Bethel Jaycees building town gazebo

By Eileen FitzGerald

May 12, 1997

Courtesy of THE NEWS-TIMES

BETHEL _ A bandstand in the town center is the quintessential symbol of a New England community.

Now, the Bethel Jaycees are seeing that the town has one of its own.

The local service organization is building a 24-foot-tall gazebo on the front lawn of the municipal center, which will be used for free concerts this summer.

The Jaycees have helped the town through the years with scholarships and donations, but this is a chance to make a more permanent contribution, said Jim Thommen, project chairman.

"This is an idea we have had for several years and we have been saving money for the last couple of years," Thommen, a local businessman, said. "To me, it's one of the nicest things that has happened to Bethel."

First discussed last June, construction of the gazebo was slowed by weather and the local permitting process.

A subcontractor has installed footings and the Jaycees started the decking Saturday. The group plans to spend next weekend on the project and will determine its future work schedule based on how much they accomplish.

"I think it's fantastic they're volunteering their time and expertise to make an addition to our town," First Selectman Charles Steck said.

The Northeastern Navy Showband is scheduled to perform the first free concert at the new bandstand Saturday, June 14 at 6 p.m. The 18-member group will perform contemporary jazz and big band hits under the direction of Allan Wilson. The band's visit was arranged by former Congressman Gary Franks.

Steck said he plans to line up different types of music groups at the bandstand to entertain residents this summer.

The Jaycees have dedicated about $14,000 to pay for materials and its members are managing the bulk of the labor for the construction.

In addition, Ring's End of Bethel gave a $1,500 donation and a discount on materials toward the project. Losito Electrical Contractors will donate the electrical work and Riley and Corbo Architects donated the plans. Other contributors to the project include Steiner Inc., builder Pete Snyder, Barrett Roofing Company and T & M Lawn and Landscape.

The gazebo may satisfy the goals of some Jaycee members to rekindle the spirit in the town when it was smaller and close-knit, said George Braden, recent past president of the Jaycees and a board member.

"You have to go back in history to see that the Bethel Jaycees have tried to add central pieces to the town that made sense and the townspeople could enjoy," Braden said, citing the group's early efforts to improve Meckauer Park, as an example.

The gazebo will be an entertainment spot and will provide a gathering place for townspeople.

"In many respects," he added, "the town doesn't have anything that does that so well."