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In This Bethlehem Local News Insider Issue…
📆 BETHELEHEM AREA EVENTS
🌡️BETHELEHEM AREA WEATHER
🎓🤯 TOO YOUNG TO GRADUATE? 14-YEAR-OLD GLENMONT COLLEGE STUDENT CHALLENGES BETHLEHEM SCHOOL DISTRICT'S DECISION! 📚⚖️
🍁🍯🎉 SWEET NEWS FROM FIVE RIVERS! NEW UPGRADES MAKE MAPLE SUGARING EVEN BETTER IN DELMAR! 🌳🏡
🏫💰 VOORHEESVILLE SCHOOLS SPEND $2.3 MILLION LESS THAN BUDGETED — DISTRICT SAVINGS GROW BY MORE THAN $900,000! 📊💜💛
🏐💚💛 RCS RAVENS RALLY PAST SCHALMONT! THREE STRAIGHT WINS FOR RAVENS VOLLEYBALL! 🔥🏆
🎉🍻🎶 THE PRE-WEEKEND PLAYBOOK IS HERE! THURSDAY & FRIDAY FUN AROUND TOWN! 🧠⚾🎤
🧩☕ THURSDAY MORNING MATH PUZZLER SOLVED! ☕🧩
Introducing the Bethlehem Area Live Community Calendar
Bethlehem Area Events
October 20th Thursday
SEE BethlehemAreaLive.com for This Weeks Events & More…
More Events at: https://BethlehemAreaLive.com
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TOO YOUNG TO GRADUATE? 14-YEAR-OLD GLENMONT COLLEGE STUDENT CHALLENGES BETHLEHEM SCHOOL DISTRICT'S DECISION!
🎓🤯 TOO YOUNG TO GRADUATE? 14-YEAR-OLD GLENMONT COLLEGE STUDENT CHALLENGES BETHLEHEM SCHOOL DISTRICT'S DECISION! 📚⚖️
BETHLEHEM, NY — A remarkable young student from Glenmont is making headlines after a disagreement with the Bethlehem Central School District over his plans to graduate high school early and pursue a mechanical engineering degree.
Michael Sweeney, 14, is already attending college full time, tackling advanced mathematics and science courses that many students don't encounter until well into their college careers.
But despite his academic accomplishments, Michael and his family are facing an unexpected obstacle: getting approval to complete his homeschooling education and move forward with his college degree.
📚 A 14-YEAR-OLD ALREADY TAKING ADVANCED COLLEGE COURSES!
According to reporting by Kathleen Moore of the Times Union, Michael has been attending college full time for more than a year.
His accomplishments include:
📐 Completed Calculus II and Linear Algebra
🔬 Currently studying Calculus III and Physics II
📚 Completed college-level English composition, history, engineering and health courses
🏆 Earned A grades in nearly all his college classes
📝 Scored at the 13.5 grade level across all categories of a standardized homeschooling assessment
🎓 Completed 26 college credits during the previous school year
And he's not stopping there!
🚀 HIS DREAM: BECOMING A MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Michael hopes to enroll in Arizona State University's online mechanical engineering degree program.
His long-term goal?
🤖 Designing, building and testing animatronic devices, including the sophisticated robotic creations used in theme parks and entertainment attractions.
He's even working on a Halloween animatronic project at his Glenmont home! 🎃🤖
🏫 SO WHY WON'T THE DISTRICT APPROVE HIS EARLY GRADUATION PLAN?
According to the Times Union, the disagreement centers on New York's compulsory education requirements and the district's review of Michael's homeschooling program.
Michael turns 15 in December, but state attendance requirements generally extend through the school year in which a student turns 16, depending on the applicable rules.
The report indicates that Michael would need district approval to graduate at 15.
His parents have submitted their homeschooling education plan three times this school year, but the district has rejected each submission.
Superintendent Jody Monroe informed the family that Michael would need to enroll in an approved school program if a compliant homeschooling plan was not established.
The district has also questioned how Michael's college coursework was documented and credited toward his high school education.
⚖️ FAMILY SEEKS REVIEW OF DISTRICT DECISION
Michael's parents have retained an attorney and requested an opportunity to challenge the decision before the Bethlehem Board of Education.
According to the report, a scheduled meeting was postponed to allow additional time for discussions between attorneys.
The family maintains that Michael's academic progress demonstrates his readiness to complete high school and continue his college education.
The school district did not provide additional public comment to the Times Union for the article.
🌳 ALREADY GIVING BACK TO HIS HOMETOWN!
Beyond academics, Michael is also involved in the Bethlehem community!
He volunteers with the Town of Bethlehem's Tree Advisory Committee, where he has worked on a design for a tree catalog that committee members can update.
It's another example of this young student's interest in problem-solving and contributing to his community. 🌳👏
💭 A BIGGER QUESTION ABOUT EDUCATION
Michael's situation raises questions about how schools should accommodate exceptionally advanced students, particularly those receiving home instruction and completing college coursework at a young age.
It also highlights the challenge of balancing individual academic progress with state education requirements and district oversight responsibilities.
📰 READ THE FULL TIMES UNION REPORT
Reporting by Kathleen Moore
💬 WHAT DO YOU THINK, BETHLEHEM?
🎓 Should academically advanced students be allowed to graduate early when they demonstrate college-level achievement?
🏫 How should school districts balance educational requirements with the needs of students who progress far beyond their traditional grade levels?
👇 SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS!
We encourage a respectful discussion that recognizes both the student's accomplishments and the responsibilities of our public school system.
📢 PLEASE SHARE to help keep our community informed about this developing local education story.
❤️ BETHLEHEM LOCAL NEWS — YOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR SCHOOLS. YOUR NEWS.
#BethlehemLocalNews #BethlehemCentral #BCSD #GlenmontNY #BethlehemNY #DelmarNY #MichaelSweeney #EarlyGraduation #Homeschooling #GiftedStudents #CollegeEducation #MechanicalEngineering #ArizonaStateUniversity #EducationNews #StudentAchievement #CapitalRegion #LocalNews
SWEET NEWS FROM FIVE RIVERS! NEW UPGRADES MAKE MAPLE SUGARING EVEN BETTER IN DELMAR!
Photo Credit - NYS DEC on FB
Photo Credit - NYS DEC on FB
Photo Credit - NYS DEC on FB
🍁🍯🎉 SWEET NEWS FROM FIVE RIVERS! NEW UPGRADES MAKE MAPLE SUGARING EVEN BETTER IN DELMAR! 🌳🏡
DELMAR, NY — There's something SWEET happening right here in Bethlehem! 🍁❤️
The Five Rivers Environmental Education Center recently celebrated a special ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of improvements designed to enhance its popular maple sugaring educational programs!
The celebration, organized by Parks & Trails New York, recognized a $22,975 grant awarded to Friends of Five Rivers, the nonprofit organization that supports this beloved local environmental education center.
🏡 GOOSE LODGE GETS A SWEET MAKEOVER!
The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place outside Goose Lodge, which serves as the sugar shack for Five Rivers' school and public maple sugaring programs.
Thanks to the grant, the building and its equipment have received several important upgrades!
🍁 WHAT'S NEW?
🔥 Radiant Heating — Helping make the building more comfortable during maple sugaring season.
🪵 New Display Cabinets — Improving the presentation of educational materials and exhibits.
♿ New Accessible Walkway — Making it easier for visitors to enter Goose Lodge.
🍯 New Maple Syrup Evaporator — Supporting demonstrations of how maple sap becomes delicious maple syrup!
🛠️ Additional Maple Sugaring Equipment — Enhancing the hands-on learning experience for students and visitors.
🌳 A COMMUNITY TREASURE GETS SOME WELL-DESERVED SUPPORT!
For generations of local families, Five Rivers has been a special place to explore nature, learn about wildlife and discover the changing seasons.
Its maple sugaring programs offer children and adults an opportunity to learn about one of New York's most cherished agricultural traditions.
These improvements will help strengthen those educational experiences for future visitors.
💰 PART OF A LARGER NEW YORK STATE INVESTMENT
The $22,975 grant is part of a $2.65 million annual funding initiative administered by Parks & Trails New York in partnership with:
🌲 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
🏞️ New York State Parks & Historic Sites
🤝 Parks & Trails New York
The program supports nonprofit organizations and Friends groups that help care for and improve New York's public lands.
👏 THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS POSSIBLE!
A big Bethlehem Local News shout-out to:
❤️ Friends of Five Rivers
🌳 Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
🏞️ Parks & Trails New York
🍃 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Your continued investment helps preserve and improve one of Bethlehem's most treasured outdoor learning destinations!
📍 FIVE RIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
Delmar, NY
📰 SOURCE: NYS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Read the original announcement:
💬 WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
🍁 Have you or your children ever attended a maple sugaring program at Five Rivers?
🌳 What's your favorite memory of visiting Five Rivers?
👇 SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES IN THE COMMENTS!
📢 PLEASE SHARE and help celebrate this wonderful investment in environmental education right here in Bethlehem!
❤️ BETHLEHEM LOCAL NEWS — CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT MAKE OUR COMMUNITY SPECIAL!
#BethlehemLocalNews #FiveRivers #FiveRiversEnvironmentalEducationCenter #FriendsOfFiveRivers #DelmarNY #BethlehemNY #MapleSugaring #MapleSyrup #GooseLodge #ParksAndTrailsNY #NYSDEC #EnvironmentalEducation #SupportOurParks #CommunityInvestment #CapitalRegion #NatureEducation #LocalNews
VOORHEESVILLE SCHOOLS SPEND $2.3 MILLION LESS THAN BUDGETED — DISTRICT SAVINGS GROW BY MORE THAN $900,000!
🏫💰 VOORHEESVILLE SCHOOLS SPEND $2.3 MILLION LESS THAN BUDGETED — DISTRICT SAVINGS GROW BY MORE THAN $900,000! 📊💜💛
VOORHEESVILLE, NY — Some interesting financial news for taxpayers and families in the Voorheesville Central School District (VCSD)!
According to a report by The Altamont Enterprise, the district finished the 2025–26 school year spending approximately $2.3 million less than budgeted, allowing it to strengthen its financial position rather than draw down savings as originally planned.
The findings come from draft audited financial statements presented to the Board of Education and its audit committee.
📊 LET'S LOOK AT THE NUMBERS!
💵 2025–26 Approved Budget: Approximately $34.5 million
📉 Spending Below Budget: Approximately $2.3 million
🏦 Increase in General Fund Balance: $907,469
💰 Ending General Fund Balance: $9,157,811
The district had originally anticipated using approximately $1.9 million in savings to balance its budget.
Instead, it ended the fiscal year with a larger general fund balance!
🏫 WHERE DID THE DISTRICT SAVE MONEY?
The largest spending differences included:
📚 Instruction: $1.42 million below budget
👩🏫 Regular Classroom Teaching: $596,392 below budget
♿ Programs for Students with Disabilities: $251,728 below budget
🧑🎓 Pupil Services: $253,408 below budget
💻 Technology: $235,974 in planned spending did not occur because expected federal funding was not received
💼 Employee Benefits: $432,895 below budget
🏢 General Support: $215,251 below budget
🚌 Student Transportation: $185,908 below budget
District Finance Director Colleen DiCaprio explained that spending was managed conservatively during the year, with certain purchases delayed while officials monitored anticipated building-maintenance expenses and other financial needs.
💵 ADDITIONAL REVENUE ALSO HELPED!
The district benefited from several financial developments, including:
✅ Higher-than-expected interest earnings
✅ National Grid energy-efficiency rebates
✅ State building aid and other state funding
✅ Approximately $500,000 associated with the earlier-than-anticipated filing of final cost reports for the district's new transportation facility
Together with lower expenditures, these factors contributed to the district's favorable year-end results.
📅 WHAT ABOUT THE 2026–27 SCHOOL BUDGET?
The district's current budget is approximately 6% larger than the previous year's spending plan.
It includes approximately $1.72 million in planned funding from existing balances and reserves, including:
🏦 $868,384 from fund balance
💼 $400,000 from the Employees' Retirement System reserve
💰 $450,000 from the debt service fund
These funds are intended to help support the district's current-year spending plan.
⚠️ ONE IMPORTANT LONG-TERM FINANCIAL CHALLENGE
While the district's general fund balance increased, the audit also identified substantial long-term financial obligations.
The district reported approximately $83.8 million in retiree health-benefit liabilities, an increase of roughly $9.45 million from the previous year.
Much of that increase resulted from changes in the accounting assumptions used to calculate future benefit costs.
Under government accounting standards that include long-term obligations, the district reported an overall negative net position of approximately $63.1 million.
These long-term obligations are separate from the district's annual operating budget and general fund balance.
🏫 WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR VOORHEESVILLE TAXPAYERS?
The district's financial results show that actual spending was substantially below the amount authorized in the 2025–26 budget.
However, the results also raise important questions about future budgeting, the use of reserves, long-term obligations and how financial savings might affect taxpayers.
The report does not indicate that the year-end savings will automatically result in a property tax reduction.
📰 SOURCE: THE ALTAMONT ENTERPRISE
Reporting by Sean Mulkerrin
💬 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM VOORHEESVILLE RESIDENTS!
🏫 Are you encouraged that the district finished the year under budget?
💰 Should future budgets place greater emphasis on reducing reliance on reserves, addressing long-term obligations or limiting property tax increases?
👇 SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS! We welcome respectful discussion about our local schools and taxpayer dollars.
📢 PLEASE SHARE to help keep Voorheesville and New Scotland residents informed about their school district's finances.
❤️ BETHLEHEM LOCAL NEWS — YOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR SCHOOLS. YOUR NEWS.
#BethlehemLocalNews #Voorheesville #VoorheesvilleCentralSchools #VCSD #NewScotlandNY #VoorheesvilleNY #SchoolBudget #EducationFunding #SchoolTaxes #FiscalResponsibility #BoardOfEducation #CapitalRegion #LocalGovernment #CommunityNews #LocalNews
RCS RAVENS RALLY PAST SCHALMONT! THREE STRAIGHT WINS FOR RAVENS VOLLEYBALL!
🏐💚💛 RCS RAVENS RALLY PAST SCHALMONT! THREE STRAIGHT WINS FOR RAVENS VOLLEYBALL! 🔥🏆
RAVENA, NY — The Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Girls Varsity Volleyball Team is on a roll! 🏐👏
The Ravens traveled to Schalmont on Wednesday, October 21, and delivered an impressive comeback victory, defeating the Schalmont Sabres 3-1 to capture their THIRD CONSECUTIVE WIN! 🎉
And this one was especially satisfying!
RCS had struggled against Schalmont in recent seasons, winning just two of their previous nine meetings. But Wednesday night, the Ravens turned the tables! 💪
🏐 A SLOW START, BUT A STRONG FINISH!
After dropping a close opening set, the Ravens regrouped and took control of the match, winning the next three sets!
📊 FINAL SET SCORES:
🔸 Set 1: Schalmont wins 25-23
💚 Set 2: RCS wins 25-16
💛 Set 3: RCS wins 25-19
💚 Set 4: RCS wins 25-15
🏆 FINAL: RCS RAVENS 3 — SCHALMONT SABRES 1
🔥 THREE STRAIGHT VICTORIES!
The Ravens have now won three consecutive matches:
✅ October 16 — Defeated CHS, 3-0
✅ October 19 — Defeated WHS, 3-0
✅ October 21 — Defeated Schalmont, 3-1
That's nine sets won in their last ten sets played! 👏
📈 RCS SEASON RECORD: 9-7
The victory improves the Ravens' record to 9-7, while Schalmont falls to 5-11.
🏐 NEXT UP FOR THE RAVENS!
🆚 Lansingburgh
📅 Friday, October 23
🕓 4:00 PM
The Ravens will look to keep their winning streak alive in another league matchup!
💚💛 WAY TO GO, RAVENS!
Congratulations to the players and coaches on a terrific comeback and another hard-earned victory!
The team's determination after losing the first set made this win especially impressive.
👏 LET'S HEAR IT FOR OUR RCS VOLLEYBALL TEAM!
👇 Drop a 💚💛 in the comments to congratulate the Ravens and wish them luck against Lansingburgh!
📢 PLEASE SHARE and help celebrate our local student-athletes!
❤️ BETHLEHEM LOCAL NEWS — CELEBRATING OUR HOMETOWN STUDENT-ATHLETES!
#BethlehemLocalNews #RCSRavens #RCSVolleyball #RavenaCoeymansSelkirk #RavenaNY #CoeymansNY #SelkirkNY #GoRavens #RavenPride #Section2Volleyball #HighSchoolVolleyball #StudentAthletes #CapitalRegionSports #CommunityPride
THE PRE-WEEKEND PLAYBOOK IS HERE! THURSDAY & FRIDAY FUN AROUND TOWN!
🎉🍻🎶 THE PRE-WEEKEND PLAYBOOK IS HERE! THURSDAY & FRIDAY FUN AROUND TOWN! 🧠⚾🎤
BETHLEHEM • RCS • VOORHEESVILLE — OCTOBER 22 & 23, 2026
Why wait until Saturday to start having fun? The weekend is getting an early start, and there's plenty happening around our communities! 🎉
From Thursday night trivia challenges to Friday afternoon concerts, live music and World Series baseball, there's something for everyone!
Here's your PRE-WEEKEND PLAYBOOK, featuring 6 community events from the BethlehemAreaLive.com Community Events Calendar!
📅 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 — TRIVIA NIGHT! 🧠🍺
🧠🍻 TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE WARBLER BREWERY!
🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 The Warbler Brewery, Delaware Avenue, Delmar
Think you've got what it takes to be a trivia champion? Gather your smartest friends, test your knowledge and enjoy a fun Thursday evening at The Warbler!
🧠🍺 TRIVIA NIGHT AT RAIL TO RIVER BREWING!
🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Rail To River Brewing, Main Street, Ravena
RCS friends, here's your Thursday night challenge! Grab your trivia team and head to Rail To River Brewing for an evening of questions, competition and community fun!
📅 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 — MUSIC, BASEBALL & COMMUNITY FUN! 🎶⚾
🎼❤️ BETHLEHEM SENIOR CHORUS LIVE IN CONCERT!
🕑 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Bethlehem Town Hall, Delaware Avenue, Delmar
Enjoy an afternoon of wonderful music as the Bethlehem Senior Chorus takes the stage!
Come out and support our talented local singers while enjoying a special community performance! 🎤👏
⚾🍻 THE WORLD SERIES BEGINS — WATCH IT AT THE WARBLER!
🕒 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 The Warbler Brewery, Delaware Avenue, Delmar
Baseball fans, it's time for the Fall Classic! ⚾🏆
The Warbler Brewery is hosting a World Series watch event. Gather your fellow baseball fans and enjoy the excitement of championship baseball!
🎸🍕 THE HAWTHORNES LIVE AT ANTHONY'S BY ROMO'S PIZZA!
🕔 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Anthony's by Romo's Pizza, Maple Avenue, Voorheesville
Voorheesville, get ready for some Friday evening entertainment!
Enjoy live music from The Hawthornes while spending time with friends and neighbors at Anthony's by Romo's Pizza! 🎶🍕
🎶🍀 ONE HEART BAND LIVE AT O'SLATTERY'S!
🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 O'Slattery's Irish Restaurant & Pub, Delaware Avenue, Delmar
Kick off your Friday night with live music from One Heart Band!
Enjoy an evening of music and a lively local atmosphere at one of Delmar's popular neighborhood gathering spots! 🎤🍀
❤️ SUPPORT LOCAL — HAVE FUN LOCAL!
Whether you're testing your trivia skills in Ravena or Delmar, cheering on our Bethlehem Senior Chorus, catching live music in Voorheesville or enjoying World Series baseball, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the early weekend close to home!
📅 FIND MORE COMMUNITY EVENTS!
Visit the BethlehemAreaLive.com Community Events Calendar for more happenings throughout Bethlehem, RCS, Voorheesville and our neighboring communities!
💬 NOW WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
🤔 WHAT DO YOU LIKE?
📅 WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS?
📣 WHAT ARE WE MISSING?
Are you heading out for trivia, enjoying live music, attending the Senior Chorus concert or watching baseball?
👇 TELL US IN THE COMMENTS!
And if your business, school, nonprofit or community organization has an upcoming event, let us know so we can help spread the word!
📢 PLEASE SHARE THE PRE-WEEKEND PLAYBOOK with friends, family and neighbors!
❤️ BETHLEHEM LOCAL NEWS — YOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR NEWS. YOUR EVENTS.
#BethlehemLocalNews #PreWeekendPlaybook #BethlehemAreaLive #BethlehemNY #DelmarNY #RavenaNY #RCS #VoorheesvilleNY #ThingsToDo #CommunityEvents #LiveMusic #TriviaNight #BethlehemSeniorChorus #WorldSeries #SupportLocal #CapitalRegionEvents #WeekendFun
THURSDAY MORNING MATH PUZZLER SOLVED!
🧠☀️ THURSDAY MORNING MATH PUZZLER — THE ANSWER IS NOT 54! 🔢🤔
Today's challenge is:
6+6\times5-6=?
Let's solve it together using PEMDAS — the order of operations!
✏️ Simple Step-by-Step Teaching Solution
Step 1: Multiply FIRST!
Multiplication comes before addition and subtraction.
6\times5=30
Now our problem becomes:
6+30-6
Step 2: Add!
6+30=36
Step 3: Subtract!
36-6=30
🎯 THE CORRECT ANSWER IS
30 ✅
💡 REMEMBER: Always complete multiplication and division before addition and subtraction. Then work from left to right!
⚠️ Common Mistake: Adding 6 + 6 first gives the wrong answer because multiplication must come first.
🎉 DID YOU GET 30?
👇 Let us know in the comments! Share this puzzler with a friend and see who gets it right!
📰 Get more daily puzzles and local updates in the Bethlehem Local News Insider at www.bethlehemlocalnews.com.
#ThursdayMorningMathPuzzler #BethlehemLocalNews #MathFun #BrainTeaser #PEMDAS #OrderOfOperations #ThursdayChallenge
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