📆 BETHELEHEM AREA EVENTS

🌡️BETHELEHEM AREA WEATHER

🔋⚡ A DIFFERENT KIND OF BATTERY STORAGE IS COMING TO THE CAPITAL REGION — COULD IRON-AIR CHANGE THE BESS DEBATE? 🤔🏘️

🍽️💛 MORE THAN A MEAL: ALBANY COUNTY PROGRAM HELPS SENIORS GET OUT, DINE & STAY CONNECTED!

🚨 ALBANY COUNTY TO BAN KRATOM SALES BEGINNING AUG. 31 — PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER TAKES AIM AT POTENT PRODUCTS

🇺🇸🏃‍♂️ RUN FOR THOSE WHO SERVED! DELMAR’S “RUN FOR VETS” RETURNS SEPTEMBER 13 ❤️🤍💙

🧩☕ SATURDAY MORNING MATH PUZZLER SOLVED! ☕🧩

Introducing the Bethlehem Area Live Community Calendar

August 22nd Saturday & 23rd Sunday

More Events at: https://BethlehemAreaLive.com

CAPITAL REGION — As communities including New Scotland, Guilderland and Bethlehem wrestle with questions surrounding large-scale battery energy storage systems, a proposed project in Rotterdam is introducing a very different technology into the conversation.

Instead of the lithium-ion batteries at the center of many local fire-safety debates, a proposed 10-megawatt project on the GE Vernova campus would use iron, water and air to store electricity. ⚡

And according to its developer, Form Energy, the technology does not carry the same thermal-runaway risk associated with lithium-ion batteries.

The concept sounds surprisingly simple: rust.

Iron-air batteries essentially use a controlled process of rusting and “de-rusting” iron to store and release electricity.

⚡ During charging, electrical current converts rust back into iron and releases oxygen.

🔌 When electricity is needed, the system takes oxygen from the air and allows the iron to rust again, releasing stored energy.

The technology is intended to provide multi-day energy storage, allowing electricity generated when supply is plentiful to be stored and returned to the grid when demand increases.

Form Energy presented preliminary plans to the Rotterdam Planning Commission for a:

🔹 10-megawatt iron-air battery storage facility
🔹 Located on just under 10 acres of the GE Vernova campus
🔹 Situated near I-890 between Rotterdam and Schenectady
🔹 Partially supported by a $12 million NYSERDA grant

If ultimately built, the project would reportedly become New York State's first Form Energy iron-air battery installation.

The proposal remains in its very early stages, and Rotterdam officials do not yet have a complete application. A full submission is anticipated around November.

Despite the different chemistry, safety precautions would still be incorporated into the facility, including monitoring, alarms, containment and exhaust systems. The GE Vernova campus also has its own fire department and security.

This is where the story becomes particularly interesting locally.

Our area is currently having a significant discussion about where battery storage belongs, what technology should be permitted and what safeguards communities should require.

New Scotland is reviewing multiple BESS proposals, including the controversial 5-megawatt lithium-ion project proposed for Wormer Road and another project at Vista Technology Park near the Bethlehem border.

Meanwhile, Guilderland recently extended its moratorium on larger commercial battery storage systems and has said it will not extend municipal water to the proposed Wormer Road facility.

Bethlehem is also considering BESS regulations as part of its zoning work.

Much of the concern surrounding these projects has centered on lithium-ion battery fires, thermal runaway, water availability, emergency response, setbacks and proximity to homes. 🚒💧

The Rotterdam proposal raises an important new question:

👉 Should communities evaluate different battery-storage technologies differently rather than treating every BESS project the same?

If iron-air technology can provide large-scale energy storage without the same thermal-runaway characteristics that have generated concern around lithium-ion installations, it could potentially change part of the conversation about how communities regulate future energy-storage projects.

That doesn't mean every concern disappears. Communities would still need to evaluate location, environmental impacts, infrastructure, water usage, emergency planning, land use and the overall benefits and risks of an individual project.

But it demonstrates something important: “battery storage” isn't necessarily one single technology.

Large-scale storage is designed to capture electricity when it is available and return it to the grid when demand is higher.

For the Bethlehem area, that discussion is particularly relevant because local officials have previously pointed to electrical capacity and reliability as issues affecting residents, businesses and potential economic development.

The challenge for communities is finding the balance between improving grid reliability and protecting public safety and neighborhoods. 🏡⚖️⚡

💬 COMMUNITY QUESTION: Knowing that different battery technologies carry different characteristics, should Bethlehem and New Scotland consider technologies such as iron-air storage separately from lithium-ion BESS proposals?

Or do you believe all utility-scale battery facilities should face essentially the same restrictions?

👇 We'd like to hear what you think — please keep the discussion respectful.

📰 Source: The Daily Gazette

#BethlehemLocalNews #BethlehemNY #NewScotlandNY #SlingerlandsNY #VoorheesvilleNY #CapitalRegionNY #BatteryStorage #BESS #IronAirBattery #EnergyStorage #GridReliability #FireSafety #NYSERDA #FormEnergy #GEVernova #CommunityPlanning #LocalGovernment #AlbanyCounty #SchenectadyCounty 🔋⚡🏘️

ALBANY COUNTY — A new dining program is giving hundreds of local seniors something that goes beyond a meal — an opportunity to get out of the house, enjoy good food and connect with others. 👵👴❤️

Albany County has launched GOLD — Go Out, Let’s Dine, a program managed by the county’s Department for Aging that provides eligible seniors with vouchers to dine at participating local restaurants.

And judging by the response, there was plenty of interest!

🍴 948 Albany County seniors were selected for the program, which has already reached capacity.

Participants are:

🔹 Age 60 or older
🔹 Selected based on income eligibility
🔹 Receiving eight meal vouchers valued at $22 each
🔹 Able to choose among approximately a dozen participating restaurants
🔹 Given through the end of 2026 to use their vouchers

But county officials say GOLD isn't simply about putting a meal on the table.

Social isolation can be a serious concern for older adults, and the program is designed to encourage seniors to leave home, spend time with friends and neighbors, have conversations and remain connected to their communities.

A restaurant table can become a gathering place where people share stories, friendships and a few laughs over breakfast, lunch or dinner. ☕🥞🍝

That's an important distinction: GOLD combines nutrition with social engagement.

Participants also have flexibility in where they dine, allowing them to choose restaurants and meals that fit their individual tastes.

This is an Albany County program, which makes initiatives like GOLD particularly relevant to seniors and families throughout Bethlehem, including Delmar, Glenmont, Slingerlands, Selkirk and surrounding communities.

While this year's 948 available spots are already filled, the strong response demonstrates the potential demand for programs that help older residents stay socially active.

There's also an opportunity for the local restaurant community. Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy encouraged additional restaurants to consider participating in the program next year. 🍽️🏪

Imagine more Bethlehem-area restaurants becoming gathering places for local seniors through a future expansion of GOLD — helping older residents while directing dining dollars toward participating local businesses.

With the inaugural program already at capacity, the next question is whether GOLD can grow in 2027 — with more participants, more restaurants and potentially more opportunities right here in the Bethlehem area.

💬 WHAT DO YOU THINK? Would you like to see Albany County expand this program next year so more seniors can participate — and more Bethlehem-area restaurants can join?

👇 Let us know in the comments, and SHARE this story with local seniors and families who may want to keep an eye out for the next enrollment opportunity!

📰 Source: The Altamont Enterprise

#BethlehemLocalNews #BethlehemNY #AlbanyCounty #DelmarNY #GlenmontNY #SlingerlandsNY #SelkirkNY #SeniorCitizens #AlbanyCountySeniors #GoOutLetsDine #GOLD #SeniorServices #CommunityConnections #SupportLocalRestaurants #DepartmentForAging #CommunityNews #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors 🍽️❤️👵👴

ALBANY COUNTY — A significant new public health restriction is coming to stores across the county.

Albany County is moving to ban the sale and distribution of kratom products countywide, following growing concerns about potentially dangerous concentrated products and their opioid-like effects.

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy announced that the Department of Health will issue a public health order Monday, August 24. The order is scheduled to take effect one week later, on Monday, August 31.

That means the change will directly affect retailers throughout Albany County, including businesses in the Bethlehem area.

🌿 WHAT IS KRATOM?

Kratom comes from Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia. Products derived from the plant are sold in several forms, and some people report using kratom for pain or to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

However, the FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use.

Of particular concern is 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, a naturally occurring component of kratom that can also be isolated or concentrated into much more potent products.

These concentrated products can be marketed as gummies, tablets, shots, vapes and other easily purchased products.

⚠️ WHY IS ALBANY COUNTY TAKING ACTION?

County officials say the move follows mounting health concerns surrounding kratom and especially highly concentrated 7-OH products.

According to Albany County, a death in the county this year was linked to a kratom product.

Federal health officials have warned about potential risks associated with kratom, including dependence, withdrawal, seizures and liver toxicity. The FDA notes that deaths have also been associated with kratom use in rare cases, although those cases generally involved other substances and kratom's contribution was unclear.

The DEA has also warned that kratom can produce stimulant effects at lower doses and sedative effects at higher doses and may lead to addiction.

🏪 WHAT CHANGES AUGUST 31?

New York already prohibits kratom sales to anyone under age 21 and requires warning labels on kratom products.

Albany County's action goes substantially further.

📅 Monday, Aug. 24: Public health order expected to be issued
🚫 Monday, Aug. 31: Countywide prohibition on kratom sales and distribution takes effect

Additional legislation targeting certain synthetic and high-potency kratom products passed both chambers of the New York State Legislature in June but has not yet become law.

🏡 WHY THIS MATTERS TO BETHLEHEM

This is a very local issue.

Kratom products can currently be found at some gas stations, smoke shops and other retailers, meaning Bethlehem-area consumers may encounter products without fully understanding their potency or potential risks.

Once the county order takes effect, retailers throughout Delmar, Glenmont, Slingerlands, Selkirk and the rest of Albany County will be subject to the new prohibition.

The issue also raises an important concern for people who currently use kratom for pain management or opioid withdrawal. Albany County health officials have indicated that part of their approach is helping connect those individuals with appropriate support rather than simply removing the products without alternatives.

📲 SHARE THIS UPDATE with friends, family members and local business owners so our community knows about this significant change before it takes effect.

What do you think? 🤔 Do you support Albany County's decision to prohibit kratom sales, or would you rather see stricter regulation, testing and labeling instead of a complete ban?

#BethlehemLocalNews #BethlehemNY #AlbanyCounty #DelmarNY #GlenmontNY #SlingerlandsNY #SelkirkNY #Kratom #PublicHealth #HealthAlert #ConsumerSafety #CapitalRegion #LocalNews #CommunityUpdate 🚨🏥

BETHLEHEM — Lace up those sneakers and get ready to run — or walk — for a cause that hits close to home! 👟🇺🇸

The 2026 Run For Vets / Walk For Vets is coming to Delmar on Sunday, September 13, bringing our community together for a morning of exercise, camaraderie and, most importantly, support for local veterans.

According to event organizers, 100% of the proceeds support local veterans. ❤️🇺🇸

Whether you're a serious runner, prefer a more leisurely walk, or simply want to support those who served our country, there is a way to participate.

🏃‍♀️ RUN FOR VETS 5K
📅 Sunday, September 13
⏰ 9:00 AM start
💵 $40 per person

🚶‍♂️ WALK FOR VETS — 2 MILES
⏰ 10:30 AM start
💵 $40 per person

Both events will start and finish at American Legion Blanchard-Currey Post 1040, 16 W. Poplar Drive in Delmar.

This is an opportunity for neighbors throughout Bethlehem and the Capital Region to come together and show our veterans that their service and sacrifices are remembered.

Together we run. Together we walk. Together we support. ❤️

Registration remains open through the morning of the event, including on-site registration. Event information also notes that commemorative shirts are limited, with shirts guaranteed to the first 300 combined entries with preregistration.

📍 Participants can also register in person at Bethlehem Memorial Post, 404 Delaware Avenue in Delmar.

Online registration and complete event information are available here:

REGISTER FOR THE 2026 RUN FOR VETS / WALK FOR VETS

Can't run? Can't walk? The registration page also provides an option to donate directly to the event.

📲 SHARE THIS ONE, BETHLEHEM! Let's help spread the word throughout Delmar, Glenmont, Slingerlands, Selkirk, RCS, Voorheesville and the entire Capital Region.

Our veterans stepped forward for us. September 13 is an opportunity for our community to step forward for them. 🇺🇸❤️

#BethlehemLocalNews #RunForVets #WalkForVets #SupportOurVeterans #BethlehemNY #DelmarNY #LocalVeterans #VeteransSupport #CommunityStrong #5KRun #CapitalRegion #AlbanyCounty #AmericanLegion #VFW #HonorServeRun #SupportLocalVeterans 🇺🇸🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️❤️

Today’s puzzler is:

14 + 14 ÷ 7 × 3

It may look straightforward, but order of operations is where these puzzles often trip people up! 😎

Remember PEMDAS:

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

There are no parentheses or exponents, so we move to division and multiplication.

👉 Step 1: Division

14 ÷ 7 = 2

Now we have:

14 + 2 × 3

👉 Step 2: Multiplication

2 × 3 = 6

Now:

14 + 6

👉 Step 3: Addition

14 + 6 = 20

A common mistake is working the problem strictly from left to right:

14 + 14 = 28 ❌

That ignores the order of operations.

Another important point: multiplication does NOT automatically come before division. Multiplication and division have equal priority, so you perform whichever appears first from left to right. The same rule applies to addition and subtraction.

So today's Sunday Morning Math Puzzler answer is...

How did you do? 😃🧮

👍 20 — Nailed it!
😬 Something else — Time for a PEMDAS refresher!

#SundayMorningMathPuzzler #BethlehemLocalNews #MathPuzzler #MathChallenge #PEMDAS #OrderOfOperations #SundayFun #BrainTeaser #KeepLearning 🧠➗✖️➕🎯

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