Our beautiful fall weather is forecasted to continue through this weekend.   The daylight is getting shorter, and cooler morning temperatures perfect conditions for enjoying Town parks and open space, and extensive hiking trails.  The first day of the Highway Department’s vacuuming of leaf piles starts next week.  More details are shared below.  

Town News & Announcements

At its Tuesday, October 1 meeting, the Town Board held a public hearing on the draft Town of Guilderland ADA Transition Plan.  While the public hearing was closed, you can provide comments online through October.  The final ADA will likely be adopted by the Town Board at its November 7 public meeting.  The draft ADA plan is also available for review at Town Hall and Guilderland Public Library.  The draft is the result of an 18-month review, inspection, rating, and action plan for Town-maintained sidewalks, with the help of a consultant.  

Next Thursday, October 10 at 7pm, the Comprehensive Plan Update Committee will consider comments offered at its September 10^th public hearing, and written comments submitted thereafter.  The CPUC may adopt the final Comprehensive Plan Update at that meeting.  

On Saturday, October 12 from 8am to 2pm, the Town is hosting the 2024 Fall Household Hazardous Waste Day at the Highway garage.  No pre-registration or event passes are required; just bring proof of Town residency, like a driver’s license or tax bill, or have a blue-colored sticker for Town parks and Transfer Station.  Please review the information sheet on what are acceptable and non-acceptable materials.  You can help the Town reduce the event’s cost by not discarding latex paint cans. The State’s paint care law allows you to bring paint cans to local vendors for proper disposal.  

The Highway Department’s vacuuming of leaf piles placed at the end of the lawn and not on the paved surface starts next Tuesday, October 10.  The online calendar lists the two days for vacuuming each street.  Please remember that the schedule allows for vacuuming streets before the scheduled date.  If that occurs, please don’t worry or call the Highway Department.  The Highway crew will return on the scheduled dates.  

We are proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Hometown Heroes Banner Program which recognizes active duty and veteran service members, both living and deceased, for their bravery, courage, and sacrifice.  Each banner honors a current or former Guilderland serviceperson by name, branch of service, and photo.  The banners will be displayed at Tawasentha Park at a special event held at GPAC.  In late fall, the banners are made available to sponsors.  Banners may be sponsored by individuals, families, businesses or organizations at a cost of $150 per banner.  The deadline for applications is February 28, 2025.  If you have any questions regarding banners, please call the Parks & Rec Office at (518) 456-3150.

The Town’s Senior Services Department September newsletter has information about classes and seminars, medical and shopping transportation, legal aide, community meals, and much more.   

The Town is accepting letters of interest and resumes from candidates for Automotive Mechanic I, Deputy Receiver of Taxes, Police Officer, Telecommunicator/911 Dispatcher, and Laborer positions in the Highway, Parks and Water Departments.

Please note that Town facilities will be closed on Monday, October 14 for the Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day.  The Town’s Transfer Station will also be closed on Tuesday, October 15.

Community Events & Resources

On Thursday, October 17 from 1:15pm to 3pm, the Guilderland Historical Society is holding its annual meeting at Guilderland Public Library, and will include a talk at 2pm by John Haluska about the rich history of the Great Western Turnpike.  

On Saturday, October 12 from 3pm to 5pm, the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy is holding a Sip & Stroll at the Bender Melon Farm Preserve, with complimentary wine provided by Capital Wine & Spirits. Judy Stacey, former City Gardener for the City of Albany, and Tom Pfeiffer, former Forester for City of Albany, will lead the hike.  More information, including a required signed waiver, is available here.  

On Saturday, December 21, from 1pm to 3:30pm, MHLC is celebrating the winter solstice with grand opening celebration of the 225-acre addition to the Bozen Kill Preserve.  There will be a hot beverage to warm up before heading out for a guided tour of the new trails.

On this upcoming Saturday October 5 from 10am to 2pm, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve is hosting its annual Smokey Bear Day at the Discovery Center located at 195 New Karner Road.   It is an opportunity to learn more about why proper fire management is an important natural component in protecting the Preserve’s ecosystem.  Among the benefits is the thinning of the forest canopy to allow sunlight to reach native plant species that are overtaken by those that like shade.  Other beneficial effects include reducing fuel buildup and preventing catastrophic losses of uncontrolled wildfires. Smokey Bear and a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Ranger will make appearances throughout the day, and Albany Pine Bush Preserve Fire Management and Education staff will be on hand.  

A reminder that the Federal government has revived its program which allows residents to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests for free delivery by the Post Office.   The FDA is reminding residents to check this website to see if the expiration date for your at-home COVID-19 test has been extended.   The CDC reports that the summer surge in COVID-19 continues to recede, with no state having growing or likely growing rates, 41 states with declining or likely declining rates, and 7 states with stable or uncertain rates. 

The State’s weekly fall foliage report and map is now showing that leaves is at peak conditions in the high peaks of the Adirondacks and the Catskills.  In Albany County, the report finds that there has been a 35-40% change around the Cohoes Falls in Cohoes, and 35% at Thacher Park.  

I hope that you have an enjoyable and relaxing weekend.

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter.  

Peter G. Barber

Town Supervisor