TOWN OF BETHEL

MAY E-MAIL NEWSLETTER

 

 

 

 

We've got news to chirp about this month! 

 

Town Hall Schedule

 Town Hall will be closed on Monday, May 26^th for Memorial Day. 

 

Town Meetings

Town Board – May 8^th  & 22^nd  – Senior Center at 7:30

Planning Board – May 13^th – Senior Center at 7:30

Zoning Board – May 19^th– Justice Court at 7:30

Youth Board – May 20^th– Justice Court at 7:00

911 House Numbering 

Please remember to post your house number (911 number) clearly visible from the roadway.  Numbers should be reflective and 3” high.  If you do not know your house number contact B.J. Gettel in the Building Department at 583-4649 ext. 15 and she will be happy to help you. 

 

Transfer Station Fees

The Town of Bethel will be increasing their fees for household waste effective May 5^th.  The increase will raise the Town fees to equal the County fees.  Cost per 30-gallon bag is $2.50.  If coupons are purchased there is a .50 cent savings per bag; 15 coupons for $30.00 and 30 coupons for $60.  Coupons may be purchased at the Town Hall or the Transfer Station.  Any coupons purchased before the increase will be honored.

 

Veterans Memorial Service

Veterans Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Town of Bethel Veterans Park, (Town Square), Kauneonga Lake on Memorial Day, May 26^h.  All are welcome.

 

Bethelites Meeting

Last meeting for the season, May 15^th 6:30 at Sr. Center.  No meeting until September.

 

Bethel First Meeting

Bethel First on the calendar as the 1^st Tuesday of each month – 7pm at the Seniors Center in Kauneonga Lake   

 

Free Rabies Clinic

Town of Mamakating, Wednesday, May 21^st, 7 to 8 PM, Town Park, Route 17M, Bloomingburg

*Prior rabies certificate is needed to receive a 3-year vaccination.

*Pets must be in a carrier or on a leash.

*All pets must be at least 3 months old.

 

Sullivan County Public Health Services 292-0100 ext 1.  For directions call Mamakating Town Clerk 888-3002

Sponsored by:  Sullivan County Public Health Services

Annual Spring Clean-Up

 

The Spring Clean-Up will be held on the 1st Saturday in May (May 3^rd ) for Bethel residents only.  Must pre-register at Town Hall.  Large bulky items can be dumped for free and must be deposited into designated containers at the Bethel Transfer Station.  Metal is free all year! TV’s, computers, computer monitors, air conditioners and refrigerators free.  Car and light truck tires are free and must be off the rims.  All vehicles entering the Transfer Station must have a car permit which is issued at the Town Clerk's office (this is not the clean-up pass).  Bring car registration for car permit, if you have a car permit you do not need a new permit.  The permit is free.  

 

The Town of Bethel will not be accepting fluorescent bulbs at their clean-up day. 

 

County Hazardous Waste Clean-Up Day will also be May 3^rd – pre-register by calling 794-4466 ext. 300.  Fluorescent bulbs, pesticides, pool chemicals, antifreeze, solvents, Nicd batteries,  photo chemicals, paints, fuels, creosote can be taken the SC Landfill on May 3^rd). 

 

Defensive Driving Course

Saturday, June 14th: National Safety Council six-hour Defensive Driving (Point/Insurance Reduction) Course presented by Bethel Safety Associates at United Methodist Church, Horseshoe Lake Road, Kauneonga Lake. 9AM to 4PM. $45 per person. A $5.00 lunch will also be available. For more information, call BSA at (845) 468-0125.

 

Club at Smallwood

Location:  250 Sgt. Andrew Brucher Road, next to Friend's Restaurant.

Membership:  open to all Sullivan County residents.  Call Janie at 845-583-0595.

 

Congratulations!  The Club at Smallwood applied for and won another Category B grant from the Sullivan Renaissance organization.  This year's grant is for further beautification of the Club grounds.  It includes a garden at the driveway entrance and driveway exit.  Club at Smallwood signs will be painted by Virginia McGeough and installed in those gardens along with lights.  New handicapped parking signs will be painted to replace the old ones.  Last year, The Club participated in the Sullivan Renaissance program and achieved a great deal.  We appreciate all the good wishes and acknowledgements from the Club members for our work.  No one is assigned to the Landscape Committee - it is strictly volunteer members.  If you are interested in some 'landscape therapy', please contact Mary Infald, Project Manager at 845-583-5737.

 

Duggan School Community Pride Day

 

Sponsored by the Duggan PTO.  All are welcomed to attend on Saturday, May 17th from 10 AM to 2 PM.  Come view the fabulous works of art lining the hall for the annual Duggan School Art Show.  Community organizations will be providing attendees with information about their programs and services.  The PTO will be hosting a Scholastic Buy One Get One Free Book Fair.  Craft activities, games and family fun.  Hot dogs and soda will be on sale.  Families are encouraged to help spruce up our school by participating in our flower garden planting project.  Spend some time on the playground or playing a rousing game of kickball. 

 

Youth Board Announcements

If you have any questions, you may call Cathy @ 583-8224, Kathy @ 583-7758 or Jannetta @ 292-4025.

 

Bus Trip to Skate Time 209 in Accord for ages 12 to 18 – Friday, May 16^th.  The bus (school bus) will leave Duggan School parking lot at 6 PM and return at 10 PM.  Youth Board members will serve as chaperones.  Youth have a choice to skateboard at the indoor skateboard park (need own skateboard and helmet (can rent a helmet for $2.00 there) or roller skating.  There is an arcade and snack bar but the costs of these are not included in our group rate.  Bethel Youth Recreation will cover the cost of the bus and either the skateboard park or roller rink admission for each Bethel Youth.  Non-residents may attend at a cost of $10 each.  Please contact Cathy at 583-8224 to sign up by Friday, May 2^nd. 

 

Hershey Park Family Bus Trip – Thursday, August 7^th

 

The coach bus will leave Duggan School parking lot at 7 AM and Hershey,

PA at 7 PM.  This is a 3 ½ hour bus ride.  Youth 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult over 21.  Cost for the trip varies on the age of the individual and residency.  Bethel residents’ cost is subsidized.

            Bethel Youth ages 3 to 8      $20.00        Non-resident youth       $35

            Bethel Youth ages 9 to 21     $30.00        Non-resident youth       $45

            Bethel Adults ages 22 to 54  $45.00                     

            Bethel Adults ages 55 to 69  $35.00

            Bethel Adults ages 70+          $30.00

 

The cost has been increased due to a large jump in the cost of the bus and the admission ticket prices at Hershey Park.  Registration for this trip will be held at Duggan Community Pride Day on Saturday, May 17^th from 10 AM to Noon at the Duggan Elementary School.  Payment is due at registration.

 

All Day Camp – 7 weeks from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Open to children who have completed 1 year of Pre-K and are entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2008 up to age 12.  The program will be held at the Bethel Town Park.  There is a pavilion, basketball court, pool, open areas and a new playground (late June of 2008).  Activities include sports, swimming, arts & crafts, and special trips.  Great camper-to-counselor ratio.  Afternoon snack included, parent provides a lunch.  Cost is as follows:

1st child in family and/or household                                    $600.00 each

2^nd child in family and/or household                                    $450.00 each

3 or more children in family and/or household                   $350.00 each

 

Contact Cathy at 583-8224 to register.  The first payment (1/3 of the amount) will be due no later than May 2^nd.  The second payment will be due by May 30, 2008, and final payment will be required by the evening of parent orientation which will be at the end of June, date yet to be determined.  Camp dates are June 30^th – August 15^th.  8:30 am – 5:30 pm.  We will also have 5 part time openings available.  The amounts will be as follows:  2 days per week $240.00 or 3 days per week $360.00.

 

Summer Morning Program – 6 weeks, 9:30AM to 12:30 PM.  Held at Bethel Town Park and Pool, Monday through Friday, July 7^th to August 15^th.  Open to youth who are entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2008 and have completed a Pre-K program (proof required) up to age 12.  Activities include swim instruction, arts & crafts, reading and dramatics, playground, organized sports and field games, theme days and special trips.  Cost is $40/child for Town of Bethel residents and $60 for non-Bethel residents.  Registration will be held at Duggan Community Pride Day on Saturday, May 17^th from 10 AM to Noon and a date TBA in June.  Payment is due at registration.  Cost charged is a program enhancement fee and includes a camp T-shirt.  There is no charge if you child is taking swim lessons only as the swim program is partially funded by the NYS OCFS administered by the Sullivan County Youth Bureau.

 

 Upcoming Events (planning stages at this time):

 

            American Red Cross Life guarding Course – plans are in the works to offer a course to anyone age 15 and older.  It is a 40-hr course and a prerequisite test is given to each person.  We are looking into dates in late May or early June.  Qualified candidates will be considered for life guard positions at the Town Pool.  Contact Cathy at 583-8224 if you are interested in attending the class.  CPR and First Aid certifications are included in the course.

 

Radio City Christmas Spectacular – potential dates in early November 2008.  Cost will be $42 for youth and $62 for adults.  Seats will be in the 2^nd Mezzanine section.  Coach bus for transportation.  More info to follow.

 

Fiddler’s Flea Market

"A Little Piece Of Home" is a program being offered to provide items to our troops serving abroad (such as toiletries, food, clothing, etc) Items can be dropped off at Fiddlers Flea Market in the Town of Bethel; Sullivan County; from Saturday 5/24/08 until Monday 5/26/08 The program is made available by TJ McGowan Sons Funeral Home. 'You can give our troops a little piece of home' by bringing your items to the market on the dates listed. For directions to the market please call 845-583-6375 and for more info on this program please contact Anthony of TJ McGowan Sons at 845-826-3758

 

Slow Food – Farm-To-Table

The BBA and the BLDC are co-sponsoring a seminar - Slow Food - Farm to Table - on May 19 at 7pm at the Seniors Center.  Details are still being worked out.

 

Local Resident Contestant on Price is Right

 

Local resident, KevinBrian Monahan, will be on the T.V. Game Show, “The Price is Right” on May 8^th from 11. a.m. – Noon, EST, with host Drew Carey.  KevinBrian is now living in Denver with his Brother, Donovan, and biked from Denver to L.A.  Good luck KevinBrian.  Diane and Kevin Monahan of Kauneonga Lake are the proud parents!

 

SC Community Chorus

Concert date: May 4th

Place: Monticello Presbyterian Church, Time: 3PM Conductor: David Trombley, Accompanist: Lucille Horton

 

Program: Medleys from MY FAIR LADY, and MAN OF LA MANCHA; folk songs by Johannes Brahms; English folk songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams; Bizet's March of the Toreadors (CARMEN); Handel's Chorus of Enchanted Islanders (ALCINA); Leoncavallo's Bell Chorus (Pagliacci); Puccini's Humming Chorus (MADAMA BUTTERFLY); Rossini's Villager Chorus (GUILLAUME TELL); Verdi's Anvil Chorus (IL TROVATORE); Verdi's Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves (NABUCCO)

 

Pancake Breakfast – Kenoza Lake Fire Department

 

Recently voted the best pancake breakfast in Sullivan County!  The Kenoza Lake Fire Department will hold their annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, May 4^th.  Breakfast includes orange juice, pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee, tea and milk.  The doors open at 7:00 AM and close at 11:00 AM.  TICKET PRICES: All you can eat at the amazing price.  Adults - $6.00, Children - $4.00, Children under age 5 are free. Please help support our local firemen and enjoy a delicious breakfast with your family and neighbors!

 

Kenoza Lake Methodist Church Chicken BBQ 

The Kenoza Lake United Methodist Church will hold their annual check barbeque at the Kenoza Lake Fire House on Saturday, May 10^th.  This delicious meal can be eaten at the Fire House or take-outs available.  Dinner is served from 4:30-7:00.  Sit-Down or Take-Out $9.00 includes baked potato, salad, roll, cranberry sauce and homemade strawberry shortcake.  Chicken halves $4.50. Please support this worthy cause and enjoy a delicious meal as well. 

 

Bethel Lions Club Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, May 25^th 7 a.m. – Noon at the Kauneonga Lake Firehouse.  O.J., pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee, tea and milk.

 

SC Real Property Tax Auction

Sullivan County will hold its annual property tax auction sometime in June.  For a list of properties visit the County on the web at www.co.sullivan.ny.us or www.nysauctions.com or by calling 794-3000 ext. 3242.  Auction books are also available at the Town Hall and Government Center.

 

Tips to Keep Bear Away

According to a national study of the more than 500 people injured by bears between 1960 and 1980 in North America, 90 percent of the cases were the result of bears conditioned to people's food and habituation to human beings. Based on studies at national parks, there is conclusive evidence that improved sanitation and no-feeding regulations reduce injuries resulting from human-bear encounters.  Should you encounter an aggressive bear in the woods away from houses and humans remember this: Black bear aggression is most often the result of a human threatening a bear, its cubs, or a nearby food source, and the best reaction is to reduce that threatening appearance by leaving the area in a quiet, calm manner.
   
Keep your distance. If a bear shows up in your back yard, stay calm. Shout at it as you would to chase away an unwanted dog. Don't approach it. If the bear won't leave, call the nearest police department for assistance.
   
Eliminate temptation. Bears that visit your area are often drawn there. Neighbors need to work together to reduce an area's appeal to bears. Promptly report road-killed deer to ensure their quick removal. Ask local businesses to keep Dumpsters closed and bear-proofed (chained or locked shut).
   
Check, please! If your dog is barking or your cat is clawing at the door to get in, try to determine what has alarmed your pet. But do it cautiously, using outside lights to full advantage and from a safe position, such as a porch or an upstairs window. All unrecognizable outside noises and disturbances should be checked, but don't do it on foot with a flashlight. Black bears blend in too well with nighttime surroundings, providing the chance for a close encounter.
   
Discontinue feeding suet or bird seed to birds for the entire summer. Don't feed pets outside. Even empty dishes have enough residual odor to attract a bear.
   
Don't leave garbage outside houses or garages. Grease, fat, bacon and other meats are extremely attractive to bears. These items should be disposed of in sealed containers. Clean garbage cans and other refuse containers with ammonia, bleach or Lysol. Ammonia works great and is cheap. A compost pile also attracts bears. 
   
At camping areas, empty garbage dumpsters after dinner to decrease the chance of attracting bears. Construction of a garbage storage facility may be necessary if dump facilities aren't open daily.
   
After cooking, turn the grill on high for several minutes to kill the smell of food.

DEC has posted information about black bears at: www.dec.state.ny.us

 

School Budget Vote May 20^th

 

Registered voters of the following school districts (call for times):

 

Bethel residents in the Monticello School District vote at the Duggan School - 794-7702

Bethel residents in the Sullivan-West District vote at the Jeffersonville School on Schoolhouse Rd - 887-5300  

Bethel residents in the Liberty School District vote at the Liberty High School gym - 292-6990

 

 

BETHEL WEBSITE OF THE MONTH: www.townofbethel.com

 

WEBSITES OF THE MONTH:

 

CFL Lightbulbs - Recycling sites  To find a local site, go to www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling or www.Earth911.org

 

Cell Phone Contract Escape -  Trapped in a cellphone contract by high termination fees ?  Consider transferring it at www.celltradeusa.com or www.cellswapper.com   You pay about $20; the person who adopts your phone gets a short contract without an activation fee.

 

Caring for Your Parents – To learn more, go to www.aarp.org/caregiving and www.wgbh.org 

 

 

From the Desk of

Rita Sheehan

Bethel Town Clerk