August

The countywide distribution event is in partnership with the Saratoga County Department of Health, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the Saratoga County Office of Emergency Management, Healing Springs Recovery Center, and Saratoga Hospital.

Participants will receive a free Narcan rescue kit and learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer nasal Narcan, which takes approximately 10 minutes.

Locations and Hours are as follows:
• Ballston Lake EMS, 1123 Ballston Lake Rd. Ballston Lake, NY 12019; 10am-6pm
• Clifton Park-Halfmoon EMS, 15 Crossing Blvd. Clifton Park, NY 12065; By appointment only from 2pm-8pm. Call (518) 371-3880 x154 or Email
• Community Health Center, 24 Hamilton St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; 10am-6pm
• Day Town Hall, 1650 North Shore Rd. Hadley, NY 12835; 10am-3pm
• Edinburg EMS, 30 North Shore Rd. Edinburg, NY 12134; 2pm-6pm
• Galway Primary Care, 5344 Sacandaga Rd. Galway, NY 12074; 10am-6pm
• Healing Springs, 125 High Rock Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; 9am-8pm
• Jessups Landing, EMS 101 Sherman Ave. Corinth, NY 12822; 10am-6pm
• Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Dr. Ballston Spa, NY 12020; 10am-6pm
• Mechanicville Area Community Services Center, 6 S. Main St. Mechanicville, NY 12118; 10am-6pm
• Moreau Community Center, 144 Main St. South Glens Falls, NY 12803; 10am-6pm
• Moreau EMS, 1583 U.S. 9 Fort Edward, NY 12828; 10am-6pm
• O’Brien Pharmacy, 4 Front St. Ballston Spa, NY 12020; 10am-6pm
• Saratoga Hospital (Emergency Room), 211 Church St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; By appointment only from 8am-4pm. Call (518) 429-3569
• Saratoga Springs Fire Department, 60 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; 10am-5pm
• Schuylerville Primary Care, 200 Broad St. Schuylerville, NY 12871; 10am-6pm
• Waterford EMS, 46 4th St. Waterford, NY 12188; 12pm-6pm
• Wellspring, 2816 U.S. 9 Malta, NY 12020; 10am-6pm
• Wilton Primary Care, 3065 NY-50 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; 10am-6pm

Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, is a safe medication that can save someone’s life by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone only works on opioids, such as heroin, prescription pain medications and fentanyl, but it is safe to use even if opioids are not present. 911 should always be called after administering Naloxone. New York State’s Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.

For more information, visit the website at www.saratogacountyny.gov/narcan/

###

Because of recent changes in New York State Law, certain permit holders are required to recertify their pistol permit with the State Police every three years instead of five. Those who had permits issued before September 1, 2020, MUST RECERTIFY ONLINE BY AUGUST 31, 2023.

For more information, go to: https://gunsafety.ny.gov/pistol-permit-recertification.

The recertification process is overseen by the NY State Police and can only be done online here:
https://firearms.troopers.ny.gov/pprecert/welcome.faces.

###

The first of its kind in Saratoga County, the Clerk’s Office is offering these extended hours as a convenience to those whose schedules make it difficult to visit the office to apply for a passport during regular business hours.

“We realize not everyone who needs to obtain a passport for an upcoming trip is able to come into the office during our daytime hours,” County Clerk Craig Hayner said. “We are excited to offer this opportunity for busy families and individuals to apply for their passports with the assistance of our knowledgeable staff at a time that is more convenient.”

To book an appointment slot, call the County Clerk’s office at 518-885-2213.

Application forms will be available, and photos can be taken on site. Those planning to attend can also download a copy of the passport application in advance at www.travel.state.gov and fill them out ahead of time. However, the applications must be signed in front of an acceptance agent at the Clerk’s Office.

Applicants should bring:
• An original or a certified copy of their birth certificate with a raised seal and, if possible, a photocopy (front and back)
• Their photo ID and, if possible, a photocopy (front and back)
• A check or money order (one per passport application) made out to the Department of State to cover the application fee. (See below for details.)
• Cash or separate check to cover the processing fees and passport photos (if having them taken on site)

Applicants should also have the places and dates of birth of their parents so they can complete the passport application. Children younger than 18 must have both parents present when applying.

Passport fees are as follows:
• Passport books — $130 for adult applications and $100 for children under the age of 16.
• Passport cards — $30 for adults and $15 for children under the age of 16. (Note that they are only good for land travel to Canada and Mexico.)
• Processing fee — $35 for each application
• Passport photos — $10
• Expedited service — $60 per applicant

Current processing times are about 10-14 weeks or 7-9 weeks for expedited applications. However, processing times can vary.

Passport renewals for those over 16 must be mailed by the applicant, however, the required new photo can be obtained at the County Clerk’s Office.

Regular hours for passport services are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

For more information, visit the website at https://www.saratogacountyny.gov/departments/county-clerk/passport/

###

Saratoga County Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo said, “During an emergency response incident, having effective, efficient command and communications capabilities is critical for public safety and successful response efforts. This new Mobile Command Vehicle will provide us the flexibility to bring the full capabilities of the Sheriff’s Office anywhere in the County, allowing us to engage in operations that might otherwise be impossible. I thank the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors and Assemblywoman Woerner for their continued support of our public safety efforts.”

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Theodore T. Kusnierz, Jr. said, “My colleagues and I on the Board of Supervisors proudly support the Sheriff’s Office acquisition of this Mobile Command Vehicle, which will provide emergency management staff and deputies a stable, self-contained command center anywhere in the County our residents may need them. I extend our gratitude to Assemblymember Carrie Woerner for facilitating the grant that made purchase of this vehicle possible.”

“Our Emergency Services and First Responders are a critical resource to the people of Saratoga County, and I am pleased to have been able to support their efforts by securing state funding for a new Mobile Command Vehicle,” said Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner.

The MCV will serve as an on-scene command post, allowing for surveillance, communications support, and mobile dispatching during incidents requiring long term deployment of emergency resources. These may include natural or man-made disasters, missing persons searches, hazmat responses, and similar incidents.  The vehicle can also be used for special security events, emergency service exercises, and community outreach events.

The vehicle can be deployed anywhere in the county and is equipped with everything emergency management staff need to do their jobs effectively from the field.

The MCV’s High Power User Equipment (HPUE) provides a range of features that staff can use to increase communications coverage, improve data speed, and enhance security during an emergency. These features are especially beneficial when in rural areas or during large-scale events where there is a high volume of people using cell phones; when transferring or receiving large amounts of data or files; and for protecting sensitive information.

Additional MVC features include:

• Radio with the ability to talk on marine, aircraft, on primary and back-up talk groups, and on national inter-op channels

• Three computer positions outfitted with video conferencing and access to computer-aided dispatch
• Weather station to provide real-time monitoring of events
• Capabilities to extend WiFi and cellular networks from all of the major providers
• Ability to collect and share real-time video and photograph information from a scene
• Mast-mounted camera allowing for situational awareness
• Primary generator power, which runs vehicle and ancillary support equipment in support of long duration events
• Mobile phone stations that allow for dedicated command post lines
• Community access television

The MCV was paid for by a $250,000 grant facilitated by Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner.  Saratoga County was provided a State and Municipal Facilities Program (SAM) grant from the NYS Dormitory Authority for the specific purpose in purchasing a new Mobile Command Vehicle.  In 2021, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to purchase this 2022 Mercedes Mobile Command Vehicle for $241,815.  The remainder of the grant was used to outfit the MCV to make it fully operational.

###

The Saratoga County Animal Shelter currently houses 24 incredible dogs, each with their own unique personality and charm, ready to bring immeasurable happiness to their future families. In addition, there are a diverse range of more than 50 adorable cats, all longing for a loving and caring environment to call their own.

To ensure a smooth adoption process, potential adopters should fill out the application ahead of time at the Saratoga County Animal Shelter’s website (https://saratogacountyanimalshelter.com/adopter-profile/). This will help shelter staff and volunteers understand potential adopters’ preferences and match them with the perfect companion.

Dog Gone Adoption Day is a family-friendly event where attendees can spend quality time with the shelter’s furry friends, interact with dedicated staff, and participate in educational activities. Please note that while shelter staff and volunteers love all pets, they kindly request that attendees do not bring pets to the event. To streamline the adoption process during this event, the shelter will accept cash or check payments only.

Before attending Dog Gone Adoption Day, potential adopters are encouraged visit the Saratoga County Animal Shelter website for a sneak peek of the adoptable dogs to become familiarized with the dogs and their profiles.

For more information visit www.saratogacountyanimalshelter.com.

###

Inspired by the life-saving concept of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), the NaloxBox serves as a public emergency intervention tool that houses multiple prepackaged doses of nasal naloxone spray. Like an AED, bystanders can freely access the box and its contents to help save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Theodore T. Kusnierz, Jr. said, “We’ve made fighting the opioid epidemic a top priority here in Saratoga County. The NaloxBox program is another example of what the county is doing as part of our education, prevention, treatment, and response efforts to mitigate the growing influence of drugs and addiction in our communities. We are thankful to our partners at SPAC for their support and use of this important program that empowers people to save lives.”

Health and Human Services Committee Chair and Clifton Park Supervisor Phil Barrett said, “This collaborative effort between Saratoga County and SPAC reinforces the County’s commitment to combatting the opioid crisis, working alongside valued partners like SPAC and the entire community. By raising awareness of opioid use and providing those who live and visit Saratoga County the tools necessary to intervene effectively during an opioid overdose, we can help save lives.”

SPAC has installed four NaloxBoxes within its premises. These NaloxBoxes are placed in the venue’s restrooms located in The Pines building and The Pinecones building. With these NaloxBoxes in place, this initiative will play a crucial role in increasing public access to Naloxone and providing SPAC’s patrons the tools necessary to assist during potential medical emergencies arising from opioid overdoses.

Commissioner of the Saratoga County Department of Health, Daniel Kuhles, M.D., M.P.H., said, “Similar to national and state trends, Saratoga County regretfully continues to witness alarming rates of opioid-related overdoses and deaths. The data highlight the urgency of enhancing access to opioid overdose response tools such as NaloxBoxes. Community partnerships, like this one with SPAC, allows us to make naloxone available where and when it may be needed.”

Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center said, “We applaud our colleagues at the County for the work they are doing to mitigate the growing influence of drugs and addiction in our communities, and we are glad to be partnering with them on these potentially life-saving measures.”

The Saratoga County Department of Health’s distribution of NaloxBoxes to SPAC is the first step in the County’s larger NaloxBox distribution program.

Saratoga County is utilizing its Department of Health’s Substance Use Surveillance System for a data driven approach to identify optimal locations for NaloxBox placements throughout Saratoga County. The County’s Department of Health will distribute a total of 35 NaloxBoxes to community organizations, businesses, and towns for installation in public spaces countywide. The program’s cost of $9,134 was paid for with Opioid Settlement Funds.

To date in 2023, there have been 30 drug-related overdose fatalities in Saratoga County, a 30% increase from this time in 2022.  Additionally in 2023, the 12866 zip code (Saratoga Springs), has experienced 109 non-fatal and fatal drug-related overdoses. To view real-time substance use surveillance data, visit the Saratoga County Substance Use Surveillance Dashboard at https://savealifeto.day.

Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, is a safe medication that can save someone’s life by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. It only works on opioids, such as heroin, prescription pain medications and fentanyl, but it is safe to use even if opioids are not present. 911 should always be called after administering Naloxone. New York State’s Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.

Saratoga County has received approximately $1,156,700. in Opioid Settlement Funds since last year and has dedicated its use to a multi-agency approach between the Saratoga County Department of Health, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Sheriff’s Office to provide prevention, education, treatment and response services and programs to fight the effects of the opioid epidemic in our communities.

For more information about Saratoga County’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis, visit the Department of Health webpage at www.saratogacountyny.gov.

###

The Emergency Order creates a prohibition on illegal shelters and temporary housing within the County of Saratoga. Specifically, it prohibits municipalities outside of Saratoga County from establishing a shelter or temporary housing in Saratoga County without adhering to the requirements of all applicable federal, state, and local statutes, laws, regulations, and rules and prohibits the operation of such a facility without the written permission of the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Saratoga County. In addition, the Order states the municipality establishing such facility must engage in a plan acceptable to the County for the long-term welfare and security of persons residing in and coming to Saratoga County.

The Order also prohibits owners and operators of any location within the County of Saratoga from entering into an agreement with a municipality or entity that would violate the provisions of the Emergency Order or cause any other person to violate the Order.

The purpose of the Emergency Order is to ensure the life, liberty, and property of the people of Saratoga County, including those intended to reside in any facility described in the Order, are preserved.

The penalty for violating the Order is a Class B misdemeanor as described by NYS Executive Law §24(5).

Saratoga County Administrator Steve Bulger said, “We have been closely watching the grossly mismanaged response to New York City’s homeless migrant crisis by the City of New York and their contractor. While no one faults the individuals seeking a better life here in the United States, the lack of communication and coordination from New York City with counties across the State, including surrounding municipalities here in the Capital Region, has created utter chaos for local governments and the people they claim to be helping. It is not the responsibility of Saratoga County to inherit the failures of another municipality or the federal government. The purpose of this Emergency Order is to prevent other municipalities from imposing their own policies, costs, and responsibilities onto Saratoga County and to protect the health and safety of those within Saratoga County.”

Following media reports of other communities being impacted by health threats stemming from New York City’s relocation program, Saratoga County is assuring concerned residents that there is no increased threat in the County and that the epidemiologists, nurses and sanitarians in its Department of Health actively conduct surveillance for communicable diseases and other health risks each day.

Saratoga County Commissioner of Health, Daniel Kuhles, MD, MPH said, “The Department of Health’s most fundamental responsibility is to protect the health and safety of its residents. Since any plan produced by New York City or other municipality would include the advance sharing of any and all information pertinent to protecting the public health, the County’s Emergency Order offers an important layer of protection for the health and safety of our communities and the capacity of our local healthcare system.”

The County’s Emergency Order is available at www.saratogacountyny.gov.

WHAT: America’s Turning Point’s summer speaker series, Revolution on the Hudson.

WHO: America’s Turning Point, Saratoga County, Village of Schuylerville, Speaker: Bruce Venter.

WHEN: August 1, 6PM. Speaker will begin at 7PM.

WHERE: Hudson Crossing Park County Road 42 Schuylerville, NY.

NOTES:
Speaker Bruce Venter will present “Burgoyne Victorious: Fort Ticonderoga to Hubbardton and Skenesborough.”

Please bring your own chairs to the events. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated to support future events.

The event features 18th-century living Historian, Anne Clothier, who will be discussing the plight of female Loyalists and provide demonstrations before the speaker program begins at 7PM. Children will have the opportunity to try out 18th century toys and games, along with replica colonial clothing.

These events will take place outdoors. In case of inclement weather, the program will be cancelled.

For more information, visit saratoga250.com or contact the Saratoga County 250th Commission at Email or by phone at 518-884-4749.

The event is open to the public and media.

###