February 26, 2026

We just missed a record blizzard that dumped three feet of snow along the coast. There is more than enough snow on the ground to keep open the Town’s groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails at the Western Turnpike Golf Course and winter recreational opportunities in Town parks and Vosburgh Open Space. Please remember that if you need Nordic skis or snow shoes, they are available for rent at the Parks & Recreation Office on weekdays between 8am and 3:30pm. More details about happenings in the Town are shared below.

Parks & Rec 2026

Town News & Announcements

A reminder that Parks & Rec is accepting applications for seasonal employment, including camp counselors, seasonal laborers, lifeguards, lifeguard manager and pool booth attendant. Here is a link to the webpage for Parks & Rec’s employment opportunities.

On Friday, March 13 from Noon to 5pm, the American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at Town Hall. It is easy to schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS

or online and entering the code “guilderlandtown”. A successful donation will receive a $15 Amazon gift card by email.

Please remember that you have until March 1, 2026 to apply for property tax exemptions including 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. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call (518) 356-1980 or stop by the Assessor’s office. You can learn more about the wide-ranging property exemptions in the PowerPoint presentation made by the Town Assessor at the Guilderland Library.

A reminder that you can now reserve pavilions, cabanas, and picnic areas at Tawasentha Park for the 2026 season. You make a reservation by completing and submitting 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 deadline for applications for the Parks & Rec. Dept.’s 2026 Hometown Heroes Banner Program is March 27. It is an opportunity to recognize 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 on Friday, June 12. 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. 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, March 3

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wednesday, March 4

Conservation Advisory Council

Monday, March 9

Traffic Safety Council

Tuesday, March 10

Planning Board

Wednesday, March 11

Town Board

Tuesday, March 17

American Revolution 250th Anniversary Committee

Wednesday, March 18 at 3pm (neither broadcasted nor taped)

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wednesday, March 18

Tree Preservation Committee

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

Industrial Development Agency

Tuesday, March 24

Community Events & Resources

A reminder that the deadline to place orders Albany County Soil & Water Conservation’s 2026 Annual Spring Tree and Shrub Sale is Sunday, March 16. The sale offers a wide range of conifers (seedling and transplants), fruit and berry species, and deciduous trees and shrubs, and are only sold in bundles. It is first come, first served, and often runs out of popular items. The pick-up dates are Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18.

The Albany County Agricultural Districts Law has opened, as of February 1, the annual 30-day period where landowners can request the inclusion of viable farmland in an Agricultural District. Landowners interested in adding a parcel to one of the County’s Agricultural Districts must complete an Agricultural District Review Worksheet.

On the first Wednesday of the month, the Guilderland Public Library is hosting Afternoon Garden Club from 3:30pm to 4:30pm, with a presentation by local expert and an opportunity to chat and trade tips with other gardeners. The presentation on Wednesday, March 3, is Wake Up, Garden! It’s Spring!. On Thursday, March 12 at 7pm, the Library is hosting Book Portals and Journeys of Literary Magic, a virtual discussion with Kate Quinn about her latest fantastical work, The Astral Library.

The Library has a special page, “Guilderland Gets Historical”, devoted to the Library’s programs on the American Revolution 250th Anniversary. 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. The presenters are members of Schuyler's Co., NY Provincials (1759) and 2nd Regiment, Albany County Militia (1775).

On Saturday, March 21 from 11am to Noon, the Library is presenting The Battle of Normanskill and the Battle of the Flockey - Keeping the Loyalists of Old Albany County Off Balance During Burgoyne's Invasion, a discussion focusing on the summer of 1777, and how local civil wars occurred between supporters of the British and Patriots. The presenter is Mark Stolzenburg, a noted local historian and member of the Schoharie County Historical Society at the Old Stone Fort Museum.

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. Community Caregivers’ weekly Lunchtime Chats include Lending a Helping Hand: Elevate Your Impact on Thursday, February 26. You can join the one-hour chats starting at 1pm by calling (518) 992-6661.

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve’s winter calendar includes A Full Moon Hike on Tuesday, March 3 at 7pm, and Discover the Pine Bush at Karner Barrens on Saturday, March 7 at 11am.

The Guilderland Food Pantry is experiencing a spike for its help in our community. You can help by making financial donations and dropping off food donations at the Pantry (4 Charles Blvd) during regular hours (Monday through Saturday, 9:30am to 11am) or left in the collection bin located outside the Pantry. Among the needed non-perishable foods are canned meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, beans, pasta, rice, mac & cheese, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, muffin mix, spaghetti sauce, stuffing, juice, nuts and soup.

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter.

Peter G. Barber

Town Supervisor