📆 BETHELEHEM AREA EVENTS

⚛️🏭 SHOULD NEW YORK RESTART INDIAN POINT? THE DEBATE IS HEATING UP AGAIN 🏭⚛️

🎓🌟 MEET VOORHEESVILLE'S TOP TWO STUDENTS OF THE CLASS OF 2026! 🌟🎓

🎉📚🇪🇸 BCHS SPANISH TEACHER EARNS PRESTIGIOUS STATEWIDE HONOR! 🇪🇸📚🎉

🌽🐴 A Perfect Saturday Morning at the Delmar Farmers Market

Introducing the Bethlehem Area Live Community Calendar

JUNE 14th - Sunday

JUNE 15th - Monday

JUNE 16th - Tuesday

JUNE 17th - Wednesday

JUNE 18th - Thursday

JUNE 19th - Friday

⚛️🏭 SHOULD NEW YORK RESTART INDIAN POINT? THE DEBATE IS HEATING UP AGAIN 🏭⚛️

A major debate is once again unfolding in New York: Should the former Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant be brought back online?

Located along the Hudson River, about 88 miles south of Bethlehem, Indian Point supplied roughly 25% of New York City's electricity before it was shut down in 2021 after years of political, environmental, and safety concerns.

Now, as New York faces rising energy costs, increased reliance on fossil fuels, and ambitious climate goals, some energy experts and elected officials are questioning whether closing the plant was the right decision. 🤔⚡

📊 According to recent reports:

⚡ Much of the carbon-free electricity lost when Indian Point closed has been replaced by fossil fuel power plants.

🏭 Natural gas generation has increased significantly since the closure.

💨 Critics argue the increased use of fossil fuels has contributed to higher emissions and higher energy costs.

💰 Holtec, the company currently decommissioning the facility, estimates reopening the plant could cost approximately $10 billion and take at least five years.

🚫 Governor Kathy Hochul has said she does not support reopening Indian Point and instead favors developing new nuclear facilities elsewhere in New York.

Supporters of a restart say nuclear power offers reliable, carbon-free electricity and could help reduce fossil fuel dependence.

Opponents point to safety concerns, the plant's proximity to millions of residents, radioactive waste issues, environmental impacts, and the site's long history of controversy.

🇺🇸 The discussion has also drawn national attention, with some federal officials advocating for a possible restart as part of a broader effort to expand nuclear energy production.

As New York continues pursuing cleaner energy while managing affordability and reliability challenges, the future of Indian Point remains one of the state's most controversial energy questions.

Read More: https://www.timesunion.com/capitol/article/hochul-rebuffs-trump-push-restart-nuclear-22277092.php

About Indian Point Current Status: https://holtecinternational.com/company/divisions/hdi/our-fleet/indian-point/

👇 What do you think?

⚛️ Reopen Indian Point to provide carbon-free electricity?

☀️ Focus on renewable energy, battery storage, and new energy projects instead?

Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments.

#BethlehemLocalNews #IndianPoint #NuclearEnergy #NewYorkEnergy #HudsonRiver #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #ClimateChange #NewYorkState #CapitalRegion #EnergyPolicy #HudsonValley #ElectricityCosts #CommunityDiscussion ⚛️⚡🏭

🎓🌟 MEET VOORHEESVILLE'S TOP TWO STUDENTS OF THE CLASS OF 2026! 🌟🎓

Please join Bethlehem Local News in congratulating Voorheesville High School Valedictorian Dominic Tillou and Salutatorian Sadie Munro on their outstanding achievements! 👏🏆

As the Class of 2026 prepares to turn the page to its next chapter, these two exceptional students have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, leadership, service, and dedication both inside and outside the classroom.

🥇 Valedictorian: Dominic Tillou

Dominic will attend Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. ⚙️📚

During his time at Voorheesville, Dominic built an impressive resume that includes:

🎭 President of the Voorheesville Dionysians Drama Club
🏳️‍🌈 Vice President of the Sexuality and Gender Alliance
📰 Editor-in-Chief of the Blackbird Review
🎓 National Honor Society Member
🎵 Chorus Participant
📖 AP English Language Student
📐 AP Calculus Student

🥈 Salutatorian: Sadie Munro

Sadie plans to take a gap year to work, travel, and pursue internship opportunities before attending the University of South Carolina in Fall 2027. 🌎✈️📚

Her accomplishments include:

💰 Class Treasurer
🤝 President of the International Community Service Club
⚽ Varsity Soccer Athlete
🥍 Varsity Lacrosse Athlete
📚 Strong academic focus in Spanish, Math, and Chemistry

✨ Though their paths after graduation will be different, both Dominic and Sadie share a commitment to leadership, personal growth, and making the most of every opportunity.

As Voorheesville celebrates the Class of 2026, these two students exemplify the hard work, determination, and excellence that make the Blackbirds community proud.

🎉 Congratulations to Dominic, Sadie, and the entire Voorheesville Class of 2026!

👇 Leave your congratulations and well wishes for these outstanding students in the comments!

#BethlehemLocalNews #Voorheesville #VoorheesvilleHighSchool #BlackbirdPride #ClassOf2026 #Valedictorian #Salutatorian #AcademicExcellence #StudentLeadership #FutureLeaders #RIT #UniversityOfSouthCarolina #CapitalRegionSchools #CommunityPride #Congratulations 🎓🌟💜💛

Original Article: https://www.voorheesville.org/voorheesville-names-valedictorian-and-salutatorian-for-class-of-2026/

¡Felicidades, Señor Mitchell! 👏🏆

Bethlehem Central High School Spanish teacher Michael Mitchell has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 President's Award from the New York State Association for Language Teachers (NYSAFLT), one of the highest honors awarded by the organization! 🌟

The NYSAFLT President's Award recognizes individuals who have served as mentors and demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to the world language education community.

📖 Michael Mitchell has spent 25 years teaching Spanish, including the past 22 years at Bethlehem Central, helping generations of students develop not only language proficiency but also a deeper understanding of Hispanic cultures and global perspectives.

In announcing the award, NYSAFLT President Wendy Mercado praised Mitchell's:

✨ Outstanding service to the organization
✨ Dedication to language education
✨ Leadership within the profession
✨ Commitment to mentoring fellow educators

🏅 Mitchell will officially receive the award this October during the NYSAFLT Annual Conference Awards Banquet in Albany.

For more than two decades, Señor Mitchell has inspired students to learn, grow, and connect with the world through language—and now his contributions are being recognized on a statewide stage.

👏 Please join Bethlehem Local News in congratulating Michael Mitchell on this well-deserved honor!

🎉 Leave a congratulatory message for Señor Mitchell in the comments below!

#BethlehemLocalNews #BCHS #BethlehemCSD #NYSAFLT #SpanishTeacher #TeacherRecognition #EducationExcellence #WorldLanguages #BethlehemNY #CapitalRegionSchools #TeacherAppreciation #CommunityPride #Congratulations #Felicidades #GoEagles 🇪🇸📚🏆🦅🎉

By Bethlehem Local News

There are few places that capture the spirit of community quite like the Delmar Farmers Market on a beautiful Saturday morning.

Under sunny skies and temperatures climbing toward the mid-80s, families, friends, and neighbors gathered at Bethlehem Middle School to enjoy one of Bethlehem's favorite weekly traditions. From the moment visitors arrived, the market was buzzing with activity.

The aroma of freshly cooked foods from around the world filled the air. The sounds of local musicians drifted through the crowd as shoppers strolled from vendor to vendor carrying baskets and reusable bags filled with local goods. Everywhere you looked, there were smiling faces, friendly conversations, and a shared appreciation for supporting local businesses and farms.

One of the biggest attractions of the day was a visit from Unbridled Sanctuary, which brought two miniature horses, Isabella and Little Debbie, to the market. Children were captivated by the gentle animals, many meeting miniature horses for the very first time. The scene was heartwarming as youngsters posed for photos, visited the coloring station, and learned about the sanctuary's mission to care for more than 65 rescued horses, donkeys, and mules.

The market also featured an impressive variety of local vendors showcasing everything from artisan foods and handcrafted products to plants and skincare.

Visitors had the opportunity to sample products from MCBEAUTYSKIN, a local botanical skincare company founded by entrepreneur Mariannyi Cornelio. The small-batch skincare products are crafted using plant-based ingredients designed especially for sensitive skin.

Shoppers also stopped by Designs by Dana, where new UV color-changing earrings were drawing attention. The unique beads transform from white into vibrant colors when exposed to sunlight, making them a perfect accessory for summer.

For those with a sweet tooth, Nik Nak's Bakery offered an assortment of fresh sourdough breads and fan-favorite lemon blueberry scones, while Jamtastic featured its signature small-batch jams made with less sugar and no preservatives.

Food lovers found plenty to enjoy at Two Little Dumplings, where the smell of sizzling Pepper Steak Dumplings attracted a steady line of customers throughout the morning. The menu also featured bao buns, sticky rice dumplings, Japanese potato salad, mango coconut sago, and frozen dumplings to take home.

Nearby, Muddy Trail Jerky Co. was helping shoppers prepare for upcoming graduation parties, Father's Day gatherings, and Fourth of July celebrations with a variety of specialty products, including their popular pickled red onions.

Garden enthusiasts were equally excited to visit IMAGINE Native Plant Farm, where pollinator-friendly native plants were on display. The Glenmont-based farm encouraged residents to support birds, bees, and butterflies by incorporating more native plants into their home landscapes.

As the morning progressed, the market continued to fill with residents enjoying the perfect combination of shopping, entertainment, local food, and community connection.

The Delmar Farmers Market remains much more than a place to buy local products. It serves as a gathering place where neighbors reconnect, local entrepreneurs thrive, and families create lasting memories.

Judging by the crowds, the laughter, and the happy children meeting miniature horses not much bigger than themselves, this Saturday's market was another wonderful reminder of why the Delmar Farmers Market has become such a beloved Bethlehem tradition.

The Delmar Farmers Market is held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bethlehem Middle School on Kenwood Avenue.

📸 See photos below from another beautiful day at the market!

How Did We Do This Issue??