It appears that our area will just miss the rain deluge but we still likely receive a heavy rainfall over the next two days.  The weather should mostly clear for a sunny weekend, and in time for pleasant weather at next week’s Altamont Fair.  There are also multiple ongoing and scheduled paving and road improvements projects.  More details are shared below.  

Town News & Announcements

Despite the looming threat of rain, Tuesday’s National Night Out at Tawasentha Park was mostly rain-free and well-attended.  I received dozens of compliments for the expanded activities and food options.  I thank the Town Police Department for sponsoring the premier community event which allowed families to meet police officers, fire department members, EMS personnel, and local community organizations.   

The Altamont Fair returns next week from Tuesday, August 13 to Sunday, August 18, with the opportunity to purchase tickets online for carnival rides at a discount, and a schedule of shows, performances, and things to do.  On Wednesday, August 14, the Fair has free admission for seniors and military members.  

The Guilderland Performing Arts Center’s 2024 season continues tonight at 7:30pm with a performance by the Big Sky Country, a modern cowboy band.  With the threat of rain, please check the Town’s website on whether the event has been moved to Western Turnpike Golf Course’s large pavilion.   The food truck tonight is Big D's Meats BBQ. 

The Comprehensive Plan Update Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 10 at 7pm on the 185-page draft plan update.  The CPUC will then meet on Thursday, October 10 at 7pm to consider the public comments and possible revisions to the draft plan.   

A reminder that the new pickleball courts at Nott Road Park are now open for use.  A temporary fence was installed this week, and the posting of rules will soon follow.  If you have any questions about the courts, or want to daily rent pickleball equipment, please stop by the Parks & Rec’s office or call at (518)-456-3150

Parks & Rec.’s 2024 Summer Camp ends tomorrow.  For the most part, the weather has cooperated this summer, except maybe for tomorrow, and another attendance record was set.  I thank Parks & Rec staff who will start planning for each season soon after the prior season ends.  The nearly yearlong planning starts with renewing contracts for instructors for over 100 classes, activities, and games, and arranging for lifeguards, counselors, and bus drivers.   

Tawasentha Park pool’s swimming hours are weekdays from Noon to 7pm, and weekends from 11:30am to 7pm.   Adult Lap swim is available on Monday through Thursday from 11am to Noon and on weekends from 10am to 11:30am.

If weather allows, the Town Highway Department plans to pave Fuller Station Rd from Carmen Rd to West Old State Rd from Monday, August 19 to Friday, August 23, and then Ostrander Road the following week.   Other planned paving includes Upper Hillcrest Ave., Wood St., Gaskill Ave., King St., Arcadia Ave., and Brookwood Ave. in McKownville, and Pinewood Dr., Birchwood Dr., and Parkwood Dr. in the neighborhood near Town Hall.  

Community Events & Resources

The Guilderland Public Library’s monthly events calendar has interesting activities for all ages, including next Tuesday, August 13 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, when local historian and author Bruce Dearstyne will offer a talk on Adventures in NY History, an exploration of the history of New York.  On Thursday, August 15 from 2pm to 3:15pm, the Library is holding a virtual seminar entitled The Golden Ticket to College Admissions Is Not What You Think: Redefining Success for Parents of Teens, when a former Stanford University admissions officer will share insights on the application process.  On Saturday, September 7, from 9:30am to 2pm, the Library is hosting a Crafts Fair.  If you are interested in participating as a vendor, the Library has shared an application.  

State DOT is now paving Route 20 (Western Avenue) from State Route 155 to State Route 146.  Weather permitting, the project is scheduled for competition in mid-September. The project also includes reconstructing sidewalk ramps to comply with ADA standards.  There will be weekday single lane closures on eastbound Route 20 from 10am to 6pm and westbound from 6am to 2pm.  There may also be single lane closures on weekdays from 7pm to 7am.  The County of Albany is now paving Depot Road from Voorheesville to Route 146 in Guilderland Center.  This project is expected to take approximately three weeks, weather dependent.

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve’s upcoming summer calendar includes Turtle Time, tomorrow at 2pm; Pitch Pine-the Pine Bush’s Spectacular Tree! on Monday, August 12 at 11am; and Learn 10 … Grasses in the Albany Pine Bush on Wednesday, August 14 at 9am.  

Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy’s summer events calendar includes this Sunday, August 11 from 10am to 1pm, Wild Edible & Medicinal Plants with Ondatra Adventures, when Dave Muska of Ondatra Adventures will explain the edible and medicinal plants that inhabit the Bozen Kill Preserve.  On Sunday, September 8, from 7:30pm to 9pm, MHLC is sponsoring Owl Prowl at the Bozen Kill Preserve when hike guide and nature educator George Steele will explore the preserve at dusk and learn all about owls and other birds that make their homes there.

A reminder that NYS Parks’ Get Offline, Get Outside program which offers free pool or beach access at State parks this summer is continuing.  You can find a state pool or beach near you on State Parks’ swimming interactive map of freshwater lakes, salty ocean waters, Olympic-sized swimming pools, and other aquatic offerings.   

The CDC notes that the summer surge in COVID-19 is continuing, with rates growing or likely growing in 35 states, including New York State.  We are experiencing the impact here, with several employees out with COVID.  I probably know more people who recently have had COVID than at any time during the pandemic.  The CDC has not yet approved or authorized the updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024-2025 season. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter.  

Peter G. Barber

Town Supervisor