Our Towne Guilderland - Summer '21

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SINCE 2005

OUR TOWNE GUILDERLAND SUMMER 2021

s ess Ne w in s u B l a Loc ts ity Even n n u m m o C atio y Inform it n u m m Co

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Guilderland Public Library...here for you CONSTRUCTION DONE END OF SUMMER! PROGRAMS, RESOURCES, SUMMER READING, etc.

interior construction

exterior construction

children's addition

teen center

CHECKOUTS: Mon.-Wed.-Fri. 9:30 am - 6 pm / Tues.-Thurs. 9:30 am - 9 pm Sat. 10 am - 2 pm / Sun. 1:30 - 4 pm - use Tawasentha Room side door RETURNS: 24 / 7 to parking lot sheds (except holidays) SUMMER READING FOR ALL AGES - https://guilderlandlibrary.org/srp for kids & teens/volunteers; https://guilderlandlibrary.org/adultsrp for adults PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES - see Events calendar online to register ONLINE RESOURCES at www.guilderlandlibrary.org: eBooks, eMagazines, audiobooks, music, movies, TV, comics and more, on your computer, tablet, phone or TV K-12 resources, language learning, job search tools, NY Times, Consumer Reports, Creativebug, Dial A Story: 518.456.2400 x 5 Free B&W / color printing services: https://bit.ly/GPLPrint Subscribe to regular updates: https://bit.ly/GPLeNews Storytimes on YouTube / "How Did You Find It?" podcast 518.456.2400 / ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org

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www.OurTowneGuilderland.com | Summer 2021

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notes from the SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE 5209 Western Ave, Guilderland • (518) 356-1980 • www.townofguilderland.org Guilderland, NY - As I write these notes, the Governor has ended the State of Emergency which was imposed more than 15 months ago in March 2020. This decision also brings to an end hundreds of directives which modified or suspended legal requirements, provided needed relief from burdensome regulations, allowed cost-saving options for emergency response agencies, and other popular initiatives. Hopefully, the Governor and State Legislature will carefully review each of the lapsed emergency directive, and work to preserve measures which have provided necessary relief to families, businesses, and local governments.

Several weeks ago, the Governor had lifted most restrictions on businesses and gatherings which allowed for the full reopening of Town Hall and facilities, with no temperature or symptom check, no contact tracing, and no capacity restrictions, except for special rules for the Town Court. The only noticeable change is that visitors to Town Hall will be greeted at a new welcome desk and then proceed to counters and offices after confirming that staff is present and ready to help.

The Town will enforce CDC guidance which allows fully vaccinated persons to forego wearing facemasks, and follow an honesty policy under which unvaccinated persons should wear facemasks. The Town supports a visitor’s choice to wear a mask even if fully vaccinated. Starting in July, the Town will resume inperson meetings for boards and committees.

I am pleased to report that the Town now owns EMS Station 1 (200 Centre Drive) and Station 2 (3686 Carman Road). While awaiting the State’s three-year review of the proposed property transfer, the Town acquired ambulances and equipment from the Western Turnpike Rescue Squad, Inc., which allowed EMS to use the buildings for the Town’s new ambulance system and to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to over 1,000 residents. EMS upgraded these ambulances to advanced-life support status by adding a paramedic with cardiac, respiratory, and other vital improvements, and added two more ambulances to the fleet.

Since then, response times have also been reduced, full staffing for overnight service was restored, and dollars were saved by responding with one ALS ambulance with a paramedic and an EMT, instead of with a BLS ambulance with two EMTs and a second emergency vehicle with a paramedic.

The Town’s 2021 Summer Recreation Program (http://www. guilderlandrec.com/) has just started, with opportunities remaining to sign up for half-day camp sessions and nearly 100 classes, activities, and sports camps. The Tawasentha Park pool has also opened for the season. The Western Turnpike Golf Course has had a very strong start to its season, and is often setting daily records on weekdays and weekends for rounds played.

The mostly dry weather has allowed Parks & Rec to prepare the Town’s extensive trails for anticipated heavy summer use based on record usage during the winter and spring. The Town has five-miles of hiking trails at Tawasentha Park and nine miles at Vosburgh Trails, more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trials in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, and about 2.5 miles (roundtrip) at the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy’s Bozen Kill Preserve.

All of these trails, with maps, information, and links for each trail, 4

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are available on the Hike Guilderland! app available on the Parks’ webpage, and on trailhead kiosks.

The local outdoor Peter G. Barber - Town Supervisor music season is in full swing, with performances on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.

On Tuesday evenings at 7pm through August 3rd, the Altamont Free Library is hosting performances by five local groups at the Orsini Parks gazebo in the Village. Information about each performing group is available on the Library’s website.

On Wednesday evenings at 7pm through August 18th, Parks & Rec is offering a second season of the “Pines Pavilion Concert Series” at the outdoor pavilion at the Western Turnpike Golf Course. The course’s restaurant, The Nines, will have food and beverages available. More information about each concert is available on the Parks & Rec webpage.

On Thursday evenings at 7:30pm, the Guilderland Performing Arts Center is the home of the 42nd season of “Jammin’ at GPAC Summer Concert Series” with performances by Damn the Torpedoes on July 1st, Skeeter Creek on July 8th, Guilderland Town Band on July 15th, Madison VanDenburg on July 22nd, The Red Wagon on July 29th, Guilderland Town Band on August 5th, and Broadway Sings Young Artists Program on August 12th. The spacious grounds allow plenty of room for spacing, and provide for an enjoyable entertainment experience.

I am happy to report that, at the conclusion of its 2021 season, GPAC will undergo a substantial remodeling. With a $700,000 grant award sponsored by former State Senator George Amedore and advanced by State Senator Michelle Hinchey, Parks & Rec will install five-levels of landscaped terraced seating, a new dance area in front of the stage, new lighting and sound system, and a refurbished main bathroom. The grant also provides for improvements at the large pavilion at Tawasentha Park. GPAC’s spacious outdoor setting and stage are in very high demand this year by school music groups, graduation ceremonies, dance groups, and wide-variety of entertainment groups. The remodeling work will be completed before next year’s GPAC season.

A $375,000 grant award, sponsored by Assembly Member Patricia Fahy, will fund improvements this year at the Altamont Free Library, including an outdoor platform for a farmers’ market, and converting lights to LED, installation of sound-absorption boards in the large activity space at the Senior Center, and energy efficiencies at Town Hall. The grant award also allows for installing new bike lanes on Town roads that are popular for recreational biking.

Several other significant infrastructure improvements are anticipated this year, including new sidewalks on West Old State Road to Lynnwood Elementary School and on Western Avenue to the Guilderland Public Library. Later this summer, DOT plans

to issue a request for proposals to select a single contractor to construct new roundabouts at the Carman Road intersection with Lydius Street and its intersection with the I-890/90 ramp in Rotterdam. These projects remedy safety concerns for pedestrians and motorists at these intersections, and also improve traffic flow and air quality. As part of this project, the Town gave DOT control of a $375,000 grant award secured for the Town by Assembly Member Patricia Fahy. This grant award will allow for DOT’s design and installation of a new sidewalk on Carman Road from Jessamine Drive to the Pine Bush Elementary School. DOT intends to award the contract this fall which may allow for constructing the I-890 roundabout this year and permit site preparation work, including the removal of the Nedco building, with construction of the Lydius Street roundabout and sidewalk next spring.

I am also pleased to announce that the State legislature recently adopted a bill, sponsored by State Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assembly Member Patricia Fahy, for the Town’s creation of a Conservation Easement program which allows for property tax benefits to landowners interested in protecting farmlands and sensitive areas from development. This legislation has been submitted for the Governor’s approval. This new measure complements the Town’s tools to preserve open space as part of planned unit developments, country hamlets, and conservation subdivisions.

The Town is continuing its efforts to advance the Community Choice Aggregation program under which electricity will be purchased, at bulk prices, for residents and some small businesses. The CCA’s goals are lower electric rates, price stability, and renewable energy options. For more than a year, the renewable energy market has been chaotic with spikes in pricing and supply issues. As a result, the State is considering a request which will allow CCAs to offer participation in community solar projects. Later this summer, we are also expecting the Public Service Commission’s approval of the Town’s application to purchase National Grid’s street lights and convert them to LED.

The services offered include: • Medical Appointments & Procedures • Rides to/from mass transit JFK • Logan • Newark • Albany Airports Amtrak & Greyhound

• DWI avoidance • Day Trips to Nearby Cities Boston • NY • Saratoga

• All taxi related services • Light “stuff” transportation

We are the locally owned and operated car service whose purpose is to provide Guilderland and the surrounding community clean, safe, affordable, reliable, and professional transportation.

Both scheduled appointments and immediate service are available

Call or Text (518)339-0658 or e-mail info@guilderlandcarservice.com

Peggy’s Cleaning Service Peggy’sCelebrating Cleaning 38 YearsService In Business

On Friday, July 16th from Noon to 6pm, the American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at Town Hall. You can make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting RedCrossBlood.org with the sponsor code: guilderlandtown. You can expedite sign-in by completing a pre-donation questionnaire at: RedCrossBlood.org/ RapidPass.

Celebrating 30 Years In Business “Personalized”

National Night Out returns this year to Tawasentha Park on Thursday, August 6th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The annual event is sponsored by the Police Department’s Community Services Unit.

Residents can interact with first responders about their efforts to prevent and reduce crime, and inspect equipment and vehicles.

The event offers free ice cream, children’s rides, a petting zoo and other attractions.

Residential & Commercial

“Personalized” RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

7 Days A Week 7 Days A Week Reasonable Rates Reasonable Rates The Altamont Fair is also returning this year to the Fully Altamont Insured References Available Fully Insured Fairgrounds from Tuesday, August 17h to Sunday, August 22nd.

Please take the time to enjoy the rides, amusements, exhibits References Available and shows at your hometown fair. More information about these events is available at http://www.altamontfair.com/.

Call Peggy at 456-8268

Thank you again for taking the time to read these notes.

Peter G. Barber, Town Supervisor

Call Peggy at (518) 456-8268 www.OurTowneGuilderland.com | Summer 2021

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”YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE” You’ve heard the expression”You snooze, you lose.” Actually the opposite is true. At Oshins of Smiles we can help you achieve a well rested night’s sleep. Sleep is absolutely vital for your brain to clear itself of toxic proteins. In a 2020 study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers found a link between sleep apnea (disrupted breathing during sleep, like snoring), and increased brain levels of beta-amyloid and a protein linked to dementia. If you snore, awake with dry mouth, or have morning headaches, please tell us. We want to help address your issues of sleep apnea.

The lack of a good night’s sleep (aim for 7 to 9 hours) helps fight depression and anxiety. It allows your brain to “clean house” during the mechanism of deep sleep, says Dr. Matthew Walker, a professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California at Berkeley.

It is preferable to treat the source of sleep apnea than just address the symptoms. In a 2016 study published in JAMA Neurology , prolonged use of OTC medications , containing the ingredient diphenhydramine, ( a neurotransmitter that plays a role in learning and memory) of longer than a few months has been linked to brain atrophy and an increased risk of dementia.

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4 HOME IMPROVEMENT IDEAS (Family Features) Whether you’re thinking about a bathroom update, kitchen overhaul or any other type of home improvement project, these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and eLivingtoday.com can help you get started.

CREATE A PLAN Improving your home can be one of the most exciting projects to undertake. Start by setting realistic expectations, determining your goals and needs, finding inspiration and, perhaps most importantly, setting a budget.

RENOVATE THE BATHROOM You can improve your home’s usability and increase its value with bathroom updates or a full renovation. Before you get started, think about these factors: the amount of space and storage you need, features that are important to you, sustainability concerns and accessibility considerations.

UPDATE THE KITCHEN The kitchen serves as command-central for most homes, and you can get the most enjoyment out of yours by making purposeful changes, reconsidering the physical space, re-evaluating your shopping style and choosing appliances with care.

START A REMODEL If it’s time for a serious undertaking, a full-blown remodel may be necessary (or simply desired).

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BBQ to Benefit the Guilderland Food Pantry “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Guilderland Food Pantry will be hosting a GIFFY’S BBQ. All proceeds go directly to the pantry to fulfill our mission of feeding our neighbors.

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1 IN 10 PEOPLE IS FOOD INSECURE. Learn more about the Guilderland Food Pantry at www.guilderlandfoodpantry.com

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MODERN APPROACH TO LOWER BACK PAIN By: Dr. Kim Leis-Keeling

Lower back pain is by far the most common condition we treat in our office. Pain in the lumbar spine can result from disc herniations, degenerated discs and joints, arthritis, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, sciatica, nerve impingement, sprains and strains. These conditions often result in pain or discomfort in the lower back, hips or even numbness or tingling into the feet. Over the years, we have had great success treating these types of back conditions.

We customize our patient’s recovery program with the combination of the following techniques: lumbar traction or spinal decompression, spinal alignments, injury specific rehab, pain reducing modalities such as cold laser, ultrasound or electric muscle stimulation, soft tissue therapies to enhance healing, nutritional recommendations to reduce systemic inflammation and education about posture and movements for daily activities. Here are more details about these procedures.

Flexion Distraction and Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression: Most of our patients love the gentle lumbar traction that we provide. They always say, “It feels so good” or “That is the deep stretch that I just can’t get myself.” We have two methods that we use for decompression.

The first is a manual procedure called Flexion Distraction, where the patient is lying on their stomach on the chiropractic table. The doctor places one hand on the lower back while creating a gentle separation of the vertebrae of the spine.

The second technique is the Spinal Decompression table where the patient is lying on their back on a table while a machine gently separates the compressed joints of the lumbar spine.

Both techniques are gentle and relaxing. We also perform traditional manual adjusting techniques when appropriate.

Manual Therapy Techniques: I feel that all treatments should include some type of manual therapy to address the connective tissues around the treatment area.

Connective tissue includes: muscles, fascia, ligaments and tendons. Some of the procedures we use are massage therapy, myofascial release, cupping, instrument assisted soft tissue therapy and Active Release Techniques.

Spine Rehabilitation: Once we have addressed myofascial concerns and corrected any structural alignment needs, we always recommend stabilizing exercises and home stretching routines individualized for you. We incorporate various pieces of exercise equipment including, exercise bands, balls, foam rollers, balance and Pilates equipment.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation/Ultrasound/Cold Laser: These modalities are used to improve tissue repair, reduce inflammation and swelling, reduce pain and decrease muscle tension. Patients often find these therapies to be very therapeutic and relaxing.

This is just sample of some of the procedures that we use to help our patients every day.

All the techniques we use in our office are modified individually based on the patient’s condition, age and comfort level. We also use various taping techniques, braces when needed, provide custom foot orthotics, running evaluations and more. If you or someone you know could benefit from the care we provide, we would be happy to have a free consultation with you.

As always, if you have questions about this article, please feel free to contact us at the Sports & Spinal Wellness Center at 518-869-3415. Please visit our website for more information at www.sportsandspinalwellness.com and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sportsandspinalwellness We would be happy to be a part of your health care team.

www.OurTowneGuilderland.com | Summer 2021

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Photo caption: (l-r) top row – Pratul Amineni, Caroline Burns, Sophia Sericolo, Grace McFerran. Bottom row – Molly DiCaprio, Hannah Risko, Ava Thomson. Photo credit to Mike Koff/Altamont Enterprise.

Guilderland Lettermen Foundation Announces 2021 Award Winners Seven multi-sport student athletes to be honored at Aug. 6 golf outing

(Guilderland, NY) – The Guilderland Lettermen Foundation, now in its 24th year, is proud to present its class of 2021 Lettermen Award winners - seven recently graduated Guilderland High School seniors who have earned this prestigious recognition as outstanding multi-sport, community-minded student athletes.

“The pandemic has turned the senior season upside down for all high school student-athletes,” said Lettermen Foundation President Mark Williams, a 1982 Guilderland High School graduate. “Despite that, the pool of applicants we saw this year was one of the strongest we’ve ever seen. Outstanding athletes, with excellent academic achievement and community service to match, our winners are exceptional representatives of their class, Guilderland Schools, and their families. We are pleased to honor them.”

Award winners for 2021 include Molly DiCaprio (soccer, indoor and outdoor track and field), Grace McFerran (cross-country, basketball, indoor and outdoor track and field), Hannah Risko (lacrosse, field hockey), Sophia Sericolo (field hockey, lacrosse) and Ava Thomson (field hockey, indoor and outdoor track and field).

The 2021 Hal McCarthy Award winner, which goes to the person whose application receives the most points in evaluation by the Board of Directors, is Pratul Amineni (cross country, swimming, tennis, indoor track and field). The Hal McCarthy Award is named in memory of the long-time Guilderland teacher, coach and superintendent.

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Summer 2021 |

www.OurTowneGuilderland.com

The 2021 Mark Burlingame Dutchmen Spirit award winner is Caroline Burns (cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field). The prestigious Burlingame award, presented in partnership with Troy Miller and Christopher McCabe of CM Fox Real Estate, is named for former Lettermen board member and Guilderland High School three-sport star athlete Mark Burlingame.

The Award recognizes a student-athlete who’s demonstrated the highest qualities of Dutchmen spirit and sportsmanship.

Each awardee receives a certificate of recognition and a financial award to assist them with their college education. In 24 years, the Lettermen Foundation has awarded more than $125,000 to deserving Guilderland student athletes.

Award winners were recognized during Guilderland’s virtual athletic awards night, will be featured individually on the Lettermen Foundation’s social media platforms and website (www.guilderlandclassic.com), and will be honored at the Lettermen Foundation’s annual fundraiser, the Guilderland Classic golf outing, August 6, 2021 at Orchard Creek Golf Club.

For more information about the Guilderland Lettermen Foundation, please visit our website or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/guilderlandclassic and Twitter (@LettermenFDN).

CAN MONEY BUY LOVE?

by Margaret C. Tabak

Guilderland, NY - Clients often ask me how old a child needs to be before he/she can decide where they want to live? My answer is uniformly 18. At 18, a person is in their majority, and custody provisions no longer apply. At 18 a person can vote, join the military, or marry. However, unless your child does join the military or marries, you’re responsible to support her until she is 21.

Do children have a say between 0-18? The answer is a qualified “yes”. In a custody dispute, a court will assign an attorney for the child. It is that attorney's job to represent the wishes of the child. In certain circumstances, the attorney can substitute the attorney’s judgment for that of the child's.

Absent those circumstances, it is the attorney's job to advocate the wishes of the child.

How much the court considers the wishes of the child is very different case by case. Courts will look at various factors including the age of the child, his level of maturity, and the reasoning. For example, if a 12-year-old says, “I want to live with Mom because she lets me miss school and doesn't make me do my homework”, that will not necessarily get the child a pass on playing hooky.

Once a child is a later teen, many Judges will shrug and ask, "what can I do?" if the child prefers to live primarily with one parent versus the other, taking into account their reasons. Judges are always concerned that an older child will "walk with his feet" and simply go to the parent the child wants to spend more time with.

Does bribery help? The answer is “sometimes yes” although I try to discourage parents from using same. Certainly, if your goal is to raise a healthy, well-rounded person, then teaching her manipulation tactics which may be short sighted and not productive in the long run is probably not a good idea. How many parents actually listen to me I guess is a different question. While alienating a child from one parent may get you your final goal of more custodial time, it may be a shallow victory as the child has now successfully learned how to play both parents against each other, and to use the system to her benefit.

I also counsel parents that none of us has a guarantee of being around to see our children grow up. Especially in this pandemic laden world, we should all be acutely aware of our mortality. If you spend your life teaching junior to hate Dad, and you get hit by a bus and now he needs to live with Dad fulltime, what is their relationship like and what values and coping skills have you taught the child?

I found a recent case that is great for advocates of children, but I question the long term ramifications of this decision. In VL v. DL (NYLJ 6-23-21) the parents had joint physical custody of two teenage children. The 13 and 17 year old’s made it clear that they wished to spend more time with their father than their mother, based upon his increased availability due to not working very long hours (which it sounds as if this was his prior pattern), his new spouse having a close bond with the children, and: the children have adapted to and appreciate what their father is able to provide, including a large home, pool, and resources for vacations.

As my grandmother used to say, any fool can get used to a good thing, including a teenager! The Judge modified custody from 50/50 to a 1/3 - 2/3.

Does need Disney Dadding work? I guess so.

WHO GETS THE HOUSE? In Ross v. Ross (NYLJ 6-23-21), 14 years before the divorce action the wife's father provided money for the parties to buy a house. The house was deeded to both parties when it was purchased. At trial the wife stated that she had a separate property claim (i.e., “her” money) of $300,000 as the funds were an advance on her inheritance from her father. The court found that she did not have a separate interest as her father had forgiven the debt to both parties.

The court held that since the house was a gift to both parties, that the wife did not have any superior rights.

Lesson to be learned here? If the father wanted to preserve his daughter's separate property rights, that should have been stated in writing, and the parties should have also signed a postnuptial agreement regarding same. Often, when a couple is happy parents do not want to make an in-law feel badly, and will make a gift a to both parties, although they truly only mean to benefit their child. As much as it may hurt an in-law, it is better to state that upfront. Years after a transfer has occurred, witnesses, such as a parent, may no longer be available to testify, and certainly the intent of the parent to his in law may be different in bad times than good, and a court would question that parent's veracity.

If you mean to say something, put it in writing and don’t just hope for the best!

WHO EVER THOUGHT I WOULD BE WRITING ABOUT BRITNEY SPEARS? In pop icon Britney Spears’ request to end her conservatorship, one of the issues raised is her request to marry and have more children. As this is a family publication, I will use my words sparingly. According to the New York Law Journal, against her will she has received medical treatment that currently makes it impossible for her to have more children. Certainly, her father, or any conservator, taking away this right is a huge issue, not just for her but others who may be considered to have some disability. When do we as a society give that ability to a third party? Stay tuned to see how Hollywood makes new law.

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 | Summer 2021

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Guilderland’s [Online] Gathering Place 2228 Western Avenue • Guilderland, NY 12084

518-456-2400 • guilderlandlibrary.org

Nearing the Finish Line

by Library Director Tim Wiles We sure are busy inside the Guilderland Public Library, preparing to reopen in September to serve you better! I thought you might enjoy a status report as I write this on June 28 (this is a bit of a special day for me, as it’s my birthday).

PARKING LOT OVERHAUL As I write, the finishing touches are being put on our main parking lot, which is open to facilitate your parking for curbside pickup, as well as parking for staff and construction workers. We’ll be able to accommodate at least 47 more vehicles, with enhanced safety. Historically we’ve noticed a tendency for drivers to go a bit too fast upon arrival, so workers are installing a single speed bump at the main entrance, in order to slow traffic down. We certainly agree with those anxious to enter the library that it’s an exciting place—but we urge you to think about the many small children who walk in with their parents from their parking spots, as well as retired folks, sometimes with mobility issues, who also use the library.

We can’t wait to celebrate our return to serving you fully in person at Guilderland’s (new and improved) Gathering Place in September!

Still to come: a new drive-up book drop, located far from the entrance in order to avoid bottlenecks upon exit. Among those cheering these parking lot changes: the Guilderland Fire Department. Over the years, we’ve had many false alarms, and consequently, many visits from GFD. It’s always been difficult for them to navigate the island at the mouth of our parking lot, and they’ve occasionally sustained damage to their equipment as a result. That won’t happen anymore. These improvements, combined with our first-ever sprinkler system, should work to make us all safer, including the firefighters. We’ve enjoyed working with them to design an entrance which optimizes emergency response.

INTERIOR WORK So what’s left to do inside the building? Well, all of the rooms along our north, or front, wall are under construction, and the entryway itself is about to be cleaned and updated. Book drops are on order. We are awaiting the arrival of our new circulation desk and the adult and youth reference desks, scheduled to be installed in August.

Potential dangers will be mitigated a bit by a new peninsula which runs north-south through the center of the parking lot, allowing visitors to stroll on a landscaped sidewalk most of the way to the front door. Also along that sidewalk will be additional handicapped spaces, and two level-2 electric charging stations, capable of charging four vehicles at a time, which are still on order. The charging stations were completely covered by grants from NYSERDA, which included funds to pay for installation.

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Summer 2021 |

www.OurTowneGuilderland.com

Like a few other aspects of this construction project, we’ve hit a pandemic-related snag with the new public furniture, unfortunately. Shortages in metal and wood supplies are delaying the arrival of our new shelving, which should now arrive just before Labor Day weekend. Putting the books on the shelves will be our first priority! We are finalizing details of our technology plan, including updated high definition options in all the meeting rooms, and hearing assistance technology to help more people enjoy public events and meetings.

Currently, we’re digging underground beneath the Normanskill Room (the smaller meeting room in the front) to resolve a plumbing problem that was discovered during construction.

Thankfully, though it’s a tremendous mess, it is a relatively inexpensive addition to the project scope, made possible because the overall bids came in much lower than expected—a pandemic silver lining. It’s definitely better to resolve this issue now, along with all the other work going on. We’re also installing a state of the art security system and fire/burglar alarm system, The current 30-year-old system left a lot to be desired in terms of public safety.

The other feature area, also two sided and visible from both the adult and youth sections of the library, will be a source of relaxation for adults and wonder for kids—a 540-gallon freshwater tropical aquarium built by All Bright Aquariums of Latham, one of the nation’s leading large aquarium builders.

Installation begins end of June, and it will be a six-week process to get the water properly balanced, and introduce plants and fish to this focal point. You might say things are going swimmingly!

SUMMER READING FOR ALL While all this is going on, our staff has been busily preparing for our Summer Reading program for kids, teens and adults. Sunny days ahead poolside, at the beach, lake or just chilling in the backyard with a book or reading device in hand–that’s our idea of a perfect summer day. You too? As long as you’re reading anyway, why not try to win fabulous prizes too?

Summer reading is for all ages! There’s something for everyone, infancy through adulthood. Children from birth through high school are encouraged to enjoy books, complete activities, attend programs, earn points and win prizes. Teens can serve as GPL technology volunteers this summer and participate in Read It Forward. Adults can register their reading for a chance to win a grand prize gift basket and $50 gift card from the Book House, plus other prizes. Any format counts – print, audiobook or eBook; short story, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, graphic novel.

The goal is simple: read!

The Normanskill Room will become a café, rented from the library by a vendor yet-to-be-determined. We will soon issue the RFP (Request for Proposals) for prospective vendors, and hope to have a tenant in this space by October or November.

This is the one major aspect of the renovation which will not be fully functional upon reopening. However, when it’s operational, we think it will be a great amenity for library users—a place for coffee and other beverages, sandwiches, snacks, and perhaps some soups and salads, prepared offsite but available daily. The building design will allow the café to be open even when the library is not, depending on the vendor’s preference.

We’re putting finishing touches on two feature areas, meant for lounging while reading, drinking coffee, and visiting with others.

One is our historic, two-sided natural gas fireplace area, with mantles that were once part of the historic Fullers Tavern, built between 1795-1805, and formerly located at the corner of Rt. 20 and Fuller Station Road. Our thanks to Nick Ragone of Guilderland Printing for donating the historic wood!

Next to the fireplace we are planning to mount the front door of the historic Dr. Crounse house in Altamont, along with its two sidelight windows. The door was part of this 1833 building, and witnessed the use of the home’s front lawn as a hospital for soldiers heading to and returning from the Civil War. We thank the Village of Altamont and the Town of Guilderland, along with restoration carpenter Tim Rau, for their assistance in harvesting the historic door.

Families: make sure to check our Events calendar at guilderlandlibrary.org frequently and register. Sign up for specific activities is available two weeks in advance, and each week features a different theme. SRP officially kicks off with Farm Week starting Tues. July 6, featuring an activity kit for grades 3-5 with all the materials needed to create your very own farm animal play set, and a family/all ages farm tour at Indian Ladder Farms Thurs. July 8 at 10:30 a.m. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for a variety of engaging storytimes, too!

More summer reading details for kids and teens may be found at:

https://guilderlandlibrary.org/srp and on our GPL Kids and Families Facebook page. For adult information, go to:

https://guilderlandlibrary.org/adultsrp.

As always, we thank you for your patience as we transform the library. It won’t be long now until we welcome you back–11 months ahead of schedule–to a library that will knock your socks off. We can’t wait to celebrate our return to serving you fully in person at Guilderland’s (new and improved) Gathering Place!

www.OurTowneGuilderland.com | Summer 2021

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Summer 2021 |

www.OurTowneGuilderland.com

Important Numbers 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

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Exquisite home in a lovely Guilderland neighborhood! This home has been steadily and lovingly updated over the years. BRAND NEW KITCHEN in 2019 includes tons of counter space & soft close cabinets, under-cabinet lighting and tile backsplash. Beautiful hardwoods in the main living area, lovely sixpanel doors, replacement windows and plenty of natural light throughout!

Both baths have granite counters and ceramic tile floors & showers. Bedrooms are generous in size. Primary bedroom adjoins main bath with TWO closets; California style closet in child’s room. Large bedroom and family room downstairs; separate laundry room with newer washer/dryer and newer hot water heater. Treed yard is beautifully landscaped with freshly painted deck and patio on lower level. MOVE RIGHT IN!!!

MA Schafer Construction has released its newest subdivision in Guilderland featuring 6 lots ranging from 3 acres to 6.01 acres. Beautiful views of the Helderberg Escarpment in the Guilderland school district. This Parade of Homes winning, custom home builder has many plans to offer and is always willing to customize to you. These homes, located in the Guilderland School District, will offer PUBLIC WATER.

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