Free AMBER Alert Registration to be Held in Bethel Saturday

This Saturday, Bethel families can enjoy a few hours of fun with their kids all while taking steps to protect them in the future.

From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 67 Stony Hill Road, , working with Union Savings Bank and the Stony Hill Four Corners Association, is sponsoring a free AMBER Alert registration.

The AMBER (American's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) Alert Program, which started in 1996, is a national coordinated system that allows law enforcement to alert broadcasters and other media of a missing child.

Since its origins, AMBER Alert has helped saved about 500 children and was issued in more than 90 percent of child recoveries since October 2002, according the program's website.

Quality Gem owner Dennis Janofsky said this is the fourth year the business has helped sponsor the free registration. Since then, the event has registered more than 1,000 local children.

Janosky said this is one of many events that aims to help the community that the Stony Hill Four Corners Association sponsors throughout the year.

"Everything we do, we do it with charity in mind," he said. "This event helps a lot area kids sign up for the program."

Julie Janofsky, Dennis' daughter and a spokesperson for the event, said not only does the registration have a safety component, but it's also an opportunity for families come together for a fun day.

"All the businesses in the Stony Hill Four Corners are really into giving back and we think this is important for the community to know about," she said.

Children should be registered for AMBER Alert every year and it only takes minutes. The information given will be stored in a secure database at the Connecticut Department of Public Safety. Parents or guardians will receive a free wallet size laminated card for each child. Additional cards will a require a minimal fee.

Along with the registration, several other Stony Hill vendors will be present. Children's entertainment includes draft horse demonstrations, a bouncy house, face painting and live music.

For more information about the AMBER Alert Program, visit its section on the U.S. Department Justice website.

For additional information about the Stony Hill Four Corners Association, visit its website here.