On Friday, March 14 from Noon to 5pm, the American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at Town Hall.    There is currently an emergency shortage of platelets and type O blood.  You can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800- RED-CROSS or online and entering “guilderlandtown” in the search box.

Parks & Rec has opened registration for its popular spring school break program.  April Break Fun And Games will take place from Monday, April 14 through Thursday, April 17 from 9am to 11m each day at Guilderland Elementary School.  The program is for students in grades 1 to 6 who reside in Town or are students in the Guilderland Central School District.  The day will start with warm-up tag games followed by games such as Jailbreak, Pins Down, Survivor, Seven-Base Kickball, Indoor Soccer, Basketball and more.    

Parks & Rec has also started registration for Pickleball for Beginners which will take place from Monday, June 2 to Friday, June 6 from 9am to 11am at Tawasentha Park, when you can improve your Pickleball game from beginner to an advanced beginner/intermediate player, and learn the basic skills and rules of the sport.  Paddles, if needed, and balls will be provided.  

Please remember that, if your home has a septic system or cesspool that adversely impacts certain designated waterbodies, you may be eligible for reimbursement for replacement costs under the Septic System Replacement Fund Program.  I know several homeowners have taken advantage of this program to upgrade their septic systems. The program reimburses eligible property owners with grants for up to 50% of the costs (up to $10,000) of their eligible septic system projects. Grants are awarded only to those septic system projects that will significantly and quantifiably reduce environmental and/or public health impacts from cesspools or septic systems.   You can check your property’s eligibility by entering your property’s address.  This rare opportunity is a collaboration between the State, County, and Town, and property owners to address a pressing environmental and public health issue. 

With spring arriving, you might want to consider reserving a pavilion at Tawasentha Park for family outings and local business events.  Walk-in reservations (with payment) have priority over phone, faxed or emailed reservation requests (with payment).  To request booking a pavilion, please submit a completed Request for Use of Facilities/Know the Rules and required payment (credit card, check or cash) to the Town of Guilderland. You can drop off the required forms or mail them to Guilderland Parks & Recreation Department at 181 State Route 146, Altamont, NY 12009, or faxed to 518-456-3156. You can view the availability calendar for Tawasentha Park Pavilion Rentals.

The Town’s Senior Services Department’s March newsletter has information about classes and seminars, tax preparation assistance, trips, medical and shopping transportation, next month’s book discussion, legal aide, monthly meal calendar, games, and much more.  On Wednesdays from 11am to 12:30pm, the Guilderland Public Library is the home for Senior Connects!, where seniors can have a friendly chat on a wide-range of interesting topics.  The prior topics included home downsizing, senior resources, hobbies, books, movies, favorite day trips, and local events.  No registration is required.