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CHAMBER NEWS AND EVENTS
 

JOIN US TONIGHT!

1 Year Anniversary Celebration
500 Kenwood Avenue, Suite 2, Delmar
Wednesday, December 9
5-7pm Open House


Come celebrate the 1 Year Anniversary of Free Movement Pilates in Delmar.  The Open House will run from 5pm-7pm.  Meet the new faces of the studio - now offering Massage (Sports Massage, Reflexology, and Hot Stone), Private Body Alignment, Manual Physical Therapy, Pilates, Restorative Yoga, Core Yoga, and Functional Movement Assessments.  Light refreshments and wine will be served.


RECENT EVENTS
  
Everyone was in the holiday spirit last Wednesday as chamber members gathered at Akira in Glenmont for the December Networking Mixer.  Thank you to everyone who donated to our collection for the Community Christmas Day Dinner!  See Photo Gallery.
 


Thursday we gathered at Balance Massage Studio for their 15 Year Anniversary. Denise Mason, owner, was joined by Senator Neil D. Breslin, the Balance Team of massage therapists, the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce and family, friends, and clients.  View Photo Gallery.


For additional details on all of our upcoming events,  
view our Chamber Events Calendar!      
SAVE THE DATE
  

Town of Bethlehem Logo    
State of the Town Address

Town Hall Auditorium, 445 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
Thursday, January 7, 2016
7:45 AM - Breakfast, 8:00 AM - Address Begins
RSVP

Supervisor John Clarkson will deliver the State of the Town address Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 8am in the auditorium at Town Hall.  Co-sponsored with the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, continental breakfast is offered starting at 7:45am.  The public is encouraged to attend, this is a free event open to all. Supervisor Clarkson will outline the challenges Bethlehem faces and his priorities for the coming year.


    
 

HEALTH INSURANCE
OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR 2016

Members currently purchasing health and/or dental insurance through the Chamber can review 2016 plan options and enroll new plans during Open Enrollment no later than December 15.  
 
Plans are available to Sole Proprietors, Small Groups and Individuals. Employees may acquire insurance through the Chamber regardless of whether the Employer pays for the plans.
    
If you have questions regarding health insurance or your renewal, contact Monique Matuszek, Benefits Administrator at 439-0512 or by email.
 cdphp MVP 2011  

Bethlehem Celebrates the Start of the Holiday Season
  


It was a busy weekend at the Four Corners in Delmar - Friday, December 4 was the Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, and Sunday, December 6 was the Menorah Lighting to kick-off the start of Hanukkah.  Full photo galleries here and here.
 

Look for the
2015 HOLIDAY SHOPPING CARD
 
Pick up a FREE Holiday Shopping Card for discounts & specials from our local businesses and
Buy Bethlehem before you head to the Black Friday sales! 


Holiday Shopping Cards will be available at the following locations:
  • Delmar Turkey Trot (11/25 Registration and 11/26 event)
  • Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce (weekdays)
  • Saturday Delmar Farmers Market (Sat, Dec 12)
  • Spotlight Newspapers (11/25 edition)
  • Community Locations (Library, Town Hall, Parks & Recreation)
  • Participating Businesses
           Visit our website for details*
*You must present a card to receive the discount
Offers valid 11/28/15-12/31/15
 
Shop our participating merchants for the perfect Holiday gifts!

  
16 Handles
AAA Hudson Valley
A. Phillips Hardware 
Amelia's Garden Fabric Boutique  
Ando Salon
Angela's Pizza and Pasta 
Ben's Jammin' Treasures Gift Boutique
Breathe Massage Therapy
Capital District Carpet Cleaning
Capital Water and Fire Restoration
Del Lanes 
Delmar Center for Therapeutic Massage
Delmar Health & Fitness
Delmar Health Hut
Deluxe Nail & Spa
Foundry Fitness
Free Movement Pilates
Glenmont Self Storage
Grassroot Givers
Gregory's Barber Shop
 
  
Hands of Grace Massage Therapy 
Interstate Vapor
Kinderhook Bank
Love It or Cut It - Salon, Spa & Barber
Mayone's Wine & Liquors
Merriman & Pfister's Marketplace
Micky's Embroidery & Teamwear
National Bank of Coxsackie
Poise Studios
Pure Serenity Salon & Day Spa
Radiance Hot Yoga
Sam's Italian American Restaurant
Sawyer's Screen Printing & Embroidery
Shampoodle
Steiners Sports Ski & Bike
Shawna's Dogs
T.A.C.S. Autobody & Service
The Paper Mill
Tomo Asian Bistro
TOP FORM Delmar 
 
    
Give the gift of Bethlehem this Holiday!


Shop Bethlehem Gift Card
 
Support our local businesses and keep money here in our community 

The Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce has spearheaded a successful Buy Local Campaign for the past five years through a presence at two seasonal Farmer's Markets (Saturday and Tuesday, June-December), Small Business Saturday Promotion (November), Restaurant Week Promotion (May), Holiday Card Promotion (November-December) and Welcome Packets for new residents and new employees. This Gift Card program will encourage business leaders, community members, residents, employees and students to support our local businesses/organizations, and keep money in our local community.

Buy Shop Bethlehem Gift Cards for Birthdays, Graduation, Teacher Gifts, Holidays and
Employee Incentives...and use at participating businesses around town

  
A. Phillips Hardware 
Akira   
Ando Salon
Backyard Sheds & Gazebos
Ben's Jammin' Treasures Gift Boutique
Bethlehem Tae Kwon Do
Bethlehem's Little Helper Service
Buenau's Opticians
Capital Upholstery
CapitalCare Family MedEsthetics
Capital District Carpet Cleaning
Cornell's Cat Boarding
Crossroads Ford
Del Lanes 
Delmar Bistro
Delmar Center for Therapeutic Massage
Dr. Jack Devore, OD
Four Corners Frame Shop
Four Corners Pharmacy
Free Movement Pilates
Glenmont Self Storage  
 
Hands of Grace Massage Therapy 
Interstate Vapor
John & Mary's Grocery@Delmar Marketplace 
Keep Moving with Stephanie
McCarroll's The Village Butcher
Merriman & Pfister's Marketplace
Poise Studios
Romo's Pizza
Safari Health
Sawyer's Screen Printing & Embroidery
School's Out, Inc.
Shampoodle
Shawna's Dogs
Shogun Sushi & Sake Bar
Steiner's Sports Ski & Bike
Swifty's Restaurant & Pub
T.A.C.S. Autobody & Service
The Cheese Traveler
Tomo Asian Bistro
TOP FORM Delmar 

Sponsored by   

first niagara bank

If you are a business interested in participating, see flyer for details and contact the Chamber at 518-439-0512
MEMBER NEWS & EVENTS

Giving Tuesday has passed, but Grassroot Givers is DOUBLING all monetary donations throughout the month of December.  Help us reach our $10,000 goal!  Warm winter clothes and book donations are also accepted at their facilities.

In honor of Giving Tuesday, Foundry Fitness Delmar is celebrating, thanking, and giving back to our local, unsung heroes who make this community a wonderful place to live, play and work! Email us by December 11 to NOMINATE someone who has made a positive impact on your life, or someone you notice in the community who gives selflessly of themselves, expecting nothing in return (teachers, nurses, coaches, mentors, etc.). Include the individual's name, email address, and one sentence describing why they deserve to be nominated. Each individual will receive a $20 Gift Card which can be used on all services, classes and programs. Help someone #TAKEFLIGHT this holiday season!

Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob's annual A Cappella Shabbat is December 11-12! Immerse yourself in music from the beginning of Shabbat until the very end. In addition to a special Chanukah Friday Night Dinner and Concert, come back on Shabbat morning and afternoon for more A Cappella programs. Limited seating for the Friday Dinner and Concert: $20/Adult, $12/Child, $65/Family. Register online. Fri: Services 4pm, Dinner 5pm. Shabbat Sat: A Cappella Shabbat Services 9am, Lunch & Learn 11am, Afternoon Classes & Programs 12:45pm, and Seuda Shlishit & Singing 3:45pm.

Berkshire Bank has launched its fourth annual "Season of Giving" campaign, which runs through the end of the holiday season. Bank employees will complete a variety of community service projects - Capital District employees have teamed up with the local chambers' of commerce and other agencies to collect toys for children in need. Berkshire Bank will also support the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York's Holiday Hunger Appeal and employees plan to complete service activities with the Salvation Army and other agencies as well. Berkshire Bank Foundation will contribute grants to local non-profit organizations serving those in need this holiday season.

Upcoming entertainment at Yanni's Too includes music by Mike Thomas Friday, December 11 at 6:30 PM and music by Bicycle Mary Friday, December 18 at 7pm.

Stop into Shannon's Barber Shop for your holiday haircut, and receive a free holiday gift!

Shop till you drop, and take advantage of the great holiday special at the Hampton Inn by Hilton Albany/University Area.  Rates starting at $135 per night, including $25 gift card to Crossgates Mall, FREE hot breakfast, FREE gift wrapping station, and FREE hot chocolate/cider bar.  See flyer for details. 
 
Saturday, December 12, visit Radiance Hot Yoga for their Bikram Yoga Workshop. Terry Cunningham, the most experienced Bikram teacher in the Capital District, will lead participants through an intensive Standing Series class. 1:00-3:45pm. Come to learn, sweat, breathe. Find your power and your peace through this amazing practice.

Get your DIY on with the Bethlehem Children's School for their Holiday Gift Making Workshop. Saturday, December 12 from 6-9pm. $30 per person - fee covers cost to make 4 gifts, plus snacks and beverages. View flyer for full details.

It's BOGO empanadas Saturday, December 12 at La Empanada Llama!  Open at 10am, there will be giveaways and Peruvian crafts available for sale.

Want to get out of the house with your pup and have some fun? Come to agility run-thrus at Shawna's Dogs, Saturday December 12, 9-11am. Take a break from shopping and run around with your pup, whether trying it for the first time or coming to work a full course. $20. Call or text 518.337.3954 to RSVP, or email.  We are also hosting Pictures with Santa and Hanukkah Pictures this year. Each date benefits a different charity - see facebook for the full list.  12/5, 12/6, 12/12, 12/13, and 12/19.

Come Paint an Ornament at Swifty's Restaurant & Pub with the Blue Moon promo team.  Wednesday, December 16 from 7-8pm. Stop by, paint an ornament to keep, and enjoy a tasty Blue Moon beer!

Gift certificates from Roux make wonderful holiday gifts! Bonus - spend $50 in gift certificates and get a free $10 gift certificate.

Now until December 18, Security Plumbing & Heating Supply is collecting donations for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York at every branch. Dry goods, shelf-stable foods and non-perishable items are greatly appreciated to help make this holiday season better for those in need in the Capital District.

Visit the Holiday Open House at the National Bank of Coxsackie on Saturday, December 19, from 9am-12pm. Get your FREE picture taken with Santa!  See flyer. 
 
Angela's Pizza and Pasta Restaurant is teaming up with Albany Medical Center to . raise funds for new equipment for neonatal children. Full details here. Also, the December sub of the month is Veal & Pepper with Smoked Mozzarella, served with sweet potato fries - only $7.95.  Let us cater your holiday party! We deliver catering orders throughout the Albany area, providing setup service at no extra charge. You can always expect fresh, Italian-style cuisines from your favorite family restaurant. Call today 518.427.7122 or view our catering menu.

Backyard Sheds & Gazebos' season is coming to a close, if your looking to get a shed this season, we have to move it! We are open by appointment only starting on Dec. 2nd. 518-767-2671. Thanks for a great year!

Glenmont Abbey Village is now open and residents are moving in!  This is a new 55+ active, independent apartment community off Glenmont Road. Several apartment sizes are offered, and all models include granite countertops, crown moulding, washer & dryer, porch or patio and the famous selection of SUN Program activities in the elegantly appointed Clubhouse. Please stop by for a tour: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Beat away the Monday blues with a bevvy and snack at Merriman & Pfister's while you browse the shop in search of the perfect gift. Every Monday, 12/7, 12/14, and 12/21 from 5-9pm.  Gift wrapping and layaway available.  Holiday Hours: Mon 12pm-7pm; Tues-Thurs 9am-7pm; Fri 9am-9pm; Sat 8am-7pm; Sun 8am-4pm.

Macro Nu will be at CrossFit Spur today, December 9th, from 4:15-6:15pm to inform members what they have to offer as well as hand out some tasty samples!

Elsmere Fire District will host a Fundraiser on Friday, December 11, 9pm-12midnight at Del Lanes for Paul Spagnola and Family.  The event is $25 and features the Playing with Fire Band. See flyer for details.

Host your holiday party at 16 Handles! Book our private room FREE of charge by emailing. Perfect for office gatherings! 

When you are shopping local this holiday, come visit the newly renovated The Paper Mill in Delaware Plaza!  Staring Friday November 26 Holiday Hours are as follows: M-F 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm.

Give the gift of Sport this Season with Group tickets to the Albany Devils. Plan a group outing of 10 or more to a local game and receive a discounted ticket rate, scoreboard recognition and more. Great for families, employee incentives, birthdays or any occaision. Contact Robert Soto by email or 433-8457.         

A. Phillips Hardware is raffling off one Gorilla Glue Toolbox a week now thru December 21.  Visit the Delmar store to enter.  In addition, two Gorilla Glue Toolboxes will be raffled via Facebook. Many great stocking stuffers are also available in store - Moon Ray Solar Lights, Handwarmers, True Utility Pocket Tools, Old Fashion Soda Shop Sodas, Winder Spinners, and much more!

From now until December 25, Love It or Cut It is collecting non-perishable food items.  Please help those in need.  Items will be donated to local churches and families.

Now through December 12 at Price Chopper help feed a family in need in your community! Round up your change or donate a food package at checkout. All donations benefit your local food bank!  Every location is participating, we have a Glenmont store and a Slingerlands store in our community.
 
 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

The Athens Cultural Center will be holding their annual Victorian Stroll event on December 12. Festivities start at 1pm at the Athens Cultural Center (24 Second Street), and end with caroling, a tree lighting, and holiday bonfire in the Riverfront Park at 5pm. Local talent as well as professionals will be performing, local historical decorated homes will be open to the public and the popular horse-drawn trolley twill take folks to the Riverfront Park, the Athens Cultural Center, the Athens Firehouse, the American Legion Hall, Rivertown Senior Center, and the Athens Municipal Building. National Bank of Coxsackie has been a strong supporter of this event for years, annually donating to help fund the prizes for all the contests to be held (along with other costs associated with the stroll), and also opening their doors afterhours to hold one of the contests in their local branch located on Route 385.

For only the fifth time in Bethlehem Pop Warner's (BPW) 51 year history, one of our Cheerleading Squads is headed to the Pop Warner National Cheer Championships! Our Junior PeeWee cheer team took 1st Place at the Eastern Region competition and has earned a spot at the 2015 National Cham- pionships to be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, FL the week of December 6th.  We are reaching out to businesses in our community to support these girls. Please consider sponsoring, making a monetary donation or donating something for our spaghetti dinner and silent auction, which will be held on December 2nd at the American Legion in Delmar. See Letter and Donation Form for details.  

The Bethlehem Lions Club is again selling Christmas Trees and Wreaths for the 29th year. The tree lot is located at 3D Rigging, 542 Route 9W Glenmont-1/2 mile south of Feura Bush Road. Sale times are weekends from 9-5 starting 11/28, and continue until sold out. All trees are 6-8ft Nova Scotia Balsams, and the wreaths are 14in diameter, Double Sided. All proceeds from the Christmas tree sale are used to support local community activities. For a complete list of organizations supported visit the website. 

On Thursdays between 10 AM and 2 PM, the Town of Bethlehem will be accepting
donations for Habitat ReStore in the Capital District of slightly used furnishings, working appliances, cabinets, and other building materials at the Town of Bethlehem Transfer Station, 136 Rupert Rd, Selkirk, NY. See the Flyer for details. 
       
The Delmar Farmers Market is open Saturdays, 9am-1pm through December. Visit over 50 vendors for farm fresh produce, crafts and food stands. At the Bethlehem Middle School, 332 Kenwood Avenue every Saturday through December.  
  
16 Handles
Stage 16 Concert Series - Join us for live music every Friday from 7:00-9:00 pm as we feature local talent in our Stage 16 concert series! Follow us on Instagram @16handlesglenmont for announcements and line-ups.  
    
Add an event to our Community Calender here and click Submit an Event, it's free!  
NEW MEMBERS   

Safe Home
Delmar, NY 12054
(518) 316-1150

316 Delaware Ave, Ste 24
Delmar, NY 12054
(518) 584-9990

  205 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, NY  12054
518-439-4943 ext. 280 
  
Denise Mason
316 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054 
518-475-9999 
 
365 Feura Bush Road
Glenmont, NY  12077
(518) 449-5871 
  
155 Delaware Ave
Delmar, NY 12054
(518) 915-1907  


KUDOS TO

Usherwood Office Technology
 
on being named an
Elite Dealer of 2015
by ENX Magazine

View the full article here.
 
AROUND THE REGION... 
 

Looking to assist local non-profits in need this Holiday season?  The Giving Map is a web-based map which identifies over 600 locations within the Capital District where you can make charitable donations and/or volunteer your personal time to help others. Use the map to locate a charitable organization and then click its marker to display information about the site, including address, types of donations accepted, and hours of operation. Visit the website.


It's time for the Annual Best of the Capital Region survey! Every year we look forward to honoring those businesses in the area that are doing an outstanding job. Vote for our BETHLEHEM Businesses!  When voting, please keep your answers local (unless otherwise noted). Online voting will run from Nov 23 - Dec 28, 2015. Results will be published in the March & May issue. Click to vote.


Fuzehub
presents, Evolution of Fashion Manufacturing in the Hudson Valley, Past, Present, Future on December 11, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm in the Great Room of Kaplan Hall at SUNY Orange. This event will bring together local apparel designers and manufacturers to increase industry connections, provide business to business networking and connection opportunities, and educate attendees on current and future trends in the industry.  Fashion design and manufacturing was historically a thriving industry in the Hudson Valley, with tremendous contributions to the growth of the region's economy and culture.  With recent trends favoring locally-produced goods and smaller business, there is great opportunity to support the reemergence of this industry in the Hudson Valley. Visit the website for details and to register.

National Grid is once again warning customers to beware of a reported utility billing scam. As has been the case several times in the past few years, National Grid's Customer Contact Center has received calls from residential and business customers saying they were contacted by phone by individuals who claim to be from National Grid and who advise the customers they have a past due balance on their utility bill. The scammers warn that service will be shut off immediately unless the customer purchases a prepaid debit card in a specific amount and provides the caller with the card's account number. Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in replicating National Grid's recorded messaging and directions for phone prompts making it more difficult to differentiate an actual National Grid call from an imposter's call.  National Grid does contact customers with past due balances by phone to offer payment options, but never demands direct payment through the use of a pre-paid debit card and never accepts payment through these cards.  Customers who believe they have fallen victim to the scam should contact National Grid and local law enforcement officials immediately.   


BETHLEHEM BUSINESS MAP

View the online version of the Bethlehem Business map here.

WEBSITE of the WEEK


Don't FORGET you can now join or renew your dues online.

 
OFFICE SPACE

Looking for work space? 
Visit our
Marketspace page frequently to see
available office space.

 

   

HELP WANTED

 

Looking for work? 
Visit our
Job Postings page frequently to see current openings.

 

 



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