This past Sunday’s “Spirit Walk” at the Guilderland Center Cemetery on Osborne Road had 60 to 75 participants over the two-hour event.   It was sponsored by the Town’s American Revolution 250^th Anniversary Committee, with costumed members of the Cemetery Subcommittee talking about noted persons buried in the historic Town-owned cemetery.  

As previously announced, the Water Dept.’s replacement of over 9,500 water meters has started.  With new meters, the Water Dept. will receive early notice of leaks or abnormal uses of water.  When received, please take the time to schedule an appointment time.  The appointment should take about 30 minutes, with a brief break in water service.   Please call the Water Dept. if you have any questions at (518) 456-6474. 

The Parks & Rec. Dept.’s 2026 Hometown Heroes Banner Program 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 March 27, 2026.  If you have any questions regarding banners, please call the Parks & Rec Office at (518) 456-3150.

The Parks & Rec. Dept. has opened registration for its Saturday Morning Basketball for children in grades 1 to 5 at Farnsworth Middle School.  The program emphasizes basketball fundamentals, with an emphasis on fun, teamwork, and sportsmanship.  The program will use a league format, with games taking place every Saturday morning. The program has a limited number of spots available to maintain an optimal player-to-coach ratio and ensure quality instruction. The camp takes place on Saturdays from December 6 to February 7, with no camp during the school break on December 27 or January 3.  Camps for Grades 1 and 2 are from 8:30am to 9:30am, and grades 3, 4, and 5 from 9:30am to 11am.

On Thursday, October 16, the Guilderland Historical Society’s monthly meeting takes place at the Guilderland Public Library.  It will start with a half-hour business meeting at 1pm, followed by a presentation by noted local historian Don Rittner on "Inventors from Albany."  Mr. Rittner is a prolific author of history books on the Albany area, and is co-chair of the Town’s American Revolution 250^th Anniversary Committee.   

On Saturday, October 18 from 8am to 2pm, Household Hazardous Waste Day will take place in the Highway garage located at 6338 French’s Mill Road in Guilderland Center.  Because the Town’s pays part of the cost, the event is open to Town residents only.  No pre-registration is required.   Please have the current Parks/Transfer Station vehicle sticker or proof of Town residency (tax bill, driver’s license).  Please carefully review the lists of acceptable and non-acceptable items.   Do not arrive before 8am, and when you reach the drop-off location, staff will remove the materials from your vehicle.   

On Friday, November 7 from Noon to 5pm, the American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at Town Hall.  It is easy to schedule a donation appointment online by entering the code “guilderlandtown” or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.  

I was very pleased to have supported a grant opportunity sponsored by Assemblymember Gabriella Romero for Community Caregivers.   The $10,000 grant for operating expenses will immensely help this vital organization in its mission.  I thank Deputy Supervisor Christine Napierski for joining me at this morning’s celebratory event.  

The Guilderland YMCA is looking for volunteers to help with its Halloween Bash to be held on Saturday, October 25 from 2pm to 4pm.  Volunteer opportunities include goodie bag filling, set-up, event set-up, event assistance, activity stations, treat distribution, and clean-up.  You can dress up in your favorite costume.  

The Guilderland Public Library’s fall calendar is full of opportunities, including Read or Treat event on Saturday, October 25 from 4pm to 6pm.   For this family event, you can dress up in your favorite costume and trick-or-treat through the Library’s decorated halls at themed tables filled with goodies.   The Library will close early at 2pm to prepare for this special event.

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve’s fall calendar includes Drop-in Bird Banding Observation on Tuesday, October 21 from 7am to Noon.  You can see wild birds up close and personal as Preserve scientists carefully fit them with uniquely coded leg-bands, before releasing them back to the wild. The bands are provided by the US Geological Society Bird Banding Lab to licensed banders so scientists can identify individuals, and also study how long birds live, where they breed, and when and where they migrate.  

The Preserve asks us to share news that it is looking for a full-time Preserve Steward with Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission.  

On Monday, October 20 from 5pm to 7pm at the Chalet Pavilion in Tawasentha Park, Assemblymember Gabriella Romero is hosting a Fall Frolic, an opportunity to meet and engage with local representatives in a relaxed, community-oriented setting.  There will be refreshments and lawn games.

The State’s weekly fall foliage report and map is now showing that leaves are at peak conditions in the high peaks of the Adirondacks and the Catskills.  In Albany County, the report finds that there has been 50-55% change in Thacher State Park with mostly muted yellow and orange leaves, plus some reds and browns, and significant droppage, and 45-50% change at Cohoes Falls in Cohoes with mostly muted maroon leaves.   

Town Hall will be closed on Monday, October 13 for Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day.    

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter.  

Peter G. Barber

Town Supervisor