The recent snowstorm dumped between 12 and 22 inches in Town, with final amounts varying based on elevation and isolated intense squalls.  Highway crews made five snowplowing runs during the storm on most streets.  I received dozens of compliments for this fine effort.  The snow also allowed for the return of groomed cross-country ski trails at the golf course, and winter recreational opportunities in Town parks and open space.  More details about happenings in the Town are shared below.   

Town News & Announcements

I will present the 2026 State of the Town address on Tuesday, February 10 at 11am at Town Hall.  The address will provide an overview of the Town’s progress and challenges in 2025, and planned initiatives and announcements for 2026.   The presentation will be recorded and posted on the Town’s website.  

Yesterday, Town Tax Assessor Heather Weinhold provided a very useful seminar during the Seniors Connect! meeting at the Guilderland Public Library.  The seminar covered property exemptions, such as Star, Enhanced Star, Veterans, Senior Citizen, Disability, Solar, Agriculture, and Volunteer Firefighter.   If you missed the seminar, the PowerPoint presentation will be posted to the Assessor’s webpage tomorrow.  

Tax Assessor Weinhold also reminds property owners of important tax exemption information such as if you are a Senior Citizen (65 years of age or older by December 31, 2026), a person with a Physical Disability (Receiving Social Security Disability Award and other qualifying disabilities), or a Veteran, you may be entitled to a partial exemption on your property taxes.  The qualifying income limits for senior exemptions are $110,750 in 2024 income for the Enhanced Star Exemption and $58,400 in 2024 income for the Senior Exemption.  Eligible homeowners have until March 1, 2026 to apply for these exemptions.  If you have questions, please to do not hesitate to call (518) 356-1980) or stop by the Assessor’s office. 

For those who enjoy the outdoor winter activities, our recent snow and cold weather have restored conditions to near perfection. The cross-country ski trails at Western Turnpike Golf Course have been groomed.   The Town also has winter trails available for skiing or snowshoeing in the Vosburgh Open Space, Tawasentha Park, and at the Community Gardens.  The Winter Recreation Area has been very popular for sledding activity.  If you need skis or snow shoes, they are available for rent at the Parks & Recreation Office on weekdays between 8am and 3:30pm.  

Parks & Rec has opened registration for the upcoming February school break that starts on President’s day, February 16.  There are several opportunities to explore new activities, learn new skills, and have fun.  February Break Bonanza is a camp for children in grades 1 to 6, and features warm-up tag games followed by activities like Jailbreak, Pins Down, Survivor, Seven-Base Kickball, Indoor Soccer, Basketball, and more.  It takes place from Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 11am at Guilderland Elementary.  Amazing Athletes is for children in PreK to 5^th grade, and is a developmental sports and fitness program for 10 different sports including Baseball, Basketball, Football, Golf, Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field and Volleyball.  It takes place from Tuesday to Friday from 9am to Noon at Westmere Elementary.  Soccer Fun Camp is for children in grades1to 5, and will be led by Varsity Assistant Soccer Coach Joe Sorriento in teaching skill-building drills and small scrimmages focusing on dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork. It takes place from 9am to 11am at Lynnwood Elementary.

The Hedge Bistro is the winter home for the Guilderland Farmers Market which takes place on Saturdays from 11am to 3pm.   Local vendors offer crafts, foods, arts & crafts,  and a special winter tulip market.  

Your opportunity to reserve pavilions, cabanas, and picnic areas at Tawasentha Park for the 2026 season has opened  To reserve a facility, residents must complete and submit the Request for Use of Facilities Form/ Know the Rules and provide full payment (credit card, check, or cash) to the Parks & Rec. Department. An Alcoholic Beverage, Beer & Wine Permit can be obtained for an additional fee. 

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 Senior Services Department’s monthly newsletter has information about classes and seminars, upcoming trips, heating assistance program, medical and shopping transportation, a visiting author, fall crafts, legal aid, monthly meal calendar, games, and much more.  

The Town is also accepting letters of interest and resumes from candidates interested in applying for positions for Police Officer, Telecommunicator/911 Dispatcher, and Laborer positions in the Highway, Parks and Water Departments. 

Upcoming Meetings at Town Hall

The following is a list of dates and times for currently scheduled meetings of boards and committees at Town Hall over the next 30 days.  Please check the Town’s calendars for the latest news about public meetings and community events, possible changes in agendas and cancellations, and the latest contents of agenda packets.  Unless stated otherwise, each of the listed meetings start at 7pm, and are livestreamed on the Town website, and broadcasted on Verizon channel 34, and Spectrum channel 1303. Within days of a broadcasted meeting, an indexed recording, with links to each listed agenda item, is also posted online.

Town Board

Tuesday, February 3

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wednesday, February 4

Conservation Advisory Committee

Monday, February 9

Planning Board

Wednesday, February 11

American Revolution 250^th Anniversary Committee

Thursday, February 18 at 3pm (neither taped nor broadcasted)

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wednesday, February 18

Tree Preservation Committee

Thursday, February 19 at 2pm (neither taped nor broadcasted)

Industrial Development Agency

Tuesday, February 24

Planning Board

        Wednesday, February 25

Community Events & Resources

On Sunday, February 1 from Noon to 4pm, the Westmere Fire Department is hosting a Soup, Chowder & Chili Cook Off at the fire house located at 1741 Western Avenue.  It is fun showdown featuring non-profits, spicy samples, creamy classics, and will also include a wide range of vendors including food, baked goods, distilleries, wineries, travel, beauty, and much more.  

The Guilderland Public Library has launched Expedition Book Club, a year-long reading adventure for adults to explore new book clubs, connect with fellow readers, and expand their literary horizons. The program invites participants to embark on a reading journey by attending all eight of the library’s regular book clubs, ranging from mystery and horror to romance and fantasy.  You can register for the expedition at the Library’s Information Desk. 

On Tuesday, February 24 at 2pm, the Library is hosting Smithson’s Gamble: The Incredible History Behind the World’s Largest Museum, a virtual one-hour talk by Smithsonian’s Tom D. Crouch about his book Smithson’s Gamble, how the Smithsonian grew and expanded to become the world's largest museum and research complex during its first 60 years. On Thursday, February 29 from 6:15pm to 7:30pm, the Library will host 1775-1776... the Political War in Albany and Tryon Counties, a discussion about the local politics of the Revolution that divided families and friendships and evolved into a bitter civil between Patriots, Loyalists, and their Native American allies. 

Community Caregivers is looking for volunteer drivers who can transport seniors for medical and other essential trips, and help keep our neighbors in their homes.  If you are interested or have questions, please contact Community Caregivers at info@communitycaregivers.org or by calling (518) 456-2898. 

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve’s winter calendar includes, on Wednesday, February 4 at 7pm, the Preserve is offering volunteer online training for the Great Backyard Bird Count.  The virtual session will explain how to identify local species, use eBird to share your sightings, and get involved in the 2026 Great Backyard Bird Count.

On Friday, February 13 from 4pm to 7:30pm, the Preserve is hosting a Night at the Discovery Center, a special event with live local wildlife programs, re-enactors that bring historic exhibits alive, take home activity kit, and explore the exhibit The Nature of Texture.  This free special event will be held rain or shine and is a drop-in event. You're welcome to stop by anytime between 4pm and 7:30pm, with activities on-going throughout the evening. 

On Saturday, February 21 from 10am to 12:30pm, the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy is sponsoring Winter Wildlife Tracking at the Upper Bozen Kill Preserve at the end of Bond Road in Guilderland.  Dan Yacobellis, a certified track & sign facilitator, will share his decades of experience in winter tracking during a hike in the new preserve.  

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter.  

Peter G. Barber

Town Supervisor