📆 BETHELEHEM AREA EVENTS

🌡️BETHELEHEM AREA WEATHER

🎒💸 BACK-TO-SCHOOL STICKER SHOCK: FAMILIES EXPECTED TO SPEND MORE IN 2026 — HERE’S HOW BETHLEHEM-AREA FAMILIES CAN SAVE! ✏️👟📚

💉🦠 NEW FLU SHOT OPTION FOR 2026: WHAT BETHLEHEM-AREA RESIDENTS SHOULD KNOW 🍂🏥

🚨 SELKIRK MAN ACCUSED OF POSSESSING MORE THAN 500 GRAMS OF COCAINE FOLLOWING ALBANY TRAFFIC STOP

🔋🚨 GUILDERLAND SAYS “NO” TO WATER FOR NEW SCOTLAND BATTERY PROJECT — WHAT IT COULD MEAN FOR THE PROPOSAL & NEARBY RESIDENTS

🎉☀️ THE WEEKEND PARADE IS ROLLING! 9 EVENTS AROUND BETHLEHEM, RCS, VOORHEESVILLE & BEYOND! 🎶🎡🍅

🧩☕ SATURDAY MORNING MATH PUZZLER SOLVED! ☕🧩

Introducing the Bethlehem Area Live Community Calendar

August 22nd Saturday & 23rd Sunday

More Events at: https://BethlehemAreaLive.com

BETHLEHEM AREA — The first day of school may still be ahead, but for many families, the back-to-school bills have already started arriving. 😳🛒

Between backpacks, notebooks, sneakers, clothes and electronics, getting students ready for another school year can put a serious dent in the family budget.

According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school expect to spend an average of about $864 on back-to-school purchases in 2026. Nationwide spending is projected to hit a record $43.3 BILLION. 💰

Families sending students to college face an even bigger tab, with projected spending averaging about $1,438 per household and nationwide college back-to-school spending expected to surpass $100 billion for the first time.

Those national numbers can become very real expenses around the kitchen table. With families across Bethlehem Central, RCS and Voorheesville preparing for September, now may be the time to shop strategically instead of trying to knock out the entire list in one expensive trip.

Here are 5 ideas that could help stretch those back-to-school dollars: 👇

🎒 1. SHOP YOUR HOUSE FIRST!
Before buying anything, check last year's backpacks, desk drawers, closets and cabinets. Pens, pencils, folders, calculators and other supplies may still have plenty of life left. Not everything needs to be new.

💵 2. DON'T BUY EVERYTHING AT ONCE
Spread purchases over several weeks and watch for sales. Prioritize the supplies students need immediately and consider waiting on fall clothing until prices drop.

♻️ 3. CONSIDER SECONDHAND
Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace and local community sharing groups can be great resources for gently used clothing and other school necessities — particularly items children quickly outgrow.

💻 4. DON'T FORGET STUDENT DISCOUNTS
Families with older students should check for education pricing before purchasing computers, software and subscriptions. Some major companies offer special student rates that can produce meaningful savings.

❤️ 5. ASK ABOUT COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE
Families having difficulty covering school supplies shouldn't hesitate to check with their school district or local community organizations. Schools, nonprofits, businesses and other groups often organize supply drives or assistance programs.

A perfectly good backpack doesn't suddenly stop working because it's August. 😂🎒

Reusing what you already own, comparing prices and buying only what's actually needed can make a significant difference — especially for households preparing multiple children for school.

And there's a community benefit here, too. ❤️ When possible, purchasing supplies, clothing and services from businesses in and around our communities keeps more of those back-to-school dollars circulating locally.

👇 BETHLEHEM-AREA PARENTS — HELP EACH OTHER OUT!

What's YOUR best back-to-school money-saving trick? Have you found a great local sale, school-supply giveaway, swap, or other resource that fellow families should know about?

DROP IT IN THE COMMENTS! 👇 Your tip might save another local family a few dollars this school year. 💰❤️

📲 SHARE THIS POST with another parent who's currently staring at a school-supply list wondering how three kids could possibly need that many glue sticks. 😂✏️

📰 READ MORE: TIMES UNION

#BethlehemLocalNews #BackToSchool #BethlehemNY #DelmarNY #SlingerlandsNY #GlenmontNY #RCS #VoorheesvilleNY #BackToSchool2026 #SchoolSupplies #MoneySavingTips #ShopLocal #SupportLocal #CommunityHelpingCommunity #AlbanyCounty #CapitalRegionNY 🎒📚✏️💰❤️

BETHLEHEM AREA — Flu shots are beginning to arrive at pharmacies and doctors’ offices, and this year adults age 50 and older have a brand-new option to consider.

The FDA recently approved mFlusiva, the first mRNA-based influenza vaccine for older adults. The vaccine is manufactured by Moderna and uses the same general mRNA technology that became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For residents across Bethlehem, Delmar, Slingerlands, Glenmont, Selkirk, RCS and Voorheesville, here are some of the key points as we head toward the 2026-27 flu season. 👇

🧬 WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS FLU SHOT?

Traditional flu vaccines generally take longer to manufacture because they involve growing viruses or viral components. The new mRNA approach can be produced more quickly, potentially giving scientists greater flexibility in future seasons as influenza strains change.

The FDA has given full approval to mFlusiva for adults ages 50-64. For adults 65 and older, it received accelerated approval based on clinical-trial evidence showing a strong immune response.

In a study involving approximately 40,000 people, adults ages 50-64 who received the new vaccine experienced 27% fewer flu cases compared with participants receiving another commonly used flu vaccine, according to the information reported by the Times Union.

💪 WHAT ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS?

Clinical-trial participants reported side effects more frequently with the new vaccine than with a standard flu shot. The most commonly reported were:

• Sore arm — about 66%
• Fatigue — about 45%
• Headache — about 38%

The article notes that the vaccine has not yet been studied in pregnant or immunocompromised people. Because mFlusiva is new, availability and insurance coverage may also vary initially, so residents interested in it may want to check with their doctor, pharmacist and insurance provider.

📅 WHEN SHOULD YOU GET YOUR FLU SHOT?

Health experts cited in the report recommend vaccination by the end of October, with late September through early October described as an especially useful window. Flu vaccines generally need a few weeks for the body to build its full immune response.

That timing can provide protection heading into Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings and the winter flu surge. 🍁🦃🎄

🏡 WHY DOES THIS MATTER HERE IN THE BETHLEHEM AREA?

Flu season isn't only an individual health issue — it can quickly become a community issue.

When influenza spreads through our area, the effects can reach local schools, workplaces, families, senior populations, healthcare providers and emergency departments. Fewer serious cases can mean fewer missed school days, fewer employees out sick and less strain on the healthcare system.

Last season was particularly difficult in New York. According to the report, more than 27,000 New Yorkers were hospitalized with influenza, while only about 20% of state residents received a flu vaccination.

Doctors say the severity of the coming season remains impossible to predict. However, there is optimism that this year's vaccines may be a better match for the currently dominant H3N2 influenza strain.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: The new mRNA vaccine is an additional option for eligible adults — not the only flu vaccine available. Which vaccine is appropriate can depend on age, medical history and other individual circumstances, so residents with questions should discuss their options with a qualified healthcare professional.

💬 COMMUNITY QUESTION: For those 50 and older, would you consider the new mRNA flu vaccine this year, or would you prefer one of the traditional flu shots?

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments — and please keep the conversation respectful.

📰 Source: Times Union

#BethlehemLocalNews #BethlehemNY #DelmarNY #SlingerlandsNY #GlenmontNY #SelkirkNY #RCS #VoorheesvilleNY #FluSeason #FluVaccine #mRNA #CommunityHealth #PublicHealth #AlbanyCounty #CapitalRegionNY 💉🦠🍂

ALBANY — A 35-year-old Selkirk man is facing multiple charges after authorities say a traffic stop led to the discovery of approximately 519 grams of cocaine allegedly packaged for distribution.

According to investigators, Ta-Von McCall, 35, of Selkirk, was stopped near Broadway and Maiden Lane in Albany at approximately 10:45 a.m. Wednesday for an alleged traffic violation.

🚔 The traffic stop was conducted by the Albany County Sheriff's Office Community Oriented Policing Effort (SCOPE) unit.

Authorities allege that during the investigation they discovered:

🔹 Approximately 519 grams of cocaine, which investigators say was packaged for distribution
🔹 More than 16 ounces of cannabis

McCall faces several charges, including criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of cannabis and traffic violations, according to the report.

He was being arraigned in Albany City Court on Wednesday.

📍 WHY WE'RE REPORTING THIS: While the arrest occurred in the City of Albany, the individual charged is identified as a Selkirk resident, making the case of local interest to the Bethlehem-area community.

⚖️ As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

📰 Source: CBS6 Albany / Albany County Sheriff's Office

#BethlehemLocalNews #SelkirkNY #BethlehemNY #AlbanyNY #AlbanyCounty #LocalNews #CrimeNews #CommunityNews #CapitalRegionNY #SCOPE 🚔⚖️

NEW SCOTLAND/GUILDERLAND — A proposed large-scale battery energy storage system on Wormer Road has encountered a significant new obstacle after the Town of Guilderland said it will not extend municipal water service to the project.

The decision could have major implications for New Leaf Energy's proposed 5-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at 37 Wormer Road, near the New Scotland-Guilderland town line.

The New Scotland Planning Board has currently tabled the application, with access to an adequate water supply for fire protection among the outstanding issues.

💧 WHY WATER HAS BECOME SO IMPORTANT

According to reporting by The Altamont Enterprise, New Scotland Planning Board Chairman Jeffrey Baker previously indicated that an existing pond at the proposed site was not considered adequate for fire protection.

One potential solution under consideration had been extending a water line from Guilderland along Wormer Road.

That option now appears to be off the table.

At its Aug. 18 meeting, Guilderland officials made clear that the town does not intend to provide municipal water to the proposed New Scotland battery facility.

Guilderland Supervisor Peter Barber cited both the town's current BESS moratorium and significant engineering challenges. The existing water main reportedly ends roughly a quarter-mile from the proposed site, and extending service uphill could require a pump station and substantial infrastructure work.

📍 RESIDENTS RAISE SAFETY CONCERNS

Several New Scotland-area residents attended the Guilderland Town Board meeting to voice concerns about the project.

Issues raised included the project's proximity to homes, wetlands and private wells, along with questions about emergency response, evacuation planning and firefighters' ability to manage a potential battery emergency.

Guilderland officials said they plan to formally notify New Scotland of their position and communicate concerns regarding Guilderland residents living close to the proposed facility.

🔋 GUILDERLAND EXTENDS ITS OWN BESS MORATORIUM

During the same meeting, the Guilderland Town Board unanimously extended its moratorium on larger commercial battery-energy storage systems for another four months.

Town officials are developing regulations that could impose stricter requirements involving where BESS facilities can be located, setbacks from residential properties, water availability, fire protection and hazardous materials.

It's important to note that a moratorium is a temporary pause — not necessarily a permanent prohibition on battery storage.

🏘️ WHY THIS MATTERS TO BETHLEHEM-AREA RESIDENTS

While the Wormer Road project is located in New Scotland, this debate has implications beyond a single property.

Bethlehem Local News recently reported that New Scotland is considering multiple battery-storage projects, including a separate proposal at Vista Technology Park near the Bethlehem border.

Bethlehem itself does not have jurisdiction over projects located in New Scotland. However, these facilities can raise regional questions involving the electrical grid, fire districts, emergency response, infrastructure, land-use planning and neighboring communities.

The Vista proposal is particularly relevant locally because that property falls within the Slingerlands Fire Department's jurisdiction, despite being located in New Scotland.

Bethlehem officials have previously indicated that battery storage could potentially help address electrical reliability and capacity issues affecting residents and businesses. At the same time, the continuing debate in New Scotland and Guilderland demonstrates why communities are closely examining fire protection, water availability, location, setbacks and emergency planning before projects move forward.

⚖️ WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Guilderland's decision does not by itself reject the Wormer Road project because the application is before the Town of New Scotland.

But if Guilderland water was considered the primary solution to the project's fire-protection water needs, developers may now have to identify a different solution before the New Scotland Planning Board can consider moving the application forward.

This is one we'll continue watching closely. 👀

💬 COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: Do you believe large-scale battery storage facilities can be a benefit to our communities when appropriate safety measures are in place — or should they be kept farther away from residential neighborhoods?

👇 Share your thoughts respectfully below.

📰 READ MORE: The Altamont Enterprise

#BethlehemLocalNews #NewScotlandNY #BethlehemNY #GuilderlandNY #SlingerlandsNY #VoorheesvilleNY #BatteryStorage #BESS #WormerRoad #VistaTechnologyPark #CommunitySafety #FireSafety #EnergyStorage #LocalGovernment #AlbanyCounty #CapitalRegionNY 🔋🚒🏘️

SATURDAY IS HERE — and our communities are squeezing every bit of fun out of another August weekend! 🙌😎

From farmers market finds and a library scavenger hunt to the Altamont Fair, brewery fun and FOUR live music choices Saturday night, there's plenty happening around the area. 🎸🍻🌽

Here’s your BethlehemAreaLive.com Weekend Events Roundup 👇

🔎📚 LIBRARY SCAVENGER HUNT
🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Bethlehem Middle School — Kenwood Avenue, Delmar

🍅🥕 SATURDAY DELMAR FARMERS MARKET
🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Bethlehem Middle School — Kenwood Avenue, Delmar
Grab the reusable bags and shop fresh and local! ❤️

🎡🎠 ALTAMONT FAIR — DAY #5
🕙 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
📍 Altamont Fairgrounds — Arlington Street, Altamont
Another FULL day of summer fair fun! 🎟️🍿

🐦🍻 SEMI-ANNUAL FLOCK CLUB PARTY
🕛 Noon – 10:00 PM
📍 The Warbler Brewery — Delaware Avenue, Delmar

🎶🍺 AS IZ — LIVE
🕕 6:00 – 8:00 PM
📍 Rail To River Brewing — Main Street, Ravena

🎸🍕 THE HAWTHORNS — LIVE
🕕 6:00 – 9:00 PM
📍 Anthony’s by Romo’s Pizza — Maple Avenue, Voorheesville

🌅🎵 SIX MILE SUNDOWN — LIVE
🕕 6:00 – 9:00 PM
📍 Normanside Country Club — Salisbury Road, Delmar

☘️🎶 SCOT & CO. — LIVE
🕖 7:00 – 10:00 PM
📍 O'Slattery's Irish Restaurant & Pub — Delaware Avenue, Delmar

🎠🎟️ ALTAMONT FAIR — DAY #6 & FINAL DAY!
🕙 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
📍 Altamont Fairgrounds — Arlington Street, Altamont

If you haven't made it to the fair yet, Sunday is your last chance for 2026! 🎡🌭🍿

❤️ LOCAL EVENTS = STRONGER COMMUNITIES

Every time we head out to a farmers market, hear a local musician, attend a community event or grab something to eat at a neighborhood business, we're doing more than having fun — we're supporting the people and places that make our communities special. 🏡❤️

So get out there, Bethlehem, RCS & Voorheesville — your weekend is waiting! ☀️🎶

👇 WHAT'S ON YOUR WEEKEND AGENDA? Tag your friends and make some plans!

📲 Find more community happenings throughout the week on the Bethlehem Area Live Events Calendar at BethlehemAreaLive.com.

#BethlehemLocalNews #BethlehemAreaLive #BethlehemNY #DelmarNY #RCS #RavenaNY #VoorheesvilleNY #AltamontFair #DelmarFarmersMarket #LiveMusic #WeekendFun #ThingsToDo #ShopLocal #SupportLocal #CommunityEvents #AlbanyCounty #CapitalRegionNY 🎉☀️🎶🎡🍅❤️

Today’s challenge is:

This one is a great reminder that multiplication and division have the same priority — so when they appear together, we work from LEFT TO RIGHT.

Because division appears first from the left:

6 ÷ 3 = 2

Now the problem becomes:

9 + 2 × 4

2 × 4 = 8

Now we have:

9 + 8

9 + 8 = 17

Remember PEMDAS:

P — Parentheses
E — Exponents
M/D — Multiplication & Division, left to right
A/S — Addition & Subtraction, left to right

A common mistake is thinking multiplication must always come before division. It doesn’t! Multiplication and division are equals, so solve whichever comes first as you move from left to right.

👇 Did you get 17 on your first try? Or did Saturday morning need a little more coffee first? 😂☕️

#BethlehemLocalNews #SaturdayMorningMathPuzzler #MathPuzzler #MathChallenge #PEMDAS #OrderOfOperations #BrainTeaser #SaturdayFun #CanYouSolveIt #KeepLearning 🧠➗✖️☕️

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