Our Towne Bethlehem_January 2023

As I look back across 2022, one of the things that stands out to me is the generosity of our community. I saw this in a variety of forms, and it was always a refreshing reality check against social media discord.

But social media is online, while life is real interactions between real people. And those real interactions strengthen our community and make our lives better. I’ve seen them happen in wonderful ways throughout the year: hundreds of families giving toys at Lights in the Park, Scouts gathering goods for the Food Pantry, neighbors laughing together during the Memorial Day Parade. This is the best of what Bethlehem really is.

The generosity of our Town also shines through the work of volunteers.

• Bethlehem Senior Projects volunteers transport seniors to doctors’ appointments, grocery shopping, and more – collectively driving more than 15,000 miles every year.

• Local Master Gardeners and Bethlehem Garden Club members overhauled the garden at Town Hall into a beautiful display of native plants that are better for our environment and grow well in yards.

• Mountain bike riders maintained the trails in North Bethlehem Park and helped build new trails in the Normans Kill Ravines nature park.

• High school students helped seniors navigate new technology at 3 teen tech events organized by our Parks & Rec and Senior Services Depts.

There are little things that each of us can do to help that aren’t part of formal volunteer programs.

• Keep storm drains clear of leaves in the fall and of snow in the winter. There are more than 6,700 drains across town, so if neighbors can attend to the ones near their homes, we’ll all benefit from drier roads.

• Clear snow around fire hydrants. We have nearly 1,300 across town. Pitch in to keep them clear in the winter so they can be quickly accessed in case of a fire.

• Check on your older neighbors during cold snaps and heat waves. Our Senior Services Department partners with the Albany County Sheriff’s Department to ensure our most vulnerable residents are safe, but others who need help less frequently could benefit from a friendly call or visit when the weather is challenging.

People coming together to support

each other is a hallmark of who we are in Bethlehem. And volunteering is more than helping neighbors. It’s also a vital reminder that we are part of a community – a wonderful community of people who care about and support each other. We’re so lucky to live here!

David VanLuven Bethlehem Town Supervisor

FOCU $

Time for New Year’s financial resolutions

It’s that time of year when many of us promise ourselves we’ll go to the gym more, or learn a new language, or take up a musical instrument, or any number of other worthy goals. But this year, when making New Year’s resolutions, why not also consider some financial ones?

Here are a few to consider:

Don’t let inflation derail your investment strategy As you know, inflation was the big financial story of 2022, hitting a 40-year high. And while it may moderate somewhat this year, it will likely still be higher than what we experienced the past decade or so. Even so, it’s a good idea to try not to let today’s inflation harm your investment strategy for the future. That happened last year: More than half of American workers either reduced their contributions to their 401(k)s and other retirement plans or stopped contributing completely during the third quarter of 2022, according to a survey by Allianz Life Insurance of North America. Of course, focusing on your cash flow needs today is certainly understandable, but are there other ways you can free up some money, such as possibly lowering your spending, so you can continue contributing to your retirement accounts? It’s worth the effort because you could spend two or three decades as a retiree.

Control your debts. Inflation can also be a factor in debt management. For example, your credit card debt could rise due to rising prices and variable credit card interest rate increases. By paying your bill each month, you can avoid the effects of rising interest rates. If you do carry a balance, you might be able to transfer it to a lower-rate card, depending on your credit score.

And if you’re carrying multiple credit cards, you might benefit by getting a fixed-rate debt consolidation loan. In any case, the lower your debt payments, the more you can invest for your long-term goals.

Review your investment portfolio. At least once a year, you should review your investment portfolio to determine if it’s still appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. But be careful not to make changes just because you feel your recent performance is not what it should have been. When the financial markets are down, as was the case for most of 2022, even quality investments, such as stocks of companies with solid business fundamentals and strong prospects, can see declines in value. But if these investments are still suitable for your portfolio, you may want to keep them.

Prepare for the unexpected. If you encountered a large unexpected expense, such as the need for a major home repair, how would you pay for it? If you didn’t have the money readily available, you might be forced to dip into your long-term investments or retirement accounts. To prevent this, you should build an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses — or a year’s worth, if you’re retired — with the money kept in a lowrisk, liquid account.

These resolutions can be useful — so try to put them to work in 2023.

Daniel Daley

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of NJones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.

DECEMBER CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 4 • 4PM

After School Art: Winter Owl Magnets

Join us for some after school fun as we build our own cozy winter owl magnets. Children of all ages and ability levels are welcome.

FRIDAY JANUARY 6 • 3:45PM

Dungeons and Dragons

Use your imagination and problem-solving skills while socializing with others who enjoy role-playing games. Playing materials provided. For grades 6 and up.

SATURDAY JANUARY 7 • 2PM

Author Talk with Namina Forna

The author of “The Gilded Ones” series will take part in a virtual discussion through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. Visit libraryc.org/ bethlehempubliclibrary for more information or to register for one or more upcoming talks.

MONDAY JANUARY 9 • 1:30PM

Day Books

Discuss “Still Life” by Sarah Winman. New members welcome.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 11 • 11AM

Navigating the Library’s Website

Attend this class to learn how to access features on the library’s Website more effectively. Sign up at bethlehem. librarycalendar.com. Teens and adults welcome!

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 11 • 6:30PM

Macrame Candle Jar

Create a bohemian candle holder with a few simple macrame knots. No previous macrame experience required. Sign up at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com. Teens and adults welcome!

THURSDAY JANUARY 12 • 7PM

Listening Parties: Kate Bush

Listen to and discuss the song “Running Up That Hill,” as well as “The Hounds of Love,” the album it is featured on. Sign up at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com.

Friday January 13 • 10am

Get to Know Libby

If you are struggling with the transition from Overdrive to Libby, or just want to learn a little more about how Libby works, stop by this in-person session with your questions and concerns, and learn about how to navigate the Libby

app. Sign up at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com.

FRIDAY JANUARY 13 • 3:45PM

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Afternoon

Join your friends to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch! For grades 6 and up.

MONDAY JANUARY 16 • 11AM-1PM

Paws to Read

Learning to read, especially out loud, can be scary. Come to the library and practice reading skills with a gentle, furry friend! A registered therapy dog will listen calmly and quietly, creating a safe space for children to practice reading skills without fear or judgment. For grades K-5.

MONDAY JANUARY 16 • 2PM

Vacation Cinema: ‘Selma, Lord, Selma’

Join us for a family friendly screening of 1999 film based on true events from the Civil Rights Movement in 1965.

TUESDAY JANUARY 17 • 2PM

Author Talk with Dana K. White

You’re invited to start your new year calm and collected by learning to become better organized and clutter-free with the author who will take part in a virtual discussion through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. Visit libraryc.org/bethlehempubliclibrary for more information or to register for one or more upcoming talks.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 18 • 6PM

Community Yoga

Enjoy a class designed for yoga practitioners of any skill level. Dan May shares Jai Yoga School’s Bhakti yoga practice, which includes song, cultural information and stories.

THURSDAY JANUARY 19 • 3:45-4:45PM

After School Art: Buddy the Dinosaur

Stop by to create and decorate your own cardboard dinosaur buddy. School-age children of all ages and ability levels are welcome.

FRIDAY JANUARY 20 • 10AM

Get to Know Libby

If you are struggling with the transition from Overdrive to Libby, or just want to learn a little more about how Libby works, bring your questions and concerns to this virtual session, and learn about how to navigate the Libby app. Sign up at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com.

FRIDAY JANUARY 20 • 3:45PM

Dungeons and Dragons

Use your imagination and problem-solving skills while socializing with others who enjoy role-playing games. Playing materials provided. For grades 6 and up.

MONDAY JANUARY 23 • 11AM

Craft & Color for Adults

Choose between coloring or doing an open-ended craft activity. This program is specifically designed for adults of all abilities.

TUESDAY JANUARY 24 • 6PM

Dungeons and Dragons

All playing materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own dice or D&D 5th Edition Character Sheet. Beginners welcome. For adults. Sign up at bethlehem. librarycalendar.com.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 25 • 7PM

Own Voices Book Group

Discuss “Behold the Dreamers” by Imbolo Mbue. New members welcome. Sign up at bethlehem.librarycalendar. com.

FRIDAY JANUARY 27 • 1PM

Lunchtime Documentaries: ‘Dark Money’

Join us for an afternoon screening of Kimberly Reed’s documentary (not rated, 97 min.), which examines the influence of untraceable corporate money on our elections.

FRIDAY JANUARY 27 • 3:45PM

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Afternoon

Join your friends to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch! For grades 6 and up.

MONDAY JANUARY 30 • 2PM

Monday Matinee: ‘Double Indemnity’

This classic film (1944, not rated, 108 min.) will be shown with subtitles.

TUESDAY JANUARY 31 • 2PM

Author talk with Randall Munroe

The author of the xkcd webcomic series will take part in a virtual discussion through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. Visit libraryc.org/ bethlehempubliclibrary for more information or to register for one or more upcoming talks.

New Years Resolutions

It’s a brand-new year which means it’s time for new beginnings and ambitious goal-setting. Let’s start this New Year with a goal to live life to the fullest! What better inspiration than our own pets? Dogs and cats are the best examples of how to live a great life. Here are some New Year Resolutions inspired by our pets that we can make to ensure a great 2022.

1. Make Exercise Fun!

Every year, exercising more is on everyone’s new year resolution list. Have you seen your pet exercising and getting bored while doing it? No! That’s because our furry friends give every activity their all - whether it is going for walks or jumping or playing with their favorite toy; they truly enjoy it. And so should we!

Find an exercise that interests you. Perhaps it’s enrolling in a dance class, cycling, hiking, yoga, running, or walking more. Pick whatever activity you truly love to do. Invite a friend to join you; and don’t forget to take along your four-legged pal.

2. Care Less About What Others Think!

This is easier said than done especially in the age of social media. It’s so much easier now to stop living for ourselves and become caught up in what others think about us. Take some inspiration from your pets and the way in which they carry themselves. Our four-legged friends don’t care what people or other animals think of them. Like them, let this year be more about you! Do what makes you happy and work on discovering and expressing yourself.

3. Just Relax!

Dogs and cats sleep whenever they’re tired(and even when they’re not!). Like them, you should also rest when you’re tired to avoid over-exhaustion. You may not sleep 50-70% of the day like they do, but it’s important to get your ZZZs , or even take a cat nap once in a while.

Being sleep deprived or stressed impacts your mental and physical health and overall fitness. To help you feel more relaxed at night, create a night time routine with your pet. Spending some

quality time with your pet not only lowers your blood pressure and cortisol levels which lower your stress, but it also releases the calming hormones serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin. So, cuddle up to your four-legged pal. Not only will they love it, but it will relax your mind and body so you can all get a good night’s rest.

4. Love Unconditionally!

If pets teach us one thing in life, it’s how to love others unconditionally. From happy greetings at the door to curling up on your lap. the outward display of your pet’s love for you is always a total mood changer. The world could be a much better place if people loved each other the way our pets do!

Be inspired by your furry friends. Make this year count for you and your pet.

Have a happy and healthy 2023. Please send all your veterinary questions to: AskTheVet@canterburyvet.com or mail them to Ask the Vet c/o Canterbury Animal Hospital 88 Delaware Avenue Delmar, NY 1205439-2700

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