Town of Bethel
March Email Newsletter

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Spring 2009 is almost here!  Don’t forget to try and balance a raw egg at the eggact time of the Spring Equinox (March 20^th at 11:44 p.m.)  Check out Phil Plait’s explanation at www.badastronomy.com  or www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equinox

MEETING SCHEDULE

Town Board          March 4^th 5:30 p.m. Bethel Senior Center
Town Board          12^th & 26^th 7:30 p.m. Bethel Senior Center (the 12^th maybe cancelled)
Planning Board      March 10^th 7:30 p.m. Bethel Senior Center
Zoning Board        March 16^th 7:30 p.m. Bethel Justice Court
Youth Board         March 17^th 7:00 p.m. Bethel Justice Court

All meetings are posted on the Town Clerk’s bulletin board and in the legal notice section of the S.C. Democrat

Amber Alert

Reachelle Marie Smith has been missing from her Minot, North Dakota home since May 2006.  The amber alert has been rescinded on the national website due to the age of the case, so this e-mail is being circulated to keep her story in the public eye.  Her case has been featured on America’s Most Wanted.  For the full details of her story click on www.snopes.com/inboxer/reachelle.asp

Bethel Bicentennial’s Living History Event

Beth-el (House of God) a pre-Victorian tableau of a resplendent Catskills Haven will be held on Saturday, March 28^th at 1 p.m. at the Dr. Duggan School.  The first half is written and staged by Oliver King recreating several historical events from 1800-1830.  The second half will be a presentation by the 4^th and 5^th grades of the Duggan School on the hotel era from 1840-1969.  Cake and refreshments will be served.  $8.00 adults; $4.00 seniors and student; under 13 free.  A separate e-mail will follow on this event.

Community Calendar

Want to find out an event?  What to post an event?  Wouldn’t it be nice to go to one place for a listing of all our local community events?  Then log onto the Community Calendar on the Town of Bethel Website to view the calendar.  Town Meetings, community events will be posted.  All you have to do is send me an e-mail with the name of the organization, type of event, date, time, fee, and contact phone #.

Elk Mountain Ski Trip

Town of Bethel Youth Program would like to sponsor a ski trip to Elk Mountain on 3/14/09.  We need at least 20 people to go.  The price is $17 for ski rental, $19 for snow board rental, and $21 for a lift ticket.  We will take a bus and leave from Dr. Duggan school @ 3pm.  If anyone is interested, please call Jannetta MacArthur no later than March 6th. 

Free LIONS Club Vision Screening

Place:  Faith Hall At The White Lake Reformed Presbyterian Church, Rt 17B and Mattison Road, White Lake

Date:    Saturday, March 14, 2009
Ages:    1-5

Time:    10 a.m. until 12 Noon

 FREE RABIES CLINIC

Free rabies clinics are sponsored by Sullivan county Public Health Nursing.  Schedule for 2009 is not set.  Dogs must be leased; cats in carriers.  If you have a valid rabies certificate bring it with you to validate new certificate for three years, otherwise shot will expire in one year.  292-0100 ext. 1

Updated Senior Trip Information

Wednesday May 20 to Ehrhardt's, Hawley, PA   Cost $35.00 (Date changed to May 20^th not June 4^th)

Wednesday July 15 to Blackhead Mountain Lodge, Round Top, NY  Cost $35.00

Thursday August 20 to Platzl Brauhaus, Pamona, NY  Cost $36.00

Thursday December 3 to View Mont Mall, Dixson City, PA

These trips are open for all Bethel Seniors.  A waiting list will be started for anyone who wishes to join us.  We must first allow the seniors to sign up.  Any room left on the bus will be filled from the waiting list.  Please sign up for the June4 and July 15 trips now.

Racino dates are:

March 12, April 15, May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10 October 8, November 12 and December 10.

Reservations can be made by contact Manny Safer 583-7971 or Pat Canavan 583-7539.  Club meetings are the first Wednesday of the month.  Our dues are $2.00 per year.  Play days and other trips are planed during the year.  Come and join us.

The United State Air Force Band of Liberty
Presents the Liberty Big Band in concert at the Monticello High School auditorium. March 3^rd 7 p.m. Free.  www.bandofliberty.af.mil

Bethel Farmers’ Market at Kauneonga Lake

The Farmers’ Market, which Bethel First opened in Kauneonga Lake three years ago, will continue again for the Summer of 2009.   We have a new name!  The name is Bethel Farmers’ Market at Kauneonga Lake.   The market will be operated by Bethel First in partnership with the BLDC.  It will be expanded to nine weeks this year; from Friday, July 10^th through September 4^th.  Hours are 3 PM to 6 PM.  We expect to have fresh produce, crafters, dairy products, poultry, fish and more.  Come see us on Friday afternoons in the pole barn behind the Kauneonga Lake Fire Station and the Bethel Justice Court.  Put fresh food on your table and support our local farms.

The Third Violet

In conjunction with Sullivan County's Bicentennial The Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop Announces Auditions for the Musical
The Third Violet
Book and Lyrics by Mitchell Uscher, Music by Roy Singer, Directed by Lori Schneider-Wendt, Musical Director - Mike Williams
Auditions will be held on Thursday, March 12 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, March 15 at 2:00 pm  at the Sullivan County Museum, 265 Main Street in Hurleyville
(Performances are slated for July 16-19 and 23-26 at the Rivoli Theatre in South Fallsburg)

Thursday Night Auctions
Starting Thursday, March 5^th auctions will be held at the Country Kitchen on Airport Road. 

Mongaup Valley United Methodist Feeds the Homeless

Together with the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless, The Mongaup Valley United Methodist Church will be serving a hot breakfast

every Wednesday at the Federations' facilities in Monticello.  Pastor Yerkes said, "For a few dollars and a couple of hours of time anyone can make a difference."  He also encourages any other groups or organizations to consider providing breakfast on the remaining days.  To Volunteer with the members of the United Methodist Church, please contact: Vicky Simpson 845-583-5149.  The Federation for the Homeless is located at: 9 Monticello St. Monticello.  The hours of operation are: Monday-Friday 9:00-2:00.  For more information about the FTH and for more volunteer opportunities please contact: Esther 845-794-2604

Egg Hunt and Party

Saturday, April 4th at 1 PM at the Duggan Elementary School.  This event will be held rain or shine.  Volunteers (young adults) are needed to help hide the eggs.  Call Cathy at 583-8224 for more information or to help out.  Held rain or shine.  *if it is a rainy day – the egg hunt will be in the gym.  Games will be played in the cafeteria.  Crafts will be done in the art and music room.

Tae Kwon Do Registration

Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:00 PM in the Duggan School gym, we will hold registration and a trial class for Tae Kwon Do.  This new program will be held on Tuesday evenings for 10 weeks.  A Parent/Child class (children ages 4 to 12) will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.  A Teen (age 13+) and Adult class will be held from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.  Mike McCauley, a Town of Bethel resident, a second degree black belt and certified instructor will be instructing the classes.  The first class will begin on March 10th but interested parties are encouraged to come on March 3rd and see if it is for you.  The cost of the 10 sessions is $50 per person.  This cost will be collected at registration on March 3rd.  Wear comfortable clothes.  Contact Cathy at 583-8224 for more information.  

CABIN FEVER? TRY THIS

Okay, get a pencil.  Take the first three digits of your phone number and multiply x 80, add one to the answer.  Multiply times 250, add the last four digits of your phone number twice, subtract 250, divide answer by 2.  Does the answer look familiar?

Example:  (Phone Number 583-4350) 583 x 80 = 46,640 + 1 = 46,641 x 250 = 11,660,250

11,660,250 + 4350 + 4350 =  11,668,950 – 250 = 11,668,700 divided by 2 = What did you get?

Summer Job Opportunities

Applications are being accepted for seasonal summer positions.  Application and job descriptions are available on the Town Website www.town.bethel.ny.us/rec.htm Applications are due April 10^th.

Community Pride Day

Mark Your Calendars for Saturday, May 16th for our 3rd annual Duggan Community Pride Day.  This event will run from 10 AM to 2 PM.  The day features activities for children of all ages and information tables from organizations.  The Town of Bethel Bicentennial committee will be sponsoring a Pie Baking Contest at this event as well as drawing the winners of their Bicentennial raffle.  Community organizations are encouraged to participate by sponsoring an activity or having an informational table.  Contact us at dugganpto@gmail.com for more information.  This is a community-wide event - all Town of Bethel residents and Duggan community members are welcome!!!

Duggan School PTO

The Duggan PTO would like to thank our community for showing how much Duggan school means to them.  Although we will be able to keep our school open next year due to federal stimulus monies, we still have work to do to keep our school open in the future.  Members of the PTO will continue attending budget and school board meetings and fire house chats to keep the community informed.  One way the community can be involved in showing the MCSD that our school is important to us is by participating in community events held at the Duggan School.

On Wednesday, March 4th, the Duggan PTO will be sponsoring a family event, Get Movin' Night.  The event will be filled with fun activities in the gym, learning how to activate both sides of our brains, sampling healthy (and yummy) snacks, along with a hula hoop contest and a whole group line dance.  The event begins at 6:30 PM and ends at 8:00 PM.

Miss Sullivan County Pageant

Congratulations to Miss Jessica Parks, our 20 year old Bethel community resident, who has decided to fulfill a dream of competing in the first annual Miss Sullivan County & Miss Southeast NY Pageant to be held at the Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon on March 28. This is a preliminary competition to the Miss New York and Miss America Pageants. Some of you may know Jessica from her family at the Fiddlers Flea Market, the Mongaup Valley United Methodist Church or from the Monticello Greenhouse where she is currently employed. Each Miss contestant is required to raise a minimum goal of $100 for the Children's Miracle Network which is the official national platform of the Miss America Organization. Jessica is seeking community support and sponsorships. If you’d like to sponsor Jessica please contact her by email fireball@hvc.rr.com or by calling 845-583-6375.  All special messages and/or ads that parents and businesses would like to submit for the pageant program are due no later than March 6th.

New Local Group Forming:  MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers)

Enjoy your day and remember “Better Moms Make A Better World.” My name is Babette Ross. I am the Coordinator of our local MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) group in the Town of Bethel of Sullivan County, NY.  I am submitting to you this information in preparation of an informational meeting for interested participants which will be held in the near future. Please review the following introduction to become a bit more familiar with this group, its purpose and the impact intended within our community.  MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS or MOPS for short is an open, accepting place where every mom is welcomed, challenged to reach her potential and recognize her influence with her family and her world.  MOPS is an international non-denominational faith based organization with its roots established as a small group in 1973.

Babette Ross  Bethel MOPS coordinator

845-583-6375  Please feel free to pass these on to any one who may be interested in pre-registering for this group. Space may be limited. More information can be found at http://www.mops.org

Bethel Local Development Corporation

For updated information on the Bethel Local Dev. Corp. log onto their webpage at www.town.bethel.ny.us/bldc.htm

Current news includes the Literacy Center Press Release and the Citizens Energy Assistance Program.

KAUNEONGA LAKE FIRE CO. 26^TH ANNUAL CORNED BEEF DINNER

Saturday, March 7^th 5 p.m. - ? at the Kauneonga Lake Firehouse.  Corned Beef, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, bread all served family style.  Adults:  $9.00; Children ages 6-12 $5.00.  Under 5 free.  Take-outs are available. 

Monticello Central School District Budget Discussions and Information Dates

 

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 Budget Hearing

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 Registration Day

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 BUDGET VOTE DAY

Thursday, April 2, 2009 BOE adopts 2009-10 Proposed Budget

Thursday, April 16, 2009 BOE adopts resolutions for Election Inspectors, dates, etc.

Monday, April 20, 2009 BOE petitions due to District Clerk by 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009 Budget available to public

Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Budget Brochures mailed to District Residents

                        BOARD OF EDUCATION INVOLVEMENT:

Citizen’s Advisory Budget Committee (CABC) Meetings * (RJK Middle School Cafeteria 7:00 p.m.):

Wednesday, March 11, 2009 Topic – Athletic, Tech, PPS Budget, BOCES Services

Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Topic – Undistributed, Benefits, Staffing Data, Curriculum/Staff Development, Debt/Bond Project

*Snow day make up day will be announced.
*Additional CABC Meetings scheduled as necessary

ADMINISTRATIVE MEETINGS:

February – April 2009 Budget Presentations & Discussions
Monday, June 15, 2009 Submission of 2009-10 Requisitions begins

News from the Club at Smallwood

This month the Club at Smallwood had a Florida reunion attended by about 50 people.  Not just the Snowbirds, but members from New York and New Jersey made the trip also.   Everyone was happy to see each other after six months of winter and are looking forward to returning to Smallwood for another summer season full of activities.  This year the club will host a whole new array of entertainment and the beautiful pool is in great condition, ready for the parties and for cooling off on those hot summer days.   There is a new reduced membership rate to help new members during tough economic times.  Membership includes all entertainment, summer-long use of the pool, games, cards, crafts, book club, movies and much more.  We look forward to additional members of the community joining us this year.   Please call for information:  845-583-4939 and check out the website:  www.theclubatsmallwood.com..

State Website of the Month:  New York State School Board Association www.nyssba.org

Bethel Website of the Month:  Mongaup Valley United Methodist Church

http://site.mongaupvalleyunitedmethodistchurch.com/

Get your free annual credit report  www.annualcreditreport.com
Make sure you read the instructions so there are no future charges.

How much will that charge card item cost after all the payments?  www.pbs.org/inthemix/shows/calc_creditcard.html

Consumer Credit Counseling Services:  Financial Education, Debt Re-Payment, Home Buying (National non-profit organization)

 http://www.cccservices.com/  For more information contact Cornell Cooperative in Liberty at 292-6180

Credit card ratings and comparisons www.creditcards.com and www.cardratings.com

Until Next Month,
Rita Sheehan