday, October 23rd and could go into the following week. Please utilize the rear lot of Town Hall as much as possible during construction. The CVS side of the rear lot will be open during early voting hours.

Downtown Sidewalk repairs

The Board of Selectmen has approved using state LoCIP funding for downtown sidewalk repairs at 24 locations where the pavers have recessed were there were trees or past repairs. We are waiting for final signoff from the state and should begin work sometime between Trick or Treat Street and Winterfest.

Childcare Needs Assessment Continued

In last week’s update, a key finding from the Bethel’s Youth Commission survey to identify childcare needs highlighted difficulties for families accessing child care when school is not in session, especially for families with children under 5 or those with special needs. What about care when school is in session? Of the 125 families surveyed, 68% said their childcare needs are being met, leaving more than 1 in 4 with unmet needs. The biggest challenges are cost (36%), availability (21%), and hours of operation (18%). Families rely most on parents/guardians (38%), followed by daycare centers (11%), Parks & Rec programs (11%), school break or after-school care (8% each), before care (7%), and smaller numbers using nannies or other providers. Costs vary, but most respondents (72.7%) spend under $200 per child per week during the school year. A full summary is available on the Youth Commission’s website.

St. Mary School Openings

St. Mary School is looking for Substitute teachers Monday through Friday (as needed) from 7:45 am to 2 pm with a daily rate of $120. They are also looking for an After School Aid/Club Monitor Monday through Friday from 2 pm to 5:30 pm with an hourly rate of $16.54. Applicants must complete a background check prior to employment. Contact: principal@stmarybethelct.org for more information.

Speeding

Speeding remains one of the top concerns of residents in town. While our officers at the Bethel PD have stepped up enforcement dramatically, we are considering many other options to protect residents, especially pedestrians. We have ordered flashing beacons for some of the downtown crosswalks on Greenwood Ave. and are coordinating with the state for installation. We will also be partnering with Connecticut Children’s and CT DOT also be launching a new social media campaign in the coming months. But the town can only do so much. It’s up to all of us to make good decisions. For now, slow it down especially near bus stops. If you are out walking, wear clothing that makes you visible, day and night.

Winterfest Pop-Up Market

Bethel Arts is now accepting applications for the Holiday Pop-Up Market during Bethel Winterfest 2025! The event takes place on Friday, November 28th from 2 pm to 5 pm at Bethel Town Hall. They are looking for fine artists and crafters to showcase and sell their original, handmade work in a cozy indoor setting. Space is limited, so apply early to secure your spot. Visit https://www.bethelartsct.org/winterfest-holiday-pop-up-market/ or email info@bethelartsct@gmail.com.

No Kings Rally

There will be a No Kings rally tomorrow on the Town Hall lawn from 11 am to 12:45 pm. Please utilize the parking lots behind town hall and at the train station. The CVS side entrance to the rear lot will be open.

Trick or Treat Street

The Bethel Chamber of Commerce Trick or Treat Street is on Saturday, October 25th from 1 pm to 3 pm along Greenwood Avenue and ends with a Costume Contest at the Town Hall lawn at 3 pm. There are five categories with a prize for the winner of each category: Ages 0-5, Ages 6-10, Ages 11-17, Ages 18+, and Family. Note that this year Greenwood Ave. will be closed during the event. Please look for detour signs.

Shoutouts

A shoutout to Bethel U8/U9 Girls Travel Soccer Team who are currently undefeated! You are our future Lady Wildcats and we can’t wait to see what you do! https://www.instagram.com/bysa_2017_girls/

Congrats to our latest Eagle Scout, Elliot Detwiler! His service project was to refurbish the volleyball court at Meckauer Park. Thank you to all who helped Elliot!

Congrats to Myra Drucker, the recipient of the 2025 TrailblazeHER award at the Girls Who Invest 10th Anniversary gala! GWI is a non-profit dedicated to transforming the investment management industry by attracting and advancing women investors, change-makers, and leaders. We are so fortunate that Myra has brought her wealth of leadership and investment experience home as a member of our Insurance and Pension Commission.

Kayla Huedepohl and Calum Binder our Athletes of the Week. Kayla scored a key goal to help girls soccer into the SWC tournament and Calum earned 1st team All SWC recognition on the boys cross country team! Other cross country winners: Amina Macchiarulo - 1st team All SWC, Hana Yuen - 2nd team all SWC, Christian Dubois - 1st team All SWC, Christopher Kim - 2nd team All SWC. Way to go Wildcats!

Good luck to the girls and boys soccer teams in SWC quarterfinals next week! Congrats to the boys Freshmen soccer team for the win over Pomperaug this week!

Good luck to Wildcats Football tonight and to the lady Wildcats volleyball 11:30 am tomorrow at home!

Have a great weekend!

Dan