In This Bethlehem Local News Insider Issue…

📆 BETHELEHEM AREA EVENTS

🌡️BETHELEHEM AREA WEATHER

🚨🔍 MISSING DELMAR TEEN — PLEASE HELP SHARE 💙🙏

🚗🧽 END OF AN ERA: HOFFMAN CAR WASH IN DELMAR WILL NOT REOPEN 😢🚧

🔋⚡ THIRD BATTERY STORAGE PROJECT PROPOSED FOR NEW SCOTLAND — WHAT IT COULD MEAN FOR LOCAL POWER RELIABILITY 🏡🔌

📚🌟 DISCOVER, CREATE & EXPLORE AT BETHLEHEM PUBLIC LIBRARY THIS WEEK! 🔭🧩

📚🎉 A WEEK OF FUN, GAMES & LEARNING AT VOORHEESVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY! 🎭🃏🛠️

🛝🎉 GREAT NEWS! NORTH BETHLEHEM PLAYGROUND IS NOW OPEN! 🌳👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🧩☕ SUNDAY MORNING MATH PUZZLER SOLVED! ☕🧩

Introducing the Bethlehem Area Live Community Calendar

MISSING DELMAR TEEN —

PLEASE HELP SHARE

🚨🔍 MISSING DELMAR TEEN — PLEASE HELP SHARE 💙🙏

The Bethlehem Police Department is asking for the community's help in locating Ambar R. Parra-Carbo, who has been reported missing.

According to police, Ambar is believed to be in the Bronx and has connections to New York City and Schenectady.

📋 Description

👧 Name: Ambar R. Parra-Carbo
🎂 Age: 15 (DOB: February 9, 2011)
📏 Height: 5'2"
⚖️ Weight: Approximately 100 pounds
👩 Hair: Brown
👀 Eyes: Brown

She was last reported wearing:
👕 Gray sweatshirt
🩳 Jean shorts
👟 White sneakers

📞 If You Have Information

If you have seen Ambar or know where she may be, please contact:

🚔 Bethlehem Police Department: 518-439-9973
☎️ NYS Missing Persons Clearinghouse: 1-800-346-3543

❤️ Every share increases the chances that someone will recognize her and help bring her home safely. Please consider sharing this post with your friends and family.

#BethlehemLocalNews #BethlehemNY #DelmarNY #MissingChild #MissingPerson #HelpFindAmbar #CommunityAlert #BethlehemPolice #SeeSomethingSaySomething #ShareThisPost #BringHerHome #CapitalRegion #LocalNews 🚨💙🙏

END OF AN ERA: HOFFMAN CAR WASH IN DELMAR WILL NOT REOPEN

🚗🧽 END OF AN ERA: HOFFMAN CAR WASH IN DELMAR WILL NOT REOPEN 😢🚧

After nearly 30 years of serving the Bethlehem community, Hoffman Car Wash has confirmed that its longtime Delaware Avenue location in Delmar will not reopen.

The car wash has remained closed since October 2025, when the Town of Bethlehem issued a vacate order following concerns about slope instability on the property near the Normans Kill Ravine. According to company officials, after months of discussions with the Town and National Grid, the site was determined to no longer be economically viable for continued operation.

❤️ The good news for Bethlehem residents: Hoffman says it remains committed to serving the community and is actively looking for a new location within the Town of Bethlehem. Any future site would still need to go through the town's planning and approval process.

🚧 What Happens to the Current Site?

The future of the Delaware Avenue property has not yet been decided. Company officials say they are considering long-term options, which could include maintaining the property or eventual demolition, but no timeline has been announced.

National Grid also invested approximately $10 million to strengthen and protect critical gas and electric infrastructure near the site after concerns about the slope were identified. Officials say monitoring continues and there has been no reported increase in slope movement since the initial issues were discovered.

🏘️ Why This Matters

For many Bethlehem residents, Hoffman was more than just a convenient place to wash a car—it was a familiar local business and one of the first things people saw when entering Delmar from the east.

With Delaware Avenue's gateway improvements nearing completion, many residents are hopeful the property will eventually be redeveloped and that Hoffman can find a new home within Bethlehem to continue serving the community.

🚙 Were you a Hoffman Car Wash customer? Would you like to see the company return to Bethlehem at a new location? Share your thoughts in the comments!

#BethlehemLocalNews #DelmarNY #BethlehemNY #HoffmanCarWash #DelawareAvenue #LocalBusiness #CapitalRegion #CommunityNews #EconomicDevelopment #NormansKill #AlbanyCounty #SupportLocal #BethlehemCommunity 🚗🧼🏘️

THIRD BATTERY STORAGE PROJECT PROPOSED FOR NEW SCOTLAND — WHAT IT COULD MEAN FOR LOCAL POWER RELIABILITY

The New Scotland Planning Board was recently presented with another BESS project — The above image shows eight arrows providing the distance between the battery and nearby homes — to be located on Plug Power’s campus in Slingerlands. From AIP Submitted to the Town of New Scotland.

🔋⚡ THIRD BATTERY STORAGE PROJECT PROPOSED FOR NEW SCOTLAND — WHAT IT COULD MEAN FOR LOCAL POWER RELIABILITY 🏡🔌

A third Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) has now been proposed in the Town of New Scotland, this time on the Plug Power campus in Slingerlands, as officials continue reviewing projects designed to strengthen the region's electric grid.

The proposed project would include a 4.5-megawatt lithium iron phosphate battery storage system on a fenced portion of the Plug Power property.

⚡ Why Is This Project Being Proposed?

According to project representatives, the battery system is intended to help National Grid address growing electricity demand in the area while avoiding the immediate need for major infrastructure expansion.

The project was selected through a National Grid competitive process as a non-wires alternative—using battery storage to help manage peak demand instead of constructing additional electrical equipment.

The utility has previously indicated that its New Krumkill substation, which helps support portions of Bethlehem, New Scotland, and Albany, could face capacity challenges during periods of peak electricity demand before a planned rebuild expected around 2030.

🏘️ Why This Matters for Bethlehem Area Residents

As more homes, businesses, electric vehicles, and clean energy projects connect to the grid, reliable electrical infrastructure becomes increasingly important.

Projects like this are designed to:
Help reduce the risk of power interruptions during periods of high demand.
Support continued community growth without immediately building new substations or transmission infrastructure.
Improve grid reliability while larger long-term upgrades are planned.

For Bethlehem-area residents, the proposal highlights the growing regional effort to prepare the electric system for future energy needs.

🔋 Safety Remains a Key Topic

Unlike two previously proposed battery storage projects in New Scotland that utilize Tesla Megapack technology, this proposal would use lithium iron phosphate batteries manufactured by Hithium.

Project representatives told the Planning Board the system has undergone industry fire safety testing and is designed to meet the latest National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 855) safety standards governing battery energy storage installations.

📋 What's Next?

At this stage, the project is still in the review process.

The New Scotland Planning Board received an initial presentation in July but took no action, and the proposal was not on the August meeting agenda. Additional studies and application materials are expected before any decisions are made.

💬 What do you think? Should battery storage projects play a larger role in strengthening the Capital Region's electric grid, or do you have concerns you'd like to see addressed before additional projects move forward?

#BethlehemLocalNews #NewScotlandNY #SlingerlandsNY #BethlehemNY #EnergyStorage #BatteryStorage #NationalGrid #Infrastructure #ElectricGrid #CommunityNews #CapitalRegion #PlanningBoard #RenewableEnergy #LocalNews 🔋🏡

DISCOVER, CREATE & EXPLORE AT BETHLEHEM PUBLIC LIBRARY THIS WEEK

📚🌟 DISCOVER, CREATE & EXPLORE AT BETHLEHEM PUBLIC LIBRARY THIS WEEK! 🔭🧩

Looking for something fun, educational, or creative this week? Bethlehem Public Library has something for everyone—from kids and families to crafters, job seekers, trivia lovers, and lifelong learners! 📖❤️

Here's a look at what's happening:

🧵 Learn to Quilt at Your Own Pace
Always wanted to try quilting? With your Bethlehem Public Library card, you can stream Craftsy's beginner quilting series through Hoopla and learn everything from cutting fabric to completing your very first quilt.

🌠 Family Astronomy Program
📅 Monday, August 10 | 2:00 PM
Kids and families are invited to explore the fascinating science behind comets and meteor showers with astronomer Dr. Mindy Townsend from Dudley Observatory—perfect timing before the annual Perseid Meteor Shower reaches its peak!

🔭 Borrow a Telescope!
Want to experience the Perseid meteor shower up close? Borrow one of the library's popular Celestron Inspire telescopes from the Library of Things and enjoy the night sky from your own backyard.

🧠 Trivia Night
📅 Tuesday, August 11 | 7:00 PM
Bring your friends—or come solo—and test your knowledge during a fun evening of trivia featuring popcorn, prizes, and plenty of friendly competition!

💼 Need a Better Resume?
Whether you're searching for a new job or updating your current resume, the library offers Cypress Resume, an easy-to-use online tool that helps you build a professional resume in just a few simple steps.

🎥 Save Your Family Memories
Have old Super 8 or 8mm home movies collecting dust? Borrow the library's MovieMaker Pro film converter to digitize those treasured memories and preserve them for future generations.

📚 Summer Reading Is Still Going Strong!
There's still time to join the "Unearth a Story" Summer Reading Challenge for all ages! Complete reading milestones for a chance to win great prizes sponsored by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.

👜 Lost Something?
If you've recently visited the library and misplaced a valuable item, stop by the Circulation Desk. The library safely holds valuable lost-and-found items for several weeks and may have what you're looking for.

❤️ Why This Matters
Bethlehem Public Library continues to be far more than just a place to borrow books. From technology and career resources to family programming, creative hobbies, educational events, and unique items you can borrow, it's one of the community's greatest resources—and it's all available with your library card.

📖 For more information, register for programs, or explore online resources, visit bethpl.org.

#BethlehemLocalNews #BethlehemPublicLibrary #DelmarNY #BethlehemNY #LibraryOfThings #TriviaNight #FamilyFun #SummerReading #PerseidMeteorShower #Astronomy #LearnSomethingNew #CommunityEvents #CapitalRegion #LifelongLearning #SupportYourLibrary 📚🌠🔭🧵

A WEEK OF FUN, GAMES & LEARNING AT VOORHEESVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY!

📚🎉 A WEEK OF FUN, GAMES & LEARNING AT VOORHEESVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY! 🎭🃏🛠️

Looking for something fun, educational, and family-friendly this week? Voorheesville Public Library has a fantastic lineup of programs for kids, teens, adults, and seniors! Whether you're into games, dancing, DIY projects, collectible cards, or Broadway musicals, there's something waiting for you. ❤️

🎲 Games For All

📅 Monday, August 10 | 10:30–11:30 AM

Everyone is welcome for a morning of games designed to bring people of all ages and abilities together. It's a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, enjoy some laughs, and build community in an inclusive environment.

💃 Timeless Era Adaptive Dance Class

📅 Wednesday, August 12 | 1:00 PM

Enjoy a fun, chair-based dance class led by Studio One Dance that's specially designed for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges. Dance along to classic rock, Motown, and golden oldies while improving coordination, memory, and overall wellness. Registration is requested.

🛠️ Homeowner Skills: Miter Saw Confidence

📅 Wednesday, August 12 | 6:30 PM

Want to become more comfortable tackling home projects? This beginner-friendly workshop teaches safe measuring, cutting, and basic miter saw techniques through hands-on practice—and you'll even complete a take-home project! No experience is necessary. Registration is required.

🎭 Hamilton Party for Teens

📅 Thursday, August 13 | 6:00–7:30 PM

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution with a Hamilton-themed after-hours party! Teens in grades 7–12 can enjoy trivia, lyric battles, grilled burgers (including veggie options), and plenty of Broadway fun. Costumes and wigs are encouraged—but not required! Registration is requested.

❤️ Why This Matters

Libraries continue to be one of our community's greatest resources—offering much more than books. From lifelong learning and hands-on workshops to inclusive programming, teen activities, and wellness opportunities, the Voorheesville Public Library provides experiences that help neighbors connect, learn, and have fun together.

📚 For registration and additional program information, visit VoorheesvilleLibrary.org.

#BethlehemLocalNews #VoorheesvilleLibrary #VoorheesvilleNY #NewScotlandNY #LibraryLife #CommunityEvents #FamilyFun #Hamilton #MagicTheGathering #Pokemon #AdaptiveDance #DIYSkills #CapitalRegion #SupportYourLibrary #LifelongLearning 📚🎲🎭🛠️💃

GREAT NEWS! NORTH BETHLEHEM PLAYGROUND IS NOW OPEN!

🛝🎉 GREAT NEWS! NORTH BETHLEHEM PLAYGROUND IS NOW OPEN! 🌳👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Families have a new reason to get outside and play! ☀️

The Town of Bethlehem has announced that the North Bethlehem Playground is now officially open and ready to welcome children and families back for fun and recreation.

While the playground is open for use, the Town noted that a few finishing touches are still on the way, including:

🚧 Restoration of the former playground area
♿ Completion of the new ADA-accessible pathway
🅿️ Final paving of the parking lot

Those improvements are expected to be completed soon, but the playground and park are now open for everyone to enjoy!

🌟 Why This Matters

Parks and playgrounds are an important part of our community, providing safe places for children to play, families to gather, neighbors to connect, and everyone to enjoy the outdoors. The reopening of the North Bethlehem Playground is another investment in making Bethlehem an even better place to live.

🏃‍♀️ Pack the sunscreen, grab the kids, and check out the new playground this weekend!

📸 If you visit, we'd love to see your photos! Share them in the comments and tag Bethlehem Local News.

#BethlehemLocalNews #BethlehemNY #NorthBethlehem #TownOfBethlehem #Playground #CommunityParks #FamilyFun #OutdoorPlay #Kids #ParksAndRecreation #CapitalRegion #WeekendFun #CommunityNews 🛝🌞🌳👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

SUNDAY MORNING

MATH PUZZLER SOLVED!

The correct answer is:

-9

🧮 Step-by-Step Teaching Solution

The key is to remember the Order of Operations (often remembered as PEMDAS):

  • P – Parentheses

  • E – Exponents

  • MD – Multiplication and Division (left to right)

  • AS – Addition and Subtraction (left to right)

Your problem is:

18 − 9 × 3

Step 1: Do the multiplication first.

9 × 3 = 27

Now the problem becomes:

18 − 27

Step 2: Subtract.

18 − 27 = -9

Final Answer: -9

📚 Sunday Morning Math Lesson

A common mistake is to subtract first:

18 − 9 = 9
Then 9 × 3 = 27

That answer is incorrect because multiplication must be completed before subtraction.

Always remember:

➡️ Multiply first, then add or subtract.

Sunday Morning Math Challenge:
How many of your friends will answer 27 before remembering the order of operations? 😄

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