G
OUR TOWNE GUILDERLAND MID-FEBRUARY 2020
Local Business News Community Events Community Information
Guilderland’s #1 Choice for Snow & Ice Management
SNOW BLOWING
Our small tractors and snow blowers are easier on your driveway and landscape than snow plows. They won’t tear them up! They clean well and leave no snow piles.
COMMUNICATION & EFFICEINCY
We offer quick response time and effective communication. We will let you know when we are coming and what to expect from the weather. We respond to all your emails and phone calls!
W Sign up Today ! O N S
Sprinkler Line Ripped Out
Lawn & Driveway Damage
Lawn Torn Up
COMBINE ALL SEASONS AND SAVE!
Is your “Snow Guy” destroying your lawn? WE CAN FIX THAT!
With our All-In-One Service you get superior snow removal and lawn care for an affordable monthly payment!
GIVE US A CALL TODAY!
• Lawn Repair • Spring Clean Ups • Mow, Trim & Blow your lawn
NosnowNY limits the number of neighborhoods visited so we deliver service you can rely on. Please visit www.nosnowny.com to view our Coverage Area.
518-461-7539 | www.nosnowny.com
2020
March Guilderland’s Gathering Place
Monday, March 2 @ 3:30 pm LITTLE LEGO Meet us in the Story Hour room and let your imagination flow with creative and collaborative play using our extensive LEGO collection. Grades K-3. For younger siblings, we offer Duplo. [R]
Wednesday, March 11 @ 3:30 pm LIBRARY CLUB Join us for an afterschool snack and we’ll talk about our favorite books, plan future programs, and do a project to benefit the Library! [R]
Wednesday, March 11 @ 6 pm Monday, March 2 @ 6:30 pm DROP-IN GENEALOGY WITH LISA DOUGHERTY FAMILY STEAM NIGHTS Professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty Our local schools and colleges will be here provides free family history consultations with engaging STEAM activities for grades 2-6 and advice on a drop-in basis, the second and their families. This month, the UAlbany Wednesday evening of each month. Get help Computer Science Department will lead the starting the process, or bring your questions hands-on educational fun. [R] and challenges for help finding solutions. Tuesday, March 3 @ 10:30 am SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL! Join Miss Rebecca on a weekly themed adventure filled with songs, rhymes, dance, and other fun activities. This is a registered program for children ages 2-5 with an adult caregiver. Every Tuesday at 10:30 during March. [R] Tuesday, March 3 @ 7 pm HE READ / SHE READ BOOK CLUB We’re excited to launch this NEW book club! Librarians Dustin and Josalyn Wilder alternate selecting the book each month and leading the discussion in the Tawasentha Room. Please pick up a copy of the March “He Read” book -- The Chain by Adrian McKinty -- at the Reference Desk. [R] Wednesday, March 4 @ 6:30 pm READ TO FURRY FRIENDS GPL’s favorite dog (Groucho Barx) and hairless cat (Goose) return to listen to the books that new readers will share with them. Reading to a furry friend is a relaxed way for emerging readers to practice their skills in a relaxing and fun environment. Thursday, March 5 @ 7 pm GPL GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION GROUP As You Like It, by William Shakespeare Saturday, March 7 @ 10 am GENEALOGY SEMINAR: GETTING STARTED If you’ve been meaning to begin your family research, this is the perfect way to jump-start the process. Professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty will explain the free resources at GPL, including Ancestry, Family Search, and Fold3. This four-hour seminar includes a complimentary lunch. [R]
Wednesday, March 18 @ 7 pm COOKBOOK CLUB: THE PERFECT PIE Celebrate Pi Day any day! This month, we’ll be baking up delectable treats from America’s Test Kitchen’s The Perfect Pie. Come pick out your recipe(s) at the Adult Reference Desk, then bring your creations with serving utensils the night we meet to share our culinary creations. One lucky participant will win a copy of the cookbook! [R]
Thursday, March 19 @ 7 pm GUILDERLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES’ REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING All are welcome to attend. For your convenience, these meetings are also streamed live on our Facebook page.
Thursday, March 19 @ 6:30 pm LOL SURPRISE “SLUMBER” PARTY Bring a blanket and pillow, your wildest dressup outfit, and your favorite doll! Make some cute accessories for you and your doll. Set up your spot in our pillow fort and watch “LOL Wednesday, March 11 @ 6 pm Surprise: Winter Disco”. Then participate in SIP & STRUM UKULELE JAM the life-size LOL surprise fashion show. Ages The focus is on fun and relieving stress with music, so bring your ukulele, tuner, and enjoy 6-13. [R] a glass of wine! All skill levels are welcome Friday, March 20 @ 5:30 pm and encouraged to attend, and alcohol is optional. We’ll conclude with a prize drawing CENSUS SENSABILITY: ALL YOU NEED TO and final jam. You must be 21+ and provide KNOW ABOUT THE 2020 CENSUS Join Bob Scardamalia, partnership specialist photo ID to attend. [R] with the New York Regional Office of the 2020 Census, as he outlines this important Thursday, March 12 @ 3:30 pm initiative: history of the Census, its purpose, GPL ADVENTURES: NINTENDO GAMES and how the data is used. The more people We’ll play some Nintendo Switch and WiiU are counted, the more federal dollars will games on the big screen! Stop by to play eventually be allocated to the community, as Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, and other well as accurate representation in Congress. popular Nintendo games. Grades 3-5. [R] Bob will answer your questions, including how to answer online, how you might be Thursday, March 12 @ 6:30 pm contacted, and how to avoid Census-related OSCAR MOVIE NIGHT: JOKER scams. Failed comedian Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) is isolated, bullied and disregarded Sunday, March 22 @ 2 pm by Gotham society to the point that he GPL SUNDAY CONCERT SERIES: BLIND CROW steadily descends into madness, ultimately Blind Crow is a local progressive string quartet transforming into the criminal mastermind blending technical proficiency, infectious known as the Joker. Nominated for 11 rhythms, and insane energy to create an Academy Awards. Also starring Robert inspiring musical experience. A must-see DeNiro. Rated R. show! Thursday, March 12 @ 7 pm MONEY TREE MIXED-MEDIA ART PROJECT Wednesday, March 25 @ 7 pm MARTY APPEL: MY LIFE IN BASEBALL (SO FAR) Our instructor will walk you through the Marty Appel, longtime public relations steps of making a beautiful and unique mixed-media painting of a tree dripping with director for the New York Yankees and author coins. Please bring some coins or other small of 24 baseball books, will tell stories and metallic items you would like to incorporate; show photographs based on a lifetime in the game in NYC. Hear new stories about Mickey we’ll provide other supplies needed. [R] Mantle, Casey Stengel, the Ruth Family, Reggie Jackson, Derek Jeter, Willie Mays, Tom Friday, March 13 @ 3:30 pm Seaver, Yogi Berra, and more! PROJECT PICTURE BOOK: OLD HAT Join us for a fun-read aloud and related Thursday, March 26 @ 6:30 pm art project. For grades PreK-2. Dress for a UKULELE JAM mess! [R] Uke players of all skill levels are welcome at this drop-in session. Whether you are just Saturday, March 14 @ 10 am – 4 pm learning or a seasoned pro – join the jam! BETTER BOOKS SALE Come early for the best selection of bargain Bring your own ukulele (or check one out from us!) books, DVDs and CDs!
Saturday, March 7 @ 2 pm MISSING PIECE BOARD GAME CLUB What’s the missing piece? YOU! Join our new twice-a-month board game meetup for adults on the second and fourth Saturdays. Bring your friends and your favorite games, Thursday, March 26 @ 7 pm or play one from our collection of 100+ board Saturday, March 14 @ 10:30 am RUSTIC FAMILY PHOTO KEEPSAKE games. We’ll provide treats and the biggest WOODLAND WONDERS WITH WMHT’S Bring a photo you’d like to turn into a table you’ve ever seen! Also 3/21. [R] BARBARA LUKAS keepsake. We’ll transform them into WMHT’s Barbara Lukas will teach us all Tuesday, March 10 @ 1-6 pm about “woodland wonders” -- including deer, charming ornaments using slices of logs. [R] AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE raccoons and beaver – and share a fun craft Pre-register at www.redcross.org or just activity. Kids in grades pre-K through grade 1 Friday, March 27 @ 6:30 pm walk in. are invited to join us for a morning of fun and MARVEL TRIVIA literacy. Each child must be accompanied by Don’t come here expecting comic book trivia -- we’re talking about Marvel Movies! Come Tuesday, March 10 @ 4:30 pm an adult caregiver. [R] to our SUPER fun trivia event for all things PROHIBITION: A KEN BURNS Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Who DOCUMENTARY Monday, March 16 @ 3:30 pm knows, we may throw in a little DC, too. Ages This acclaimed three-part documentary GPL SPROUTS: RADICAL ROBOTS! depicts rise and the fall of the 18th STEM Learning for kids in grades PreK-2 with 13+. Only one person need register per team; limit 5 people to a team. [R] Amendment to the Constitution, which an adult caregiver. [R] banned the manufacturing, sale and transportation of alcohol in the United States for 13 years, producing a dichotomy of outward societal piety and brazen lawlessness under the surface. Also 3/17 and 3/24. We’re here to help you complete it online. See our program March 20 at 5:30 pm.
ALL MONTH: DROP-IN KNIT & STITCH:
MONDAYS 10:00 am--12:00 pm TUESDAYS 12:00--2:00 pm
TEEN TECH TUESDAYS @ 3:15 & 4:45 1:1 tech help; please call to make an appointment [R]
NEED HELP WITH YOUR TAXES?
Call 2-1-1 to make an AARP TaxAide Prep appointment through April 6. No walk-ins. DO NOT CALL THE LIBRARY.
DIGITAL LIBRARY 101 Wednesdays March 4, 11, 18, 25 @ 2-4:15 pm
GPL offers streaming movies and TV shows, downloadable eBooks, and even eMagazines! See our website for more information. Need help setting up streaming, or anything tech-related? Sign up today for a one-on-one session, and bring your library card and mobile device to the appointment. Arrangements for another day / time may be made, subject to availability. [R]
STORY TIMES TODDLER TIME
Mondays & Wednesdays @ 10:30 am Ages 19-36 months with caregiver
BABY BOOKWORMS
Tuesdays @ 10:30 am Birth – 18 months with caregiver
PRESCHOOL DROP-IN STORYTIME
Wednesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30 am Ages 3-5 with caregiver
WADDLER TIME
Thursdays @ 10:30 am Walkers – 24 months with caregiver
Note: When Guilderland Central School District is not in session, we do not hold story time.
Saturday, March 28 @ 2 pm AUTHOR JOSEPH DALTON: BOOK TALK This event provides a fitting tribute during Women’s History Month! Well before the Internet, people turned to newspaper society columns to find out what was really going on in town. These columns deftly chronicled the intersection of politics, diplomacy, and society. Join us as local author/journalist Joseph Dalton talks about his book, Washington’s Golden Age : Hope Ridings Miller, the Society Beat, and the Rise of Women Journalists. This biography depicts Dalton’s cousin Hope Ridings Miller, a pioneering journalist who covered the lively social scene during the New Deal and World War. The author will sign and sell copies of his book following the talk. Tuesday, March 31@ 7 pm PARENT & TWEEN NIGHT: TRIVIA! Each month, t(w)eens in grades 5-9 and a parent/guardian are invited for a night out featuring dessert and fun activity to do together. In March, we’ll enjoy a spirited evening of pop culture trivia! [R]
Questions on the 2020 Census?
All events listed are free and take place at Guilderland Public Library, Blue - Kids or Teen Program 2228 Western Avenue, Guilderland, NY 12084. [R] denotes pre-registration required by For more information, please call (518) 456-2400; or visit guilderlandlibrary.org. phone, online or in person. Also, sign up for our e-newsletter on top of our home page to stay informed! LIBRARY HOURS: Monday-Thursday: 9:30 am to 9 pm • Friday: 9:30 am to 7 pm • Saturday: 9:30 am to 5 pm • Sunday: 1 pm to 5 pm
2228 Western Avenue • Guilderland, NY 12084 • 518-456-2400 • guilderlandlibrary.org
Guilderland’s Gathering Place 2228 Western Avenue • Guilderland, NY 12084
Numbers Tell a Story By Tim Wiles, Library Director It’s that time of year again, when the State of New York requires public libraries to do a deep analysis of their numbers for the previous year. While we’re not quite done with the report yet, we do have some numbers you might find interesting about YOUR library.
To begin with, you visited us 220,569 times in 2019. That means about six visits to the library for each one of the approximately 36,000 people who live in Guilderland. If you are reading this, chances are you visited the library in the past year, but if not, we’d love for you to join us and see all that we have to offer— all at no charge! Our total visits, by the way, are up by about 2,500 over last year. Of course, we are not open 24 hours a day, so we also track visits to our website, where you can get information about our programs, use our catalog to request books and other library materials, and even download books, audiobooks, and video streams. Last year, you visited www. guilderlandlibrary.org 179, 111 times, an increase of just about 8,000 visits more than the year before. Not everyone has a computer, printer, or Wi-Fi at home, so many people depend on libraries for access to the internet. In 2019, we logged 25,240 visitors to our public computers and almost exactly the same number
518-456-2400 • guilderlandlibrary.org
accessing our Wi-Fi in house, through their own laptops, tablets, phones, etc. It is estimated that statewide, between 25 and 33% of people do not have access to the internet, particularly at high speeds, at home. This puts those people at a distinct disadvantage over others, and we are proud to be able to help those folks participate in the modern world through our public access capabilities. Think, for example, of a child in school who does not have Wi-Fi at home. Is he or she going to do as well as the kids who do? This computer access will be particularly important in 2020, when the U.S. Census happens, as it has ever ten years since 1790. More on that below.
The library is about education, but it’s definitely also about entertainment. Last year, “Where the Crawdads Sing” was the top adult book checked out here at GPL, and “Dog Man and Kid Cat” was the top children’s book. On the adult side, memoirs by Tara Westover (“Educated”) and Michelle Obama (“Becoming”) remained in the top five titles for the second year in a row. On the kid’s side, three of the top ten were written by Dav Pilkey, three by Jeff Kinney, and three by Mo Willems. DVDs continue to be a big part of the way people use our library. In 2019, “Bohemian Rhapsody” was the most popular title circulated at GPL. Approximately one third of our total circulation is DVDs. While many of our users have streaming capabilities at home, many don’t. Also, in my opinion, there are limitations
CHECK US OUT!
BREAKFAST&LUNCH STARTING ASH WEDNESDAY (Feb 26th)
formerly
Westmere News
Hours- Monday 7am-6pm Tuesday - Friday 7am-7pm Saturday & Sunday 7am-2pm GRILL OPEN UNTIL 3 PM
Family Owned & Operated
FISH FRY FRIDAYS!
Don’t settle for a frozen fish fry!
Stop by each Friday and enjoy your freshly made Fish Fry!
Stop by and check out the newly renovated Café! The larger kitchen and seating area will allow us to offer a variety of fresh options. We feature Boar’s Head Meats and Prinzo’s Rolls. Freshly made soups and salads made in house daily. Our new menu will offer hot & cold sandwiches, paninis and burgers and fries. Visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/route20cafe for daily specials and to stay up to date on our latest offerings.
Call Ahead (518) 456-4223 • We’ll Have Your Order Ready! • Fresh Made • Take-Out • Lottery • ATM • GRUBHUB Delivery • Grab & Go Meals • Boar’s Head Meats • CBD CONVENIENT ACCESS TO WESTERN AVE AT THE LIGHT & ADDITIONAL PARKING AND ENTRANCE IN THE REAR
(518) 456-4223 • 1823 Western Avenue, Albany NY 12203 www.OurTowneGuilderland.com | Mid-February 2020
3
Numbers Tell a Story continued... to how streaming services work in terms of selection. I like to use the following example—as we approach our next presidential election in November, Netflix and others will create collections of movies about the presidency, including titles like “Air Force One,” “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” “Frost/Nixon,” and many more. They will be on the streaming service for a few months, perhaps, before and after the election, and after that, searching for them will be fruitless, probably for the next four years. Titles like that are pretty much always available at the library, at no cost. Our Library of Things also remains a hot concept. The number-one item there remains the Wi-Fi hotspots—we have 43 of them, and they are usually all checked out at any given time. Our most-wanted items in this area also include Chromebooks; the ever-popular folding tables for parties, holidays, and garage sales; museum passes; portable backup phone batteries; and ukuleles. As for library programs, last year we held 896 of them, with a total attendance of 18,484. Of these, 467 programs were for adults, 377 for kids, and 52 for teens. We also hosted 215 community groups, with total attendance of 6,626. Altogether, our programs and community groups meetings totaled 1,111 events, with an average attendance of 23 people. In all, 25,110 people attended something at GPL in 2019. I find this to be an astonishing total, when compared to the 36,000 people who live here. Keep coming! On the social media front, we have about ten percent more followers today than we did a year ago. We currently have a total of 5,133 followers on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts combined. Connect with us today, as this is an excellent way to learn about library programs and services, plus the occasional weather related closure or delay.
2020 Census With all this emphasis on numbers, it’s time to revisit something I mentioned last month—the U.S. Census. I made a mistake in my column last month. Leaning a bit too heavily on another published source, I wrote “Completing the census isn’t mandatory. But it is a way you can participate in our democracy and say “I COUNT!” To be completely honest, I took that sentence and several others from Census information I had received in an email from another organization. Overall, it was good copy, and I figured reusing it would save me time. A little voice in my head wondered a bit about the non-mandatory statement, but I ignored it in the interest of completing my column as fast as possible. Well, that sentence turns out not to be true. According to the Census official website, https://2020census.gov/en/am-i-required.html, everyone is required to participate in the Census: Who Is Required To Respond? Everyone living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) is required by law to be counted in the 2020 Census. “Because you care about your community, please fill out the form,” said Census Bureau spokeswoman Stacy Gimbel Vidal. “It has so many positive ramifications” related to spending and planning. Indeed, Census records are vital to the government for use in fairly appropriating resources across the entire nation—places where more people live are in need of higher levels of service, which means it is in all of our best interests to stand up and be counted. Beyond that, librarians in particular know that Census records are vital to historians and genealogists reconstructing their family trees. If it were not for census records, which the government began collecting in 1790, genealogists would have a much harder time reconstructing the past. Historians find the aggregated data priceless as well. The library joins the Town of Guilderland and several other local organizations as part of Guilderland’s Complete Count Committee. While we are still finalizing our plans, we can say that we will have a dedicated area in the library where people can come to complete the census online if they wish. We will also have posters, guides, links to websites, and access to Census instructions in most of the 59 languages known to be spoken in Guilderland households. We will also host “Census Sensibility,” a public Q & A session about the Census, hosted by the Census official responsible for New York’s Capital Region, Bob Scardamalia, on Friday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m. Bob will be on hand to answer provide an overview and answer questions. Libraries are positioned to assist in the process throughout the spring and summer, so we’re always here to help, too. Another important clarification to my column from January: Last month, I announced the library was making a streaming service called RB Digital available to all of our cardholders. Among other things, I mentioned that those needing help with the service could schedule a one-on-one session with a librarian who could explain the process. That is true, but it’s not mandatory. Most patrons should be able to look at the RB Digital information on our website, or download the RB Digital app, and simply go from there. By all means, if you have questions, let our librarians know. But a one-on-one session is not required in order to use the service. Stream away! Enjoy access to Acorn TV, for all the British and UK shows you love, the Great Courses, Qello concerts and Indieflix for documentary and independent films. Happy viewing!
4
Mid-February 2020 |
www.OurTowneGuilderland.com
notes from the SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE 5209 Western Ave, Guilderland • (518) 356-1980 • www.townofguilderland.org Guilderland, NY- I begin by thanking Highway Department crews for multitasking in maintaining Town roads this winter. Not only has the Highway Department kept busy by clearing snow and ice, but it also returned to removing leaf piles that were buried by the early December snowstorm. You can help with snow clearing efforts by adhering to overnight parking regulations and keeping stormwater drains free of debris. When, and probably not if, sufficient snow arrives, the Parks and Recreation Department will again have groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails ready at the Western Turnpike Golf Course, sledding at the Winter Recreation Area, south of Tawasentha Park on Route 146, and snowshoeing on the Vosburgh Trails. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve also offers miles of snowshoeing trails in the Town. The Parks Department’s web page has information about winter activities and cross-country skis and snowshoes available for rent on weekdays at the Parks’ Office on Route 146, opposite Tawasentha Park. The Hike Guilderland! GIS tool, available on the Parks Department’s web page, also provides detailed maps and descriptions of the Town’s snowshoeing trails. The Albany Guardian Society (AGS), a charitable organization devoted to improving the quality of life for seniors, is holding an inaugural monthly community discussion, entitled Guilderland Village, on Tuesday, February 18th at 10:30 a.m. at the Guilderland Public Library. The Village movement is a grassroots effort to provide access to services and activities for seniors seeking to maintain independence in their own home. Under the Village concept, a community pools resources, and volunteers offer skills and time to support seniors. Please register for this free event by February 14th by calling AGS at (518) 434-2140 or emailing AGS@AlbanyGuardianSociety.org and noting “Guilderland meeting” in the subject line. To learn more about the Village movement, please visit the Capital Region Villages Collaborative website at www.CRVillages.org.
The AGS publishes Housing Options for Senior Adults in the Capital Region (2017), a directory with valuable Peter G. Barber - Town Supervisor information to help families choose appropriate housing for older family members. The directory provides detailed information about all kinds of senior housing options, as the Town continues to work on meeting the growing demand for affordable senior housing options. With rising life expectancies, declining birth rates, and aging Baby Boomers, seniors are expected to outnumber children in the foreseeable future. You can access this directory on the AGS’s website and on the Town’s Senior Services Department’s web page. AGS’s 2020 directory with expanded descriptions of senior housing options is due later this month, and will be posted on the Town website. Please keep in mind that the NYS Thruway Authority is closing the Old State Bridge over the Thruway in April for seven months. This project involves a total bridge replacement with no open lanes and obviously will cause significant travel disruptions. More information about this project, including the Bridge Inspection Report, and the Feasibility Study of alternative detour options, is available on the Highway Department’s web page. As the construction date approaches, the Thruway Authority will place electronic informational signs and the Highway Department will place traffic control signs on nearby roads. Later this year, DOT plans to repave and restripe Carman Road except for the section between Coons Road and the proposed Lydius Street roundabout which is scheduled for construction in 2021. Please sign up for the Town’s free Nixle® service, available on the Town website, to receive updates about these construction projects.
THE WILLIAM COONS TEAM Your Hometown Professionals! 1881 Western Ave. Albany, NY 12203
cell: 518.605.2442
WILLIAM COONS Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
thewilliamcoonsteam@gmail.com
www.HowardHanna.com
MICHELE COONS Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
www.OurTowneGuilderland.com | Mid-February 2020
5
notes from the SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE (continued)
The Town and the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce, with the support of local Veteran’s organizations, are again sponsoring the Hometown Heroes Banner Program which honors residents of Guilderland, Berne, Knox and Westerlo who are veterans or are serving in our Nation’s Armed Forces. The planned banners will honor a service member by including her or his name, branch of service and photo. The banners will be flown at public places from May to November when the retired banners will be presented to the honored service member’s family or sponsor. If you are interested in sponsoring a banner, at a cost of $150, you can download a sponsorship form on the Town’s website or the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce’s website (www.guilderlandchamber.com). For more information, please contact the Chamber at (518) 456-6611 or Parks’ Office at (518) 456-3150. The 2020 U.S. Census is underway, with National Census Day, or official count day, on April 1st. This is the first Census that will be mainly completed online. According to the Census posted timeline, between March 12th and 20th, every Town household should receive
by mail an official Census notice with details on how to complete the Census questionnaire online. While you are strongly encouraged to complete the questionnaire online, you will have the option to respond via phone or by completing and returning a paper Census questionnaire. All information gathered in the Census will be confidential. The importance of an accurate and complete count cannot be overstated. The final count impacts the Town’s share of sales tax revenues collected by Albany County and returned to the Town based upon its percentage of the County’s total population, the Town’s receipt of Federal funds, particularly for road improvements, our representation in Congress, and the redistricting of State and Federal voting districts. You can find more information about the Census process on the Supervisor’s web page. I am very pleased to report that UAlbany Planning Department’s Graduate Studio has started its project, which will include an inventory of the Town’s open space, identifying connections to neighborhoods, parks, schools, libraries, and businesses, and possible non-motorized route options as part of the Town’s development of the “green infrastructure” envisioned in neighborhood studies. This Spring semester project will include public meetings and the use of social media for soliciting public comments, and presenting findings and final recommendations at the project’s conclusion. The project’s scope, schedule and progress will be posted on the Planning Department’s web page. Thank you again for taking the time to read these Notes, and please do not hesitate to contact Town offices if you have any questions or suggestions. Peter G. Barber, Town Supervisor
Albany 2027 Western Ave Albany, 2027 Western AveNY 12203
Albany, NY 12203 (518) 313-7019 Albany361.CBDrx4u.com
þ BEST CBD TOPICAL þ BEST CBD TINCTURE
Come speak to one of our CBD experts about what can do for you!
10% OFF with mention of this ad.
NOT TO BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER PROMOTION OFFER EXPIRES 6/30/19
6
Mid-February 2020 |
www.OurTowneGuilderland.com
Registration Opens February 3
CATCH ALL THE FUN THIS SUMMER YMCA SUMMER CAMPS • New Specialty Camps • Swim Lessons • Field Trips • FREE Before & After Camp Care • Fun Weekly Themes
JOIN US! Register online at www.CDYMCA.org/CAMP
CAPITAL DISTRICT YMCA Guilderland Branch 250 Winding Brook Drive 518.456.3634 www.CDYMCA.org
BETTER TOGETHER — The Capital District YMCA is a leading Capital Region charity devoted to strengthening our communities. www.OurTowneGuilderland.com | Mid-February 2020
7
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
W Sign up Today ! O N S Guilderland’s #1 Choice for Snow & Ice Management
SIGN UP FOR
NEXT
(518) 356-0077
3734 Carman Road, Schenectady, NY 12303 Located Across From Capital Care in Guilderland • Wheelchair Accessible
SEASON AND THE REST OF THIS SEASON IS
FREE!
CALL TODAY 518-461-7539 www.guilderlandfamilydentistry.com
WE MAKE WINTER EASIER FOR YOU! • Seasonal snow contracts with 3 payments • No minimum snow quantities • Quick response time and communication of our schedule
Are you in need of SERVICES
in Guilderland ? I LD GU
E R L A N D C AR
ES
WHY WE ARE THE BEST IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: SNOW BLOWING
Our small tractors and snow blowers are easier on your driveway and landscape than snow plows. They won’t tear them up! They clean well and leave no snow piles.
COMMUNICATION & EFFICEINCY
We offer quick response time and effective communication. We will let you know when we are coming and what to expect from the weather. We respond to all your emails and phone calls!
NosnowNY limits the number of neighborhoods visited so we deliver service you can rely on. Please visit www.nosnowny.com to view our Coverage Area.
(518) 320-8903 GuilderlandCares.com guilderlandcares@gmail.com facebook.com/GuilderlandCares 8
Mid-February 2020 |
www.OurTowneGuilderland.com
518-461-7539 | www.nosnowny.com
COMBINE ALL SEASONS AND SAVE!
DO YOU CUT YOUR OWN HAIR? by Margaret C. Tabak
If you took a poll at work, how many of your co-workers cut their own hair? I am often asked “do I need a lawyer ?”. Just as you hire a lawyer for any transactional work, such as a real estate closing, a lawyer can ensure that you have covered all of your bases in a divorce. While I certainly do not counsel anyone proceeding in a matter as serious as a divorce to do so without an attorney, if you are considering proceeding by purchasing a do it yourself kit; or finding the forms online, here are some things to decide if that is the right path for you: 1. How long have you been married? - A short term marriage is generally a better fit than a long term one. 2. Do you have any assets? - Sometimes people only think of assets as “brick and mortar”-such as a house or bank account. However, often someone’s pension is the most significant property of the marriage. Therefore, even if you cannot feel, touch, or see it, you may have sizeable wealth. 3. Do you have any debts? - The question isn’t who the debt is titled to, but do either of you have any debts? While you may feel that you have no obligation for your spouse’s debts, a creditor may not agree with you. 4. Do you have children? - If so, there are two aspects of custody that need to be dealt with, legal (decision making) and physical (when the children live with each parent). Custody arrangements have significant ramifications, emotionally and financially. 5. Supporting the children - The person the children primarily live with is entitled to child support. If you share custody, that does not negate the responsibility of the higher wage earner to potentially pay child support.
6. Is there a wage disparity? - One of you may be entitled to spousal maintenance, the amount and duration as defined by statute. The longer the marriage, the longer the payment would be. 7. Taxes - Have you ever filed jointly? The issues of responsibility to the government can be significant, even once you are apart. 8. Health Insurance - Are you currently covered under your spouse’s policy? Once you are divorced, you cannot be on your spouse’s plan, although you may be entitled to COBRA benefits. Who covers your children? How is that expense going to be shared? 9. Life Insurance - Is life insurance appropriate for your family? If somebody is paying spousal maintenance or child support, you may need life insurance in the event that the payer passes away during the time they are making these payments. While certainly most of us can cut our own hair, it may not be the best idea. Although a bad haircut can grow out, a divorce that has not addressed significant issues, or has addressed them in an incorrect or unfair way, is probably not repairable.
from Tabak Law Office
100 Great Oaks Boulevard, Suite 122, Albany • (518) 464-4095 www.tabakLo.com
Margaret C. Tabak has been an attorney since 1988, starting her career in Schenectady and moving her practice to Guilderland in 1995. The law firm is located in Great Oaks Office Park (near Crossgates Mall). Margaret counsels clients in all matters related to matrimonial and family law. A resident of Guilderland for more than 25 years, Margaret received her undergraduate degree from SUNY Albany and her law degree from Albany Law School. If you have questions about a matrimonial or family law issue, contact Margaret for a consultation. www.OurTowneGuilderland.com | Mid-February 2020
9
TLC FIREARMS TRAINING
February is Children’s Dental Health Month...
Guilderland, New York 12084 www.tlcfirearmstraining.com • tlcfirearmstraining@gmail.com
WHY DO CHILDREN SNORE ?
Upcoming Calendar of Events
As I do my thorough exam, many times children present with enlarged tonsils. As I delve deeper into their medical and dental history, and pediatric sleep questionnaire, parents are concerned that their children snore. Occasional snoring in children is normal. If snoring is persistent or signs of sleep apnea exist, your child may be at higher risk for growth and development problems. I wanted to answer some questions I recently get asked.
(518) 441-2160
Albany County Pistol Safety Course 3/8 at the Voorheesville Rod and Gun Club from 8:00am-2:00pm ($60)
{This is the course needed to apply for a pistol permit}
April we will be bringing on the NRA Courses. Student and Instructor. Private lessons in all phases of firearm shooting available! Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Trap, Pistol Self Defense!
THINK SPRING!! IT IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK!!!
Please Don’t Drink And Drive! Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Tony LaTorre, NRA Training Counselor
Check out our website for course description and information!
H ANDYMAN services
Specializing in: • Painting • Drywall • Tile • Installations • Repairs • Wood Trim • Interior/Exterior • and Much More!
Text(preferred) or Call Sam at (518) 852-6463
1. What is Snoring and Sleep Apnea? Snoring is the sound of vibration of the airway when it is partially blocked while sleeping. The sound may be soft, like air rushing through a straw, or a loud and unpleasant snoring or grunting. It is not harmful if your child snores from time to time. Snoring more than three times per week may be a sign of sleep apnea and is potentially harmful. Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder; an airway blockage disrupts or interrupts normal sleep. In addition to fatigue, this can also lead to growth, learning and behavioral issues. Other signs may include high blood pressure, morning headaches, learning difficulties and failure to thrive. Up to six percent of children/adolescents may have this harmful condition. 2. What causes Snoring and Sleep Apnea? Snoring may result from temporary airway obstruction experienced with a common cold, sinus infections, allergies or enlarged tonsils. Sleep apnea risk factors are overgrown/enlarged tonsils and adenoids, obesity, abnormal facial development and neuromuscular disorder. 3. Is Snoring and Sleep Apnea normal during my child’s growth and development? Occasional snoring is common when associated with illness or allergies, however frequent snoring is NOT normal in a child’s development. 4. What can I do to address abnormal Snoring and Sleep apnea? If you are concerned that your child may have abnormal snoring or sleep apnea, your child’s physician should determine if further evaluation or treatment is necessary. 5. What will happen if Sleep Apnea is not addressed in my child? Untreated sleep apnea is dangerous. It can lead to learning difficulties, behavioral issues and affect growth and development. With Oshins of Smiles, Dr. Steven Oshins
YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW IS COMING!!! Will your house pass her “white glove” test?
HAVE NO FEAR NYB CLEANING SERVICE IS HERE!
Homes • ApArtments • Businesses NYB CLEANING SERVICES
(518)
852-5516
“YOUR SATISFACTION IS MY FIRST PRIORITY”
Advertisement Paid for by Friends & Family
10
Mid-February 2020 |
www.fb.me/nybcleaning www.OurTowneGuilderland.com
Family, Aesthetic Dentistry and Dental Sleep Medicine • Highly Skilled Staff • Family Dentistry We offer... Dentistry for Total Body Wellness • New Modern Office • Relaxing Atmosphere
• Low Dose Digital X-rays
3905 Carman Steven J. Oshins, • Evening hoursRoad Schenectady NY 12303
D r . S teven O ShinS
Additional Services Include: F a m i l y D e n t a l C 3905 Carmen Road, Guilder ph: (518) 356-5635 • Cosmetic Smile Makeovers Working with kids and adults fx: (518) 356-5675 • Implant Services - Teeth in a Day • State of theinfo@oshinsofsmiles.com Art Whitening Available (518) 356-5635 www.oshinsofsmiles.com • Oral Appliances for Treating Sleep Apnea If• you looking passionate, Oral are Plastic Surgery -for SoftaTissue Grafting quality den patients Call Dr. “O” today for complete, co • Invisalign
Participating with Most Insur (518) 356-5635 • 3905 Carman — Rd., Guilderland
WWW.OSHINSOFSMILES.COM • ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Does Your Portfolio Match Your Risk Tolerance? by Daniel bauer Guilderland, NY - How much risk are you comfortable taking with
your investments? This key question in portfolio construction is very difficult to answer, given a world of high volatility in stock returns, constantly-changing economic conditions, and the fact that none of us can say with certainty how any financial asset will perform in the future! Financial experts often break down an investor’s risk tolerance into three categories: need to take risk, ability to take risk, and willingness to take risk. The “need” and “ability” factors are a function of one’s financial situation – for example, a retiree with a multi-million dollar investment portfolio and no need for portfolio income has a very high ability to take risk (his/her life isn’t negatively impacted if the portfolio drops in value by a lot), and a very low need to take risk (earning high returns won’t impact standard of living). In fact, we find that for many investors, the “need” and “ability” factors merely offset one another. As such, we turn to the critical third factor, one’s “willingness” to take risk. Another way to think about willingness to take risk is how various levels of declines in your portfolio impact your ability to sleep at night. Do you shudder with fear if you hear that the market is down 3% today? Or, do you welcome these downward movements, believing that what goes down will soon go back up? We encourage investors to try to quantify their willingness to take risk by thinking about the maximum portfolio value that they could emotionally tolerate losing in a down-market. When considering this, try not only to think about your reaction, but how such a drop would impact your financial life, if at all. For example, a 30-year old investor with stable employment may have a difficult time stomaching a 20% loss on her retirement portfolio, however such a loss will likely have little impact on her financial future, as she still has a lot of time prior to needing the money.
Once you settle on a maximum tolerable loss, we suggest that you consider an investment portfolio that has at most two times that maximum loss invested in risky assets, such as stocks, real estate, highyield bonds, commodities, etc. In other words, if you believe you can tolerate a loss of 20%, we recommend that you hold no more than 40% in risky assets. This follows from the notion that you should be prepared for risky assets to drop in value by 50% from time to time. We’ve seen broad stock market indices suffer losses of this approximate magnitude 3 times in the past 50 years (2007-2009, 2000-2002, and 1973-1974), and it will likely happen again. We suggest that the remainder of portfolio assets should be invested in relatively safer alternatives, such as cash equivalents or investment-grade bonds. Please review your portfolio or consult your financial advisor to determine if your current mix of investments aligns with your tolerance for risk.
from AllSquare Wealth Management 200 Great Oaks Blvd., Suite 219, Guilderland (518) 456-8900 • www.allsquarewealth.com Daniel Bauer, CFP® is a principal and Vice President of AllSquare Wealth Management, LLC. AllSquare Wealth offers financial planning, investment management, and risk management services to clients located in the Capital Region and beyond. AllSquare Wealth works with each of our clients to develop a comprehensive financial plan. Our financial planning, discretionary investment management, and tax preparation services are offered on a fee-only basis. AllSquare Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment advisor. www.OurTowneGuilderland.com | Mid-February 2020
11
Rozell Painting
Serving the entire Capital Region for over 18 years! All phases of painting | interior/exterior | residential/commercial
• decks • staining • pressure washing • wallpaper removal
• all interior surfaces
No job too BIG or too small Fully Licensed and Insured Workers’ Comp & Liability Reasonable Rates | Free Estimates
S
518-858-0297 www.georgerozellpainting.com
Voted
age
BEST
New Restaurant in Metrolands Best Of
BISTRO
Chef owned eatery
Featuring Chef Joseph Solimon, formerly of the Hidden Cafe
5
$
off
any lunch purchase of $30 or more CASH ONLY
Sage Bistro • Guilderland • 608-5410 With this coupon. One coupon per table. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 2/29/20
12
Mid-February 2020 |
2050 Western Avenue (Star Plaza) Guilderland • 608-5410 Mon.-Fri. 11am-3pm & 4:30pm-9pm • Sat. Noon-3pm & 4:30pm - 9pm
www.SageBistroGuilderland.com Gift Certificates Available!
www.OurTowneGuilderland.com
10
$
off
any dinner purchase of $60 or more Mon-Thurs.
CASH ONLY Sage Bistro • Guilderland • 608-5410 With this coupon. One coupon per table. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 2/29/20
A Smile You Just Can’t Hide…
“We Love Teaching Children and Children Love Our School”
SPECIAL ONLY
Janice M. Delehanty, DDS, PLLC The gentle difference in dentistry
$19 95 Includes FREE Uniform
PAI’S TAE KWON DO w w w. p a i t k d a l b a n y. c o m Guilderland • 1758 Western Ave. • 456-9300
North Greenbush • 1 Agway Drive (Route 4) • 687-2224 Troy • 744 Pawling Ave. • 283-4491 Locations also in Clifton Park, Glenville, Saratoga Springs & Schenectady
• Cosmetic & General Dentistry • Restorations • Cleanings and Prevention
Peggy’s Cleaning Service
OPEN MON-THURS 8-5
Welcoming New Patients
1484 Western Avenue • Albany • 518-456-6171
Celebrating Business Celebrating 35 30 Years In Business
www.drdelehanty.com
YOUR AD HERE!
(RATES: 12X-$600 6X-$360 3X-$210 1X-$80) AFFORDABLE ADVERTISING REACH 13,000+ GUILDERLAND HOMES & BUSINESSES EACH MONTH
“Personalized” RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL 7 Days A Week Reasonable Rates Fully Insured
References Available
Call Peggy 456-8268 Call Peggyatat(518) 456-8268
(518) 356-3898 WWW.OURTOWNEGUILDERLAND.COM/ADRATES
Enterprising Tree Service Tree Removal & Maintenance Storm Damage Repair • Lot Clearing Stump Grinding • Brush Hogging Firewood
24 Hour Emergency Service Free Estimates • Fully Insured
Tim Wideman 518.872.2966 518.365.0878 www.AAAEnterprisingTreeService.com www.OurTowneGuilderland.com | Mid-February 2020
Over 30 Years In Business
AAA
13
Are You Afraid of the Dentist? Anxiety Free Dentistry with Sedation
“The King of Sedation Dentistry” - Paul Vandenburgh
PERFECT FOR ADULTS WHO HAVE: • • • • • • •
High fear. Had traumatic dental experience. Difficulty getting numb. A bad gag reflex. Very sensitive teeth. Limited time to complete their dental care. Complete dental problems.
IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO:
• Hates needles and shots. • Hates noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care. • Is afraid or embarrassed about their teeth. This is for them!!
FUNDRAISER
Harvey Winter,
DDS, FDOCS, FICOI
WESTMERE’S PLAYGROUND
FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW!
• It works! • It is SAFE! You take a small pill prior to treatment. No I.V. needles. • You have little or no memory of the experience and you won’t remember sounds or smells. • You relax for a few hours after taking the pill. • Work requiring 6-8 appointments may be done in one or two visits! • People who have difficulty getting numb have no problem when relaxed.
DROPOFF LOCATIONS WESTMERE ELEMENTARY, FARNSWORTH (LARGE GYM), GHS (WEST GYM), TOWN HALL, PIL SUNG TAEKWONDO, GUILDERLAND MARTIAL ARTS, TENDERCARE CHILD CENTER, M&T BANK (WESTERN), PINE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH, GUILDERLAND YMCA, GUILDERLAND LIBRARY, GUILDERLAND VENT FITNESS
SNEAKERS/CLEATS ACCEPTED
2 Kross Keys Drive, Albany, NY 12205 518-482-0881 • www.albanydentalcare.com
WESTMERE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 6270 JOHNSTON RD, ALBANY NY 12203
KT TREE SERVICES, INC. FULLY INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE A GUILDERLAND FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
• TREE PRUNING & REMOVAL
• FIREWOOD Insurance Certificate for EVERY Customer!
• 150FT CRANE & AERIAL LIFT • EXCAVATION • LAND CLEARING & LOGGING
• DRAINAGE
• STUMP GRINDING • BRUSH HOGGING • COMMERCIAL SNOW & ICE MANAGEMENT
(518) 588-5490 KTTreeServicesInc@gmail.com www.KTTrees.com
Kyle Trestick President
14
Mid-February 2020 |
www.OurTowneGuilderland.com
OFF SEASON RUNNING TIPS By: Dr. Amanda Boccio
Guilderland, NY - It’s Sunday morning, and the alarm blares. You reach over with one sleepy eye open and it takes just about everything in your power not to hit snooze. The last thing you want to do is leave your warm bed to brave the whipping wind and pre-dawn chill to get that run in so you can start building up your fitness again. But your faithful running partner is expecting you… can’t let them down. Thank goodness for fleece lined running pants. You’re up and out the door. Congratulations, the hardest part is over. Remind me again why we runners do this to ourselves? After a long, hard, summer training cycle that resulted in a huge new personal record in your fall marathon, or even if you fell a little short of your goals, the winter is a great time to rest, recharge and recuperate. Everyone needs a physical and mental break from the daily grind of training. But the holidays are over, it’s a new year, and we are gaining minutes of daylight slowly but surely. The spring will be here before we know it. Whether you have a spring race to start preparing for or not, here are a few off-season running tips to help get you back into your running routine happy and injury free. You need strength to endure. That’s right. Repeat after me: your body must be strong to endure the repetitive motion of five times your body weight hitting the ground with every running step. There are thousands of steps in a half and full marathon. Runners notoriously avoid the gym and spend as little time possible lifting weights to maximize the amount of time they can dedicate to running. This was me 3 years ago. Flash forward to today, where I have been incorporating some strength training 2x per week, and have not only been injury free, but have been running faster times. Pick your poison: Crossfit, HIIT classes, kettlebells, working with a personal trainer. If you’re intimidated, start with body weight squats and lunges. Escape the winter cold and dedicate at least 2 days a week on indoor strength training. It’s fun, challenging, and breaks up the monotony of pounding the pavement. Never underestimate the benefits of strength training now for an injury-free spring and summer training cycle. Work on your posture. Did you trade in running marathons in the fall for Netflix binging marathons in the winter? Guilty as charged. All that (well deserved!) time spent lounging on the couch can really wreck havoc on your posture. Poor posture in our day-to-day lives will translate directly into our posture while running. For every half hour you spend sitting at your desk working at the computer, reading, studying or slouched over your phone texting, take 30 seconds to look up, look away, bring your shoulders back and make sure your ears are aligned over your shoulder joints. Take a couple minutes a day to stretch out the front of your chest and extend your upper back. When you are obligated to sit for long periods of time, take breaks to stand, walk around, and open up the front of your hip joints. Your hip flexors will thank you a couple months down the road when you’re doing speedwork and hill repeats. While we are on the topic of movement and stretching to shake out the cobwebs of slouched posture, you might as well…
Dust off your foam roller and yoga mat. Dig out your stick massager, Theracane, and trigger point balls. Using these recovery tools regularly can not only help with post-workout soreness, but help tackle inevitable muscle imbalances that creep up on us while we are in hibernation mode. Make sure your yoga mat is in plain sight, so it is easily accessible to do a little stretching every day. My general rule of thumb is to spend a minimum of 10 minutes a day to focus on your “hot spots”. We can all set aside 10 minutes, now is a perfect time to start good recovery habits, so it is routine when our training plans become more strenuous and time consuming. Work on your weaknesses. We all have them. That all too familiar twinge in the IT Band or heel that rears it’s ugly head anytime we run further than 5 miles… Instead of mentally preparing for the inevitable pain, break the cycle and work on making changes NOW to avoid these roadblocks altogether. You already have your yoga mat accessible, why not put it to good use by getting down onto the floor and working on core stability, as well as glute and hip strength. Start working dynamic hip stability and foot strength by performing single leg balance exercises. When you break it down, running is a series of jumps and lands on one foot, so we need to develop good foot control and dynamic stability of our hips in order to prevent injury from negative compensation patterns. If we cannot control our bodies simply standing on one foot, imagine the amount of extra work it takes to control 5 times our body weight per step 10 miles, 13 miles, or 26 miles into a run. You need strength to endure- a fact that’s worth repeating. If you are having trouble identifying your weaknesses, need a refresher on how to use your foam roller, or need an individualized rehabilitation plan, the off season is a great time to reach out to us. Let us help you make the best of the cold winter months to prepare you for an injury free spring and summer running season. As always, if you have question about this article, feel free to call me at the Sports & Spinal Wellness Center at 518-869-3415. Follow us on Facebook or visit our website at www.facebook.com/sportsandspinalwellness. We would love to be a part of your health care team.
www.OurTowneGuilderland.com | Mid-February 2020
15
Top 10 Financial Scams Targeting Seniors Financial scams targeting seniors have become so prevalent that they’re now considered “the crime of the 21st century.” Why? Because seniors are thought to have a significant amount of money sitting in their accounts.
or they will provide bogus services for elderly people at makeshift mobile clinics, then use the personal information they provide to bill Medicare and pocket the money.
Financial scams also often go unreported or can be difficult to prosecute, so they’re considered a “low-risk” crime. However, they’re devastating to many older adults and can leave them in a very vulnerable position with little time to recoup their losses. It’s not just wealthy seniors who are targeted. Low-income older adults are also at risk of financial abuse. And it’s not always strangers who perpetrate these crimes. Over 90% of all reported elder abuse is committed by an older person’s own family members, most often their adult children, followed by grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and others. Review our list below, so you can identify a potential scam.
1. Medicare/health insurance scams
Medicare enrollment formEvery U.S. citizen or permanent resident over age 65 qualifies for Medicare, so there is rarely any need for a scam artist to research what private health insurance company older people have in order to scam them out of some money. In these types of scams, perpetrators may pose as a Medicare representative to get older people to give them their personal information,
2. Counterfeit prescription drugs
Most commonly, counterfeit drug scams operate on the Internet, where seniors increasingly go to find better prices on specialized medications. This scam is growing in popularity—since 2000, the FDA has investigated an average of 20 such cases per year, up from five a year in the 1990s. The danger is that besides paying money for something that will not help a person’s medical condition, victims may purchase unsafe substances that can inflict even more harm. This scam can be as hard on the body as it is on the wallet.
THE RANDALL LAW FIRM
Personal, Courteous Legal Representation 55 Years Years Over 60 Combined Combined Experience Experience
Robert G. Randall, Jr. * Denise McCarthy Randall
Estates - Wills - Family Law Estates --Wills - -Probate Estates Wills Trusts Trusts & Asset Protection Divorce Real Property Divorce-Real Property Vehicle- &Vehicle Traffic& Traffic Real Property Vehicle & Traffic * Member - National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
1777 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203 Discover, Master Card and Visa Accepted
16
Mid-February 2020 |
(518) 869-1205 www.randalllawfirm.com
www.OurTowneGuilderland.com
3. Funeral & cemetery scams
The FBI warns about two types of funeral and cemetery fraud perpetrated on seniors. In one approach, scammers read obituaries and call or attend the funeral service of a complete stranger to take advantage of the grieving widow or widower. Claiming the deceased had an outstanding debt with them, scammers will try to extort money from relatives to settle the fake debts. Another tactic of disreputable funeral homes is to capitalize on family members’ unfamiliarity with the considerable cost of funeral services to add unnecessary charges to the bill. In one common scam of this type, funeral directors will insist that a casket, usually one of the most expensive parts of funeral services, is necessary even when performing a direct cremation, which can be accomplished with a cardboard casket rather than an expensive display or burial casket.
4. Fraudulent anti-aging products
In a society bombarded with images of the young and beautiful, it’s not surprising that some older people feel the need to conceal their age in order to participate more fully in social circles and the workplace. After all, 60 is the new 40, right? It is in this spirit that many older Americans seek out new treatments and medications to maintain a youthful appearance, putting them at risk of scammers. Whether it’s fake
Handyman Roofing • Siding Masonry & Chimney Work Decks • Carpentry Sheet Rock • Painting ...and more
ALL PHASES OF
CONSTRUCTION
Fully Insured • Free Estimates
John Relyea
258-6324
Botox like the one in Arizona that netted its distributors (who were convicted and jailed in 2006) $1.5 million in barely a year, or completely bogus homeopathic remedies that do absolutely nothing, there is money in the anti-aging business. Botox scams are particularly unsettling, as renegade labs creating versions of the real thing may still be working with the root ingredient, botulism neurotoxin, which is one of the most toxic substances known to science. A bad batch can have health consequences far beyond wrinkles or drooping neck muscles.
5. Telemarketing/phone scams
Woman on phonePerhaps the most common scheme is when scammers use fake telemarketing calls to prey on older people, who as a group make twice as many purchases over the phone than the national average. While the image of the lonely senior citizen with nobody to talk to may have something to do with this, it is far more likely that older people are more familiar with shopping over the phone, and therefore might not be fully aware of the risk. With no face-to-face interaction, and no paper trail, these scams are incredibly hard to trace. Also, once a successful deal has been made, the buyer’s name is then shared with similar schemers looking for easy targets, sometimes defrauding the same person repeatedly. Examples of telemarketing fraud include: The pigeon drop The con artist tells the individual that he/ she has found a large sum of money and is willing to split it if the person will make a “good faith” payment by withdrawing funds from his/her bank account. Often, a second con artist is involved, posing as a lawyer, banker, or some other trustworthy stranger. The fake accident ploy The con artist gets the victim to wire or send money on the pretext that the person’s child or another relative is in the hospital and needs the money. Charity scams Money is solicited for fake charities. This often occurs after natural disasters.
6. Internet fraud
While using the Internet is a great skill at any age, the slower speed of adoption among some older people makes them easier targets for automated Internet scams that are ubiquitous on the web and email programs. Pop-up browser windows simulating virusscanning software will fool victims into either downloading a fake anti-virus program (at a substantial cost) or an actual virus that will
open up whatever information is on the user’s computer to scammers. Their unfamiliarity with the less visible aspects of browsing the web (firewalls and built-in virus protection, for example) make seniors especially susceptible to such traps. One example includes: Email/phishing scams A senior receives email messages that appear to be from a legitimate company or institution, asking them to “update” or “verify” their personal information. A senior receives emails that appear to be from the IRS about a tax refund.
7. Investment schemes
Because many seniors find themselves planning for retirement and managing their savings once they finish working, a number of investment schemes have been targeted at seniors looking to safeguard their cash for their later years. From pyramid schemes like Bernie Madoff’s (which counted a number of senior citizens among its victims) to fables of a Nigerian prince looking for a partner to claim inheritance money to complex financial products that many economists don’t even understand, investment schemes have long been a successful way to take advantage of older people.
8. Homeowner/reverse mortgage scams
Scammers like to take advantage of the fact that many people above a certain age own their homes, a valuable asset that increases the potential dollar value of a certain scam. A particularly elaborate property tax scam in San Diego saw fraudsters sending personalized letters to different properties apparently on behalf of the County Assessor’s Office. The letter, made to look official but displaying only public information, would identify the property’s assessed value and offer the homeowner, for a fee of course, to arrange for a reassessment of the property’s value and therefore the tax burden associated with it. Closely related, there is the potential for a reverse mortgage borrower to be scammed. Scammers can take advantage of older adults who have recently unlocked equity in their homes. Those considering reverse mortgages should be cognizant of people in their lives pressuring them to obtain a reverse mortgage, or those that stand to benefit from the borrower accessing equity, such as home repair companies who approach the older adult directly.
scammers inform their mark that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes of some kind and need to make some sort of payment to unlock the supposed prize. Often, seniors will be sent a check that they can deposit in their bank account, knowing that while it shows up in their account immediately, it will take a few days before the (fake) check is rejected. During that time, the criminals will quickly collect money for supposed fees or taxes on the prize, which they pocket while the victim has the “prize money” removed from his or her account as soon as the check bounces.
10. The Grandparent scam
Grandmother and granddaughterThe grandparent scam is so simple and so devious because it uses one of older adults’ most reliable assets, their hearts. Scammers will place a call to an older person and when the mark picks up, they will say something along the lines of: “Hi Grandma, do you know who this is?” When the unsuspecting grandparent guesses the name of the grandchild the scammer most sounds like, the scammer has established a fake identity without having done a lick of background research. Once “in,” the fake grandchild will usually ask for money to solve some unexpected financial problem (overdue rent, payment for car repairs, etc.), to be paid via Western Union or MoneyGram, which don’t always require identification to collect. At the same time, the scam artist will beg the grandparent “please don’t tell my parents, they would kill me.” While the sums from such a scam are likely to be in the hundreds, the very fact that no research is needed makes this a scam that can be perpetrated over and over at very little cost to the scammer. If you suspect you’ve been the victim of a scam… Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to talk about it with someone you trust. You are not alone, and there are people who can help. Doing nothing could only make it worse. Keep handy the phone numbers and resources you can turn to, including the local police, your bank (if money has been taken from your accounts), and Adult Protective Services. To obtain the contact information for Adult Protective Services in your area, call the Eldercare Locator, a government sponsored national resource line, at: 1-800-677-1116, or visit their website at: https://eldercare.acl.gov.
9. Sweepstakes & lottery scams
This simple scam is one that many are familiar with, and it capitalizes on the notion that “there’s no such thing as a free lunch.” Here, www.OurTowneGuilderland.com | Mid-February 2020
17
Important Numbers
• • • •
No more stolen packages! No more missed deliveries! Accepts ALL CARRIERS UPS, FedEx, Postal, DHL, etc. A Real street address, not a P.O. Box
• • • •
24-hour access to your mail Call-in Mail Check Service Mail Forwarding Service E-mail notification of package delivery
1971 Western Ave. Albany (Guilderland) 452-6085 Next to Hewitt’s Garden Ctr. M-F: 8-6:00 Sat 8-4:00 www.theupsstore.com/0917.htm
Amy H. Robinson, Esq Tel: (518) 374-3399 • Fax: (518) 374-9416 arobinson@hrslaw.us.com
Estate Planning including Wills and Trusts Medicaid Planning and Asset Protection Estate Administration and Probate
1430 BALLTOWN ROAD • NISKAYUNA, NY 12309 18
Mid-February 2020 |
www.OurTowneGuilderland.com
Emergencies POISON CONTROL
911 800-222-1222
Ambulances: Town of Guilderland Emergency Medical Services Altamont Rescue Squad
(518) 456-3600 (518) 861-6715
Police: (Non-emergency) Altamont Police Department Guilderland Police Department New York State Police-Guilderland Substation
(518) 861-5480 (518) 356-1501 (518) 456-1118
Fire Departments: (Non-emergency) Altamont Fort Hunter Guilderland Guilderland Center McKownville Voorheesville Westmere
(518) 861-8171 (518) 355-2434 (518) 456-5000 (518) 861-8871 (518) 489-4340 (518) 765-4048 (518) 456-5200
Post Offices: Altamont Guilderland Guilderland Center Stuyvesant Plaza
(518) 861-6953 (518) 456-1400 (518) 861-5090 (518) 438-0773
Schools:
Altamont Elementary Christ the King School Guilderland Schools Transportation Guilderland District Administration Guilderland High School Farnsworth Middle School Guilderland Elementary Lynnwood Elementary Pine Bush Elementary St. Madeleine Sophie Westmere Elementary
(518) 861-8528 (518) 456-5400 (518) 861-6434 (518) 456-6200 (518) 861-8591 (518) 456-6010 (518) 869-0293 (518) 355-7930 (518) 357-2770 (518) 355-3080 (518) 456-3771
General Information: Albany County Clerk’s Office (518) 487-5100 Albany County Executive’s Office (518) 447-7040 Altamont Fairgrounds (518) 861-6671 Altamont Village Hall (518) 861-8554 Guilderland Animal Control Officer (518) 356-1501 Guilderland Animal Shelter (518) 861-6855 Guilderland Chamber of Commerce (518) 456-6611 Guilderland Food Pantry (518) 930-1001 Guilderland Highway Department (518) 861-5108 Guilderland IDA (518) 356-1980 Guilderland Interfaith Council (518) 456-5410 or (518) 355-3000 Guilderland Parks & Recreation Department (518) 456-3150 Guilderland Performing Arts Center (518) 456-3150 Nott Road Park (518) 869-9884 Park Superintendent (518) 456-8220 Summer Day Camp (Tawasentha) (518) 456-3475 Town Pool (518) 456-4446 Guilderland Public Library (518) 456-2400 Guilderland Senior Service (518) 280-7607 Guilderland Town Hall (518) 356-1980 Guilderland Transfer Station (518) 861-6776 Guilderland Water & Wastewater Management Dept. (518) 456-6474 Our Towne Guilderland - Rev. 0519
UPDATE YOUR HOME TO ADD COMFORT & VALUE
Quality Building and Remodeling for the 21st Century
(518) 813-8411 • Altamont, NY Garages Basement Finishing Roofing, Gutters & Siding Home Improvement & General Repair
Full-Service Residential Construction Full Build of Your Dream Home Additions/Expansions Remodeling Kitchens & Bathrooms Decks
100% Customer Satisfaction • Fully Insured • Free/Low Cost Estimates Visit www.RTSconstruction.com to:
| View Our Work | Receive an Estimate | References | Employment |
Your Quality Hand Crafted Poly Outdoor Furniture
Mon., Wed., Thur., 9-5; Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-3
We Offer Rent To Own Options
www.dutchcountryconnectionsllc.com • 4459 Western Tpke (Intersection of Rt. 20 & 158), Altamont NY 12009
an easy number to ! remember
1-800-CUT-TREE
HAVING TREE ISSUES? WE CAN HELP!
.com
FULLY INSURED FREE ESTIMATES
• TREE & STUMP REMOVAL • TRIMMING • PRUNING • TOPPING • LOT CLEARING • SNOW PLOWING
160 FOOT CRANE FOR HARD TO REACH PLACES
Tony Watson Owner/Operator
• Serving the community for over 20 years •
518-355-6839
7385 ChurCh rd., Guilderland nY • www.518CutTree.com
www.518CutTree.com
www.OurTowneGuilderland.com | Mid-February 2020
19
G
G
Presorted Standard US Postage Paid Albany, NY Permit No. 518
OUR TOWNE GUILDERLAND
OUR TOWNE To Advertise in the Our Towne Guilderland Monthly Shopper visit GUILDERLAND www.OurTowneGuilderland.com or Call (518)356-3898 DEADLINE- Last Friday of Each Month
YOUR GUILDERLAND REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST
6 Decluttering Tips to Sell Your Home in Cold Weather
GUILDERLAND LISTINGS
If you are considering putting your home on the market this spring, take advantage of these cold months and declutter. (Even if you’re not selling, it is a great time to get it done and enjoy a fresh cleaner space).
Here are some tips you can use to declutter your home maximizing the chances of selling.
1. Yes! I Want Decluttering: The first step towards decluttering is to decide that you want to declutter. We can understand that it sounds stupid, but once you decide, you motivate yourself for the decluttering process. Be it clothes, magazines, kitchen items, or other things; once you know what you want to declutter, it can save a lot of time. It is like a diet!
2. One Room at a Time: You don’t need to declutter your home altogether, as it can be overwhelming. Take your time and organize all the rooms one by one. It will not only help you in managing time, but will offer a sense of accomplishment.
3. Involve Your Family and Friends: Decluttering alone can be challenging, dreadful and exhausting. Involve your family or friends. Have a pizza party, listen to music and make it fun!
4. Get Rid of Clothes You Have Not Worn In Over A Year!: The rule of thumb is, if you haven’t worn something in over a year, get rid of it. There are so many places to donate. Need extra money? Try selling on Poshmark or Facebook garage sale.
4942 Western Turnpike
$419,900
2,925 Sq. Ft . 4 BR, 2.5 BA
Energy Star Home has Been Meticulously Maintained by its Original Owners of 13 Yrs! Loaded w Amenities! The Grand Foyer Opens to the Striking Great Room! GR w Southern Exposure offers Vaulted Ceilings, Gas FP w Stone Mantle, Swarovski Chandelier & Custom Windows! Eat-In Kitchen Features Plentiful Counter Space, Schrock Cherry Cabinetry, SS Appliances, Pantry, Butler Pantry & Gas Range! Formal LR. DR w Tray Ceilings! Office w Additional Private Entry-Perfect for Home Business! Striking Hardwoods! 4 BRs w Spacious Master/His-Her W/I Closets-Impressive EnSuite! 9 Ft. Ceilings-1st Floor! 1st Flr Laundry, IG Sprinklers, Whole House Generator, Security System, Seamless Gutters, 2nd Means of Egress from Basement to Garage! .92 Acre Tree Lined Level Lot
5 LOTS TOTAL, 3 UNDER CONTRACT, 2 LEFT
5. Look from the Buyer’s Eye: If you do plan to list, you should look at your home from the perspective of buyers and declutter accordingly. I would be happy to give you advice or bring in my stager.
STILL TIME TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME!
6: Rent A Dumpster and Fill It: You are much more likely to get rid of unused items that are taking up space if you rent a dumpster because you are paying for it. Take advantage of these short cold days! Spring is right around the corner! If you would like professional advice, please reach out. I am happy to help. Another Reminder: MAY IS THE TIME TO GRIEVE YOUR TAXES! Don’t procrastinate and let the opportunity slip by.
1881 WESTERN AVE, GUILDERLAND, NY 28 DIVISION ST., SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY
Kellie Kieley Associate Real Estate Broker
Cell: 518-225-0454
6762 Fuller Station Rd. $398,900
Brand New spec home by M.A. Schafer Construction, Inc. - MOVE IN READY 1,881 sq. Ft. 3 bedrooms, 2 bath Open floor plan. High end amenities, granite, stainless steel appliances, gas fireplace. Master Suite. Public water, sewer and natural gas. Two car garage. Move in ready - still time to make some selections!
kkieley2@gmail.com www.guilderlandproperties.com www.topalbanyhomes.com
*The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of any kind. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed by Howard Hanna or its affiliates.