📆 BETHELEHEM AREA EVENTS

🚨🏘️ HUNDREDS PACK BETHLEHEM TOWN HALL AS ZONING DEBATE INTENSIFIES 🏘️🚨

🌐🚀 HIGH-SPEED INTERNET IS COMING TO MORE BETHLEHEM HOMES! 📶🏡

🎓🔧 CONGRATULATIONS, VOORHEESVILLE'S FUTURE SKILLED PROFESSIONALS! 🛠️⚡👏

🧩☕ FRIDAY MORNING MATH PUZZLER SOLVED! ☕🧩

Introducing the Bethlehem Area Live Community Calendar

JUNE 29th - Monday

JUNE 30th - Tuesday

JULY 1st - Wednesday

🚨🏘️ HUNDREDS PACK BETHLEHEM TOWN HALL AS ZONING DEBATE INTENSIFIES 🏘️🚨

A proposed update to the Town of Bethlehem's zoning code drew one of the largest public turnouts in recent memory Tuesday evening, as a crowd estimated between 300 to 400 residents gathered outside Town Hall before filling the meeting room to voice their concerns.

Many attendees wore red shirts in a show of unity, expressing opposition to proposed zoning changes that would allow greater residential density in certain areas of town, particularly in Glenmont.

During nearly three hours of public comment, more than 60 residents addressed the Town Board. The overwhelming majority urged officials to reconsider the proposal, citing concerns that included:

🚗 Increased traffic congestion and road safety
🌳 Loss of farmland, open space, and neighborhood character
🏫 Potential impacts on Bethlehem schools and local infrastructure
🏘️ Higher-density housing in areas they believe are not suited for it

Many speakers emphasized that they are not opposed to growth or new housing, but believe future development should be directed toward areas with existing infrastructure, walkability, and public transportation, such as portions of Delaware Avenue, New Scotland Road, or the Vista Technology Park.

Several residents also questioned whether the town should update traffic studies and other infrastructure analyses before moving forward, arguing that population growth and traffic patterns have changed significantly in recent years.

A small number of residents spoke in support of the proposed zoning changes, noting the importance of creating a wider variety of housing options for future residents and helping address long-term housing needs within the community.

Town officials have previously said the proposed zoning updates are intended to implement goals outlined in Bethlehem's Comprehensive Plan, provide additional housing choices, and help guide future development in a more predictable manner while maintaining design standards intended to protect existing neighborhoods.

One Town Board member publicly suggested slowing the process to allow additional review of traffic, infrastructure, and development alternatives before moving forward.

The proposed zoning amendments remain under review. Additional public hearings and Town Board discussions are expected before any final vote is scheduled.

Read More at: https://www.dailygazette.com/spotlightnews/news/bethlehem-zoning-changes-density-glenmont-protests/article_e31d5b7f-37eb-45fe-852f-e5909dc78d83.html#tncms-source=article-nav-next

📣 What are your thoughts?
Should Bethlehem move forward with the proposed zoning changes, modify the plan, or take more time to study the impacts? Share your perspective respectfully in the comments below.

#BethlehemLocalNews #BethlehemNY #Glenmont #TownOfBethlehem #ZoningUpdate #CommunityMeeting #LocalGovernment #SmartGrowth #PublicInput #CapitalRegion #DelmarNY #Slingerlands #FeuraBush #CommunityNews 🏘️🚦🌳

🌐🚀 HIGH-SPEED INTERNET IS COMING TO MORE BETHLEHEM HOMES! 📶🏡

Good news for residents in rural parts of Bethlehem and neighboring communities! Albany County is moving forward with a major broadband expansion project designed to bring reliable high-speed internet to homes and businesses that have long struggled with limited connectivity.

Using $3.2 million in federal ARPA funding, the county is expanding fiber-optic broadband service to approximately 1,000 homes and businesses across:

📍 Bethlehem
📍 New Scotland
📍 Coeymans
📍 Berne
📍 Westerlo
📍 Rensselaerville
📍 Knox

County officials say locations were selected using the FCC National Broadband Map, combined with on-site evaluations to identify areas with the greatest need.

💻 Why does this matter?

Reliable internet has become essential for everyday life, including:

📚 Students completing homework and online assignments
🏥 Telehealth appointments and healthcare access
💼 Small businesses and remote workers
🏠 Access to government services and online resources
🌎 Staying connected with family, friends, and the community

Education leaders say expanding broadband can help level the playing field for rural students by ensuring they have the same access to digital learning opportunities as students in more urban and suburban areas.

County officials also noted that this initiative is about more than convenience—it's about providing equal opportunities for residents to work, learn, communicate, and access important services in today's increasingly digital world.

🚧 Installation work will continue as Albany County works toward expanding broadband access to additional underserved communities in the future.

Read More at: https://www.news10.com/news/albany-county/albany-county-launches-rural-broadband-expansion/

📣 Do you experience slow internet or cell service where you live in Bethlehem?
Tell us what your experience has been in the comments!

#BethlehemLocalNews #BethlehemNY #Broadband #HighSpeedInternet #DigitalDivide #FiberOptic #AlbanyCounty #NewScotland #RuralBroadband #CommunityNews #CapitalRegion #Technology #Education #Telehealth 📶🌐💻

A huge congratulations to 12 seniors from Voorheesville Central School District's Class of 2026 who recently graduated from the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical Education (CTE) Center, earning not only their high school diplomas but also valuable career-ready skills that will serve them well for years to come.

More than 700 students representing over two dozen Capital Region school districts celebrated this important milestone on June 11, showcasing the growing importance of career and technical education in preparing students for today's workforce.

🎉 Whether continuing their education, entering apprenticeships, or beginning careers immediately after graduation, these students leave with hands-on experience, industry knowledge, and real-world connections that will help launch successful futures.

👏 Congratulations to these outstanding Voorheesville graduates:

🚔 Criminal Justice II
• Rayah McCallus
• Havana Perez
• Billy Sperbeck
• Katharine Stapf

⚡ Electrical Trades I
• Lukas Siemann

🔌 Electrical Trades II
• Carson Mortensen

🎭 Entertainment Technology II
• Kai Reynolds

🎮 Game Design & Implementation
• Anthony Thorne

🚜 Heavy Equipment Repair & Operation
• Cody Bess
• Baylee Thomas

🚰 Plumbing
• Azrael Lozano-Kozakiewicz

🔥 Welding & Metal Fabrication II
• Cheyenne Watkins

💙 These graduates represent the next generation of electricians, welders, plumbers, game designers, technicians, first responders, and skilled trades professionals whose talents will help build stronger communities throughout the Capital Region and beyond.

🎓 Congratulations to each of these students on this incredible accomplishment! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to learning practical career skills have prepared you for a bright future.

Read More at: https://www.voorheesville.org/one-dozen-vcsd-seniors-graduate-with-diplomas-and-career-skills/

👏 Join Bethlehem Local News in congratulating these talented graduates and wishing them continued success on the exciting journey ahead!

#BethlehemLocalNews #Voorheesville #ClassOf2026 #CapitalRegionBOCES #CareerAndTechnicalEducation #SkilledTrades #FutureReady #CongratulationsGraduates #CapitalRegion #CommunityPride #WorkforceDevelopment #CTE #NextGeneration 🎓🔧⚡

The problem is:

(15 ÷ 3) + 7 × 2 = ?

15 ÷ 3 = 5

Now the equation becomes:

5 + 7 × 2

After parentheses, perform multiplication before addition.

7 × 2 = 14

Now you have:

5 + 14

5 + 14 = 19

Remember PEMDAS:

🔹 P – Parentheses
🔹 E – Exponents
🔹 MD – Multiplication & Division (left to right)
🔹 AS – Addition & Subtraction (left to right)

Many people see 5 + 7 first and incorrectly get 12 × 2 = 24. The key is remembering that multiplication always comes before addition unless parentheses tell you otherwise.

✅ Correct Answer: 19

🏆 Did you get it right on your first try? Let us know in the comments! 👇

How Did We Do This Issue??