Bethel Cinemas, a locally owned cinema that for the past 15 years has been screening indie films in addition to special showings of newly released movies has become another victim of the current pandemic sweeping across America. Owners Ken Karlan and Pam Karpen announced, via e-mail to their faithful followers, that they are closing for good at the end of the day today.
"Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic and economic strife that goes with it, the continued operation of Bethel Cinema has become impossible. As a regrettable outcome of this, we have to shut the theater. It is with both sincere regret and sadness that we write to let you know that Bethel Cinema is permanently closing our doors as of today. It is our utmost priority to inform you of this as you are the people that have kept us going through the years."
They continued, "We have been the owners of the theater for the past 15 years and it has been incredible privilege to be part of this community and a part of your lives. Like every business we are the sum of our team and our customers and we have been fortunate enough to have incredible people in both of those arenas."