Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, May 8, 2019
A sock hop for seniors: Adults 60 years and up are invited to take a trip down memory lane at the Bethlehem Town Hall on Friday, May 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. at a special sock hop-themed “Seniors” Prom, co-hosted by the Bethlehem Public Library and the Bethlehem Senior Services in conjunction with Bethlehem Senior Projects Inc.
Poodle skirts and rolled-up jeans will be the attire du jour, but feel free to dress your best in whatever strikes your fancy! We’ll be flashing back to a time when radio was king with the King himself, as prom guests get a chance to mingle with an oh-so-cool Elvis impersonator.
There will even be a green-screen portrait opportunity that will put prom-goers in a classic car cruising down the open road! Other photo ops include the “Malt Shop” and a cutout jukebox. Cut a rug to live music by Betsy and the ByeGons, or just sit back and enjoy the tunes. Light refreshments will be available.
Please register for the free Seniors Prom through Bethlehem Senior Services, Inc. by calling 518-439-4955, ext. 1176. The event takes place at Bethlehem Town Hall.
Constructive conversation
The Better Angels Capital Region Alliance will be holding a moderated workshop at the library on Saturday, May 11, that will focus on encouraging an atmosphere of listening and reflection among red and blue participants as opposed to debate.
The three-hours Red/Blue workshop begins at 11 a.m. During that time, participants will work to debunk stereotypes, share what is most important to them, listen respectfully to others, disclose their own point of view and identify common grounds.
To register, email .
Untangling DNA
Are you one of the thousands who have taken an Ancestry DNA test to learn more about your heritage or connect with distant relatives? Maybe you are confused by the results or unsure of what they mean.
On Tuesday, May 14, at 7 p.m., the library will be hosting “Understanding Your Ancestry DNA Test” with genealogist Lisa Dougherty. She will discuss what you can expect from a DNA test, along with DNA myths and interpreting ethnicity estimates.
Budget and candidate info
The library has a proposed budget of $4.3 million for the 2019-20 fiscal year. The levy portion of that comes in at $4 million — a proposed increase of 3.31 percent, within the state-mandated cap. A detailed budget chart is available online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org, along with information about the candidates for the board of trustees and their statements from the library’s Meet the Candidates night.
The library board will provide an overview of the budget at the Monday, May 13, meeting at 6 p.m. Voting takes place Tuesday, May 21, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Bethlehem Central High School.