December

Saratoga County residents ages 60 and older are invited to celebrate at their local Dine and Gather location. Reservations are required and must be made at least one day in advance by noon. Those interested must contact their preferred location to make a reservation.

January 3 at 10AM: Resume Development. This workshop presents the basics of a powerful and effective cover letter including formatting, tailoring to the job, and getting through the online application process to land an interview. Please have a rough draft of your resume with you. Facilitated by Rensselaer & Columbia-Greene.

January 4 at 11AM: Transferable Skills. Transferable skills are qualities you have already acquired that can be used in a different job. Learn how to make employers see the connection between your qualities and the skillset needed to do the job and market yourself as the solution to an employer’s problem. Facilitated by Warren and Albany.

January 9 at 10:30AM: Interview Preparation. Learn how to articulate your strengths, what questions to expect, how to address difficult topics, and ace the interviewing process. Facilitated by Schenectady.

January 10 at 10AM: Goal Setting. This workshop explores how goal setting works, why goals are important, and provides helpful resources to get you started to reach your dreams. Facilitated by Washington and Albany.

January 16 at 11AM: Completing Job Applications. Statistics show approximately 50% of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system to screen candidates for job opportunities. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. Facilitated by Warren and Washington.

January 23 at 11AM: Overcoming Barriers. Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Whether you’re facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns or more, this
workshop will provide you with resources and strategies to help you meet your goals. Facilitated by Saratoga and Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie.

January 25 at 1:30PM: Social Media. Your social media presence can make or break your ability to find a job. Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted. Facilitated by Schenectady.

Registration is required for all workshops. Visit https://thejoblink.org/calendar/ to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at (518) 884-4170 for more information. The workshops are offered as part of the Saratoga County Career Center’s WorkPays! workforce education campaign.

The Saratoga County Department of Workforce Development provides comprehensive training and employment services to residents through its Career Center and works with local businesses to attract and retain the local workforce.

The Greater Capital Region Career Centers is a group of local county and city-based Career Centers and partners that coordinate services to address the workforce needs of the Greater Capital Region by providing a variety of career and workforce resources, training opportunities, and more. Members include Capital Region Workforce New York; Columbia-Green Workforce NY; City of Albany Career Center; L.E.A.P; Rensselaer County Career Center; Saratoga County Career Center; Schenectady County Connects; Warren County Career Center; Workforce Solutions System of Fulton, Montgomery, Schoharie Counties.

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Saratoga County residents ages 60 and older are invited to celebrate at their local Dine and Gather location. Reservations are required and must be made at least one day in advance by noon. Those interested must contact their preferred location to make a reservation.

Winterfest Locations and Dates:
• January 2nd-Halfmoon Senior Center (518) 371-3892
• January 4th-Mechanicville Senior Center (518) 664-9884 ext 317
• January 9th-Milton Community Center (518) 288-3952
• January 11th-Clifton Park Senior Community Center (518) 383-1343
• January 16th-Moreau Community Center (518) 792-6007
• January 18th-Corinth Senior Center (518) 654-2040
• January 23rd-Galway Town Hall (518) 921-8799
• January 25th-Saratoga Senior Center (518) 884-4100

Lunch is served on site at 12PM. “To Go” meals are not available.

Seniors with questions may contact Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4100.

For more information about the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services, please visit www.SaratogaCountyNY.gov/.

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Appointments are required and can be made by calling 518-885-2276. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.

While there is no out of pocket cost to seniors, health insurance information will be collected during the registration process.

Fluzone High-Dose Influenza vaccine and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will be available to seniors 65 years of age or older who reside in Saratoga County. Seniors may choose to receive both vaccines or just one.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that everyone aged five years and older get one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19 and everyone six-months and older get an influenza (flu) vaccine every season with rare exception.

Detailed information about COVID-19 vaccine, influenza vaccine, and co-administration of both vaccines is available from CDC.

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The County has a total of $111,278 available for eligible youth sports teams with individual grants of up to $50,000 available. Eligible entities include community-based organizations and nonprofits. Schools and units of Government are not eligible to apply. Grants can be spent on team sports or team sports infrastructure.

To apply for a grant, please complete the application for Youth Sports Funding on the Youth Services page of the county website. The application, along with all required attachments, must be submitted to the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services by December 29, 2023.

A “team sport” is defined as an organized physical activity in which groups of two or more individuals are in competition with two or more opposing individuals. Sporting activities where individuals engage in competition on behalf of an organized group (such as singles tennis, team golf, or racing sports such as swimming or skiing) are included in this definition. This may include educational instruction necessary to prepare youth to participate in team sports.

These funds are provided by the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). A new fund was created under OCFS in the state fiscal year 2023-2024 budget to provide awards to support youth team sports programs for underserved youth under age 18. Repeat funding from the State is not guaranteed.

The Department of Aging and Youth Services will review and evaluate each proposal for cost-effectiveness, impact, and measurable outcomes. They will also look to ensure each project serves a large cross-section of youth from different age groups and geographic areas in Saratoga County.
Youth Team Sports funding awards are guided by the following principles:
• Educational Connection and Achievement
• Physical Health and Well-Being
• Mental Health and Well-Being
• Employment
• Community Cohesion

Funding decisions and awards will be based on New York State guidelines. More information is available on the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services webpage at www.SaratogaCountyNY.gov.

For more information, contact the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4100.

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The 8% property tax rate cut keeps the levy within the state’s property tax cap and continues to provide Saratoga County homeowners the lowest property tax rate in the State at $1.95 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The County makes a conservative sales tax revenue projection for 2024 of $165 million, amidst higher inflation and uncertainty in future consumer spending habits. This is a decrease of $5 million compared with expected 2023 revenues.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Theodore T. Kusnierz, Jr. (Moreau) said, “On behalf of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, I’m proud to present the 2024 Budget to our residents. This budget underscores the County’s commitment to conservative fiscal policies that help residents keep more of their money in their own pockets while continuing to make significant investments in important services and programs that help make Saratoga County one of the safest and healthiest places to live in New York State.”

2024 Budget continues to make investments in vital services and programs for the residents of Saratoga County including:

• Nearly $57 million in robust investments in public safety including personnel, technology, and equipment to build upon Saratoga County’s longstanding ranking as one of New York State’s safest communities and support officials’ increased obligations stemming from changes in New York State public safety laws.
• More than $3 million for Emergency Services communications upgrades and fire training support for volunteer firefighters throughout Saratoga County.
• More than $2 million investment in a broadband expansion project to provide high-speed broadband expansion to the towns of Corinth, Day, Edinburg, Hadley, and Providence, utilizing federal ARPA funds, to open opportunities for underserved residents of our northern corridor.
• More than $1.3 million in investments in economic development and tourism programs to maintain Saratoga County’s status as a cultural, entertainment, and industry destination for travelers and businesses worldwide.

Additional budget highlights include significant investments in aging and youth services, open space preservation, workforce development programs, and continued support to address the opioid epidemic.

The adopted 2024 budget can be viewed at www.SaratogaCountyNY.gov.

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Appointments are required and can be made by calling 518-885-2276. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.

While there is no out of pocket cost to seniors, health insurance information will be collected during the registration process.

Fluzone High-Dose Influenza vaccine and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will be available to seniors 65 years of age or older who reside in Saratoga County. Seniors may choose to receive both vaccines or just one.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that everyone aged five years and older get one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19 and everyone six-months and older get an influenza (flu) vaccine every season with rare exception.

Detailed information about COVID-19 vaccine, influenza vaccine, and co-administration of both vaccines is available from CDC.

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The community-managed forest is owned by the County and maintained by local land trust Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature). Stretching across 200+ acres and containing over five miles of multi-use trails, this forest will be a recreational hub for the surrounding communities offering a space for environmental education and economic benefits for the region – all while helping to permanently protect the ecological value and resilience of the southern foothills of the Adirondacks, an area vital for regional natural resource connectivity.

Nestled amid the picturesque landscapes of the Palmertown Range and within the Towns of Wilton and Greenfield, GRCF is designed to cater to outdoor enthusiasts, offering various activities such as hiking, mountain biking, trail running, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, birdwatching, nature photography, and more. This accessible trail system is located just a few miles from downtown Saratoga Springs.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the Graphite Range Community Forest to our community and visitors alike,” said Theodore T. Kusnierz, Jr., Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors (Moreau). “The trail is a welcome addition to Saratoga County’s already robust trail system. Our goal is to promote an appreciation for the natural beauty in our region while fostering a sense of camaraderie among outdoor enthusiasts. We believe this trail will become a beloved destination for years to come. We thank the Winter family, Saratoga PLAN, GRCF advisory committee, and the many community members who made this project possible.”

Key features of the Graphite Range Community Forest include:
1. Scenic Beauty: The trail winds through lush forest, a meadow, and along babbling streams, offering breathtaking views of the local flora and fauna.
2. Historic Features: Visitors will enjoy first-hand this historic, geological treasure. Between 1908-1922, part of the property was used for mining graphite. Traces of the operation are still visible, including mine shaft openings.
3. Diverse Terrain: With a mix of gently sloping paths and challenging ascents, this trail offers terrain to suit every level of hiker and mountain biker.
4. Accessibility: Designed with inclusivity in mind, GRCF boasts well-maintained paths for visitors with varying physical abilities.
5. Safety First: Safety is a top priority at the GRCF, with clearly marked routes and well-designed trails to ensure a secure and enjoyable outdoor experience.

Supervisor Joe Grasso (Charlton), Chair of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Trails and Open Space Committee said, “The opening of the Graphite Range Community Forest is a fine example of Saratoga County’s long-standing commitment to preserving our county’s open space and creating outdoor recreational opportunities for our residents and visitors of all ages. I thank all our partners for their collaboration and steadfast work in developing a unique trail system our community members will enjoy for generations.”

Supervisor John Lant (Wilton) said, “The opening of the Graphite Range Community Forest brings an exciting opportunity for Wilton residents to experience nature and history close to home. Its convenient trailhead located off Route 9 offers a gateway to nature while providing trail users access to nearby restaurants and businesses.”

Supervisor Kevin Veitch (Greenfield) said, “Greenfield residents will have additional opportunities to get outdoors this winter with the opening of the Graphite Range Community Forest. Whether hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, the new trail offers ample recreational opportunities for families and residents of all ages.”

Robert K. Davies, Executive Director of Saratoga PLAN said, “We’re happy to have been a part of such a unique and collaborative conservation project. Conservation is a team sport, and this project is no exception. GRCF is the culmination of many years and multiple partners coming together. We congratulate and thank the vision of the Winter Family and Saratoga County’s willingness to acquire and own such a unique forest project. We also thank Saratoga County for trusting PLAN to manage this valuable asset for the benefit of the entire region. GRCF will serve as a gateway to the Adirondack Foothills and is an important piece of the puzzle in realizing the Sarah B. Foulke Friendship Trails network envisioned by the Palmertown Partners to connect Saratoga Springs to Moreau State Park. Saratoga PLAN, along with all the Graphite Range partners, is excited to see this Community Forest become a premier outdoor recreation destination and a forest for the entire community.”

Molly Kalil, member of the GRCF Advisory Committee said, “Over the past two years, members of the GRCF Advisory Committee have worked together to develop a management plan supporting a variety of community groups, local organizations, conservation efforts and outdoor activities this 200+ acre property will soon serve. It’s very exciting to watch it unfold and to know that soon these trails will be open for so many people to enjoy. The GRCF Advisory Committee represents a diverse demographic from youth organizations like Open Air Sports and Saratoga Shredders to environmental educators, geologists, historians, and local outdoor enthusiasts. We’ve had the privilege of working with neighboring property owners, including Skidmore College and the DEC, to create a recreational hub for the surrounding area. We sincerely appreciate the vision of the Winter Family and the work of Saratoga PLAN, OSI and Saratoga County to bring this property to life.”

“GRCF will remain forested forever because of the Community Forest Program (CFP) and the dedicated efforts of our conservation partners,” said Neal Bungard, Eastern Region Community Forest and Open Space Program Manager with the USDA Forest Service. “Not only is the land now protected from conversion to non-forest uses, but it will be managed by a community involved and supported CFP, which will ensure that any activity on the property is conducted in furtherance of the CFP while continuing to provide the many public benefits this forest provides to the local community.”

Tatum Justice, Northeast Land Project Manager at the Open Space Institute (OSI) said, “The Open Space Institute celebrates the Winter family for their vision and commitment to this project, and our partners at Saratoga PLAN and Saratoga County. We also thank the U.S. Forest Service’s Community Forest Program for making it possible to utilize federal resources to improve communities. Finally, we thank the GRCF Advisory Committee, which filled a critical need in defining what this forest could mean to the community. Stepping onto the land of the Graphite Range Community Forest allows us to see the efforts of these diverse groups and people coalescing into a landmark moment for this region, one that will provide multifaceted benefits to visitors of all interest areas and abilities. We at the Open Space Institute hope the creation of this community forest brings a new relevance to the act of conservation and the impact people can have when we work together toward a shared and worthy goal.”

GRCF stands on land that the Winter family generously sold to Saratoga County through what’s known as a “bargain sale.” This unique method combines the sale of land at a decreased price with a charitable donation (the value between the fair market price and sale price). The project was then funded using a mix of grants and private donations, including a $120,000 grant from the Saratoga County Farmland and Open Space Program, a $391,000 grant from the U.S. Forestry Service, and over $215,000 from private donors. Alongside this, OSI, Saratoga PLAN, and the GRCF Advisory Committee provided considerable support. The project’s cost of nearly $1 million was significantly offset by these grants and private donations.

Former landowners Ethan and Anne Winter said, “This project has been a labor of love, inspired by tremendous community support and generous contributions from nearly 200 families and local businesses. We thank Saratoga County, Open Space Institute, Saratoga PLAN and the USDA Community Forest Program for sharing the vision and making public access possible. Our family also wishes to recognize the trail volunteers, gracious neighbors, and many skilled hands who helped to install the new trails, bridges, fences, boardwalks, markers, interpretive signage, and parking area. We hope Graphite Range Community Forest can be a catalyst for more multi-use trails that get people outside in nature and build support for strategic land conservation in our area. It all about Community building trails, and Trails building community.”

For more information about Saratoga County trails, please visit www.SaratogaCountyNY.gov/trails.

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Lunches are served at noon Monday through Friday. Those interested can make reservations beginning Wednesday, December 6^th by signing up at the Saratoga Senior Center or by calling the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-363-4020. Reservations are required.  “To Go” meals are not available.

The Gather and Dine program is part of the Saratoga County Office for the Aging and Youth Services Senior Nutrition Program. Gather and Dine sites include senior centers and town halls throughout Saratoga County.

For more information about the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services, please visit www.SaratogaCountyNY.gov.

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While there is no out of pocket cost to seniors, health insurance information will be collected during the registration process.

Fluzone High-Dose Influenza vaccine and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will be available to seniors 65 years of age or older who reside in Saratoga County. Seniors may choose to receive both vaccines or just one.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that everyone aged five years and older get one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19 and everyone six-months and older get an influenza (flu) vaccine every season with rare exception.

Detailed information about COVID-19 vaccine, influenza vaccine, and co-administration of both vaccines is available from CDC.

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