January

BALLSTON SPA, NY — The Saratoga County Career Center in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers will hold the following free virtual career workshops in February:

February 1 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.

February 2 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.

February 8 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.

February 14 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.

February 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.

February 23 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.

February 28 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.

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 Employment and Training Office 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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CLIFTON PARK, NY — The Saratoga County Department of Health (SCDOH), in partnership with the Clifton Park and Halfmoon Emergency Corps (CPHM), will distribute free Naloxone Overdose Rescue Kits on Sunday, January 22, 2023 from 10AM to 2PM at the CPHM location at 15 Crossing Blvd, Clifton Park. The distribution event is open to the public and training will be provided.

Naloxone 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 also be called after using 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.

Individuals who are struggling with opioid addiction or who may have a loved one who is struggling with this addiction are encouraged to attend the event to receive a free kit and training, which takes approximately 15 minutes. Each kit includes two doses of naloxone, a pair of medical gloves, a rescue breathing face shield and a certificate of training. Residents who are unable to attend Sunday’s distribution can register to obtain an Overdose Rescue Kit here.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported a 30% increase in overdose deaths nationally and earlier this week, New York State Department of Health reported a 14% increase in overdose deaths in the state between 2020 and 2021. The SCDOH issued a Public Health Advisory in response to the identification of an increase in overdoses between January 13 and January 18 in the County. The Advisory can be viewed on the SCDOH webpage, here.

SCDOH and Saratoga County Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services have also developed a Substance Use and Mental Health Resource Directory that individuals and families can use to find area recovery and support resources. The directory is available here.

Saratoga County has made responding to the opioid epidemic a priority. The County has previously announced it will utilize Opioid Settlement Funds to expand efforts to mitigate the growing influence of drugs and addiction in our communities through a variety of innovative programs and investments. The County has multiple efforts underway to raise awareness of the dangers of substance abuse, to provide preventative and treatment measures to residents, and to provide law enforcement the tools and resources needed to combat the growing influence of drugs and alcohol in Saratoga County.

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BALLSTON SPA, NY — The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors reelected Theodore T. Kusnierz, Jr. (Moreau) as Chairman of the Board during its 2023 Organizational Meeting on January 4, 2023. This is Kusnierz’s third term as Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors.

Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Theodore T. Kusnierz, Jr. said, “It’s truly an honor to be elected to a third term as Chairman of the Board, and I appreciate the confidence my colleagues have placed in me to represent the interests of Saratoga County. Together, we have had great success by enacting policies that have made Saratoga County the fastest growing county in upstate New York, where our residents have the lowest real property tax rate and sales tax rate in the state. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure this incredible work continues on behalf of our residents and that Saratoga County remains an exceptional place to live work and visit.”

Kusnierz laid out his goals for 2023 during the Organizational Meeting of the Board of Supervisors.

Fighting the Scourge of Substance Abuse in Saratoga County:
Saratoga County will utilize Opioid Settlement Funds to expand efforts to mitigate the growing influence of drugs and addiction in our communities through a variety of innovative programs and investments. The County has multiple efforts underway to raise awareness of the dangers of substance abuse, to provide preventative and treatment measures to residents, and to provide law enforcement the tools and resources needed to combat the growing influence of drugs and alcohol in Saratoga County. Funds will also support programs through the County Mental Health and Addiction Services Office to assist those currently battling addiction and to help their families navigate the healthcare system, creating a stronger support system to those struggling with addiction and their families. Saratoga County received $884,509 in Opioid Settlement Funds in 2022.

Ensuring Public Health through Expansion of County Health Department:
The Saratoga County Department of Health expansion project will reach a significant milestone in 2023, as the Department takes over enforcement of regulations that protect the public’s health, safety, and environment related to food, water, and indoor air quality in restaurants, camps, pools, beaches, hotels, motels, and fairgrounds within Saratoga County. The Lead Prevention Program will begin during the first quarter of 2023.

Chairman Kusnierz stated the County will invest in the Department’s staffing, technology, and equipment needs to ensure they have the resources necessary to protect the health and wellbeing Saratoga County residents and visitors.

Promoting Heritage Tourism & the 250th Anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga:
Chairman Kusnierz stated the County will continue its support of the Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission, ensuring that the investments made during the commemorative period have a lasting impact on historic preservation and tourism in Saratoga County. The County will continue to support the Commission’s goals to promote public education of the important role our area played as America’s Turning Point; to increase heritage tourism in Saratoga County; and to improve infrastructure dedicated to historic sites.

Chairman Kusnierz also thanked the County workforce for their dedication in providing residents necessary services and programs. The Chairman also noted the county’s $30 million renovation to upgrade the County Airport will begin in 2023, signifying the County’s continuing commitment to investing in infrastructure, and stated that the County will expand its role in economic development during 2023, working with partners including SEDC, the Chambers of Commerce, SPAC, and NYRA.

Jean Raymond (Edinburg) was recognized as the longest serving Supervisor in Saratoga County’s history with 2023 marking her 36th year.

During the Organizational Meeting, the Board of Supervisors elected Jonathan Schopf (Clifton Park) as Vice-Chair; the Board adopted its 2023 rules and schedule of regular meetings; and several appointments to county boards were made.

The Board of Supervisors Law and Finance Committee was announced with Committee assignments to be announced at a later date.

To read the agenda and to view the webcast of the full meeting, please visit www.saratogacountyny.gov.

###Photo: Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Theodore T. Kusnierz, Jr. is joined by his wife Mary Ellen and daughter Jaqueline as he is sworn in by Saratoga County Clerk Craig A. Hayner on January 4, 2023.