Town News & Announcements
The Town’s Tree Lighting celebration on Saturday was a huge success, with the likely the largest attendance of over 1,000 persons at the Western Turnpike Golf Course. The evening started with holiday parade of over 20 creatively decorated fire, EMS, police vehicles, and highway trucks and indoor and outdoor holiday music performed by members of the Farnsworth Middle School band. There was also free hot chocolate, cider and holiday cookies provided by the Hedge Bistro, and the Guilderland Farmers Market has an indoor holiday market with local vendors offering crafts, foods, and holiday gifts. The evening culminated with the simultaneous lighting of 16 trees beautifully decorated by residents and local businesses, and the featured Town tree. Planning is already started for next year’s event, with some improvements to serve the large attendance.
Over the weekend, the Winter Whites & Lights” show also took place at the historic Mynderse-Frederick House. Members of the Guilderland Garden Club and the Guilderland Historical Society beautifully decorated the newly painted historic home with fresh handmade wreaths, ornaments, decorations and greens, and had live holiday music. There were also opportunities to learn more about the occupants and use of home that was constructed in 1802. I thank the members for their loving care of this historic treasure.
Parks & Rec’s groomed cross-country ski trails at the Western Turnpike Golf Course are still open. The snow over the past 24 hours and cold temperatures should improve conditions. When there is sufficient snow, there are other winter trails at the golf course, Town parks, Vosburgh Open Space, and Community Gardens. If you need skis or snow shoes, they are available for rent at the Parks & Rec.’s Office on weekdays between 8am and 3:30pm. While the golf season is over, there is time before the end of the year to purchase 2026 memberships at 2025 fees. Please call the Pro Shop at (518) 456-0786 if you have any questions.
I thank the Highway Department, which just wrapped up its last scheduled vacuuming of leaf piles. Highway Department crews are not picking up leaf piles with backhoes. If weather cooperates and leaf piles are not covered in snow, one Highway truck will resume vacuuming remaining leaf piles. Please remember that Highway trucks circulate year-round picking up leaf bags and tied brush. Please also remember that, except when allowed on posted street signs, that overnight parking is not permitted on Town roads until after April 1.
Parks & Rec.’s popular Evergreen Holiday Centerpiece Workshop takes place from 1pm to 4:30pm next Wednesday, December 17 at the Parks & Rec. Office at 181 State Route 46, opposite the Tawasentha Park’s entrance. It is a fun opportunity to create your own holiday centerpiece decorated with mixed greens, pinecones, berries and whatever else you desire. Please bring heavy-duty clippers, gloves and any ornaments you want to include. Greens, pinecones, berries and candles will be provided. The event registration deadline is this Sunday, December 14. Please contact the Parks & Rec. Office at (518) 456-3150.
Parks & Rec. has opened registration for its Winter Break Bonanza, a fun camp for children in grades 1 to 6 of tag games and activities like Jailbreak, Pins Down, Survivor, Seven-Base Kickball, Indoor Soccer, Basketball, and much more. It takes place from Friday, December 26 through Wednesday, December 31 from 9am to 11am at Guilderland Elementary School.
There are still a few openings for Saturday Morning Basketball for children in grades 3 to 5 at Farnsworth Middle School. This activity is full for children in grades 1 and 2. The program focuses on basketball fundamentals, with an emphasis on fun, teamwork, and sportsmanship, and uses a league format, with games taking place every Saturday morning. The program limits participants to maintain an optimal player-to-coach ratio and ensure quality instruction. The camp takes place from 9:30am to 11am on Saturdays through February 7, with no camp during the school break on December 27 or January 3.
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. On Wednesdays from 11am to 1 pm, the Guilderland Public Library is the home for Seniors Connect!, where seniors can have a friendly chat on a wide-range of interesting topics.
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.
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