February

March 6 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.

March 7 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 Washington.

March 12 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.

March 13 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.

March 15 at 10:30AM: Networking. Networking is your strategic tool for cultivating lasting relationships, fostering professional growth, and unlocking opportunities. Join us for an approachable journey to understanding networking. Facilitated by Warren and Albany.

March 21 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.

March 26 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 Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie.

March 26 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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Registration is required for this event. To register, please call The Ballston Community Public Library at 518-399-8174 or visit the website at bcpl.sals.edu.

During the 60-minute Narcan training presentation, participants will learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer nasal Narcan. Participants will receive a free Narcan rescue kit, which includes two doses of Narcan, a rescue breathing face shield, a certificate of training, a drug disposal system, and a mental health and substance use disorder resource guide.

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 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.

Residents who are unable to attend the training event can request an overdose rescue kit and view upcoming training events at www.saratogacountyny.gov/narcan.

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The program is a partnership between the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and the Saratoga County Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to connect Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPAs) with School Resource Officers (SROs) to assist students suffering from opioid and/or substance use disorders.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett (Clifton Park) said, “Unfortunately, Saratoga County is not immune to the devastating effects of the nation’s opioid crisis. While abstinence remains our main message to our younger residents, we recognize the need to help those struggling with addiction. This program leverages the knowledge and expertise of our SROs who work in our schools daily and offers students in need access to an empathetic peer advocate who can help guide them through recovery.”

The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors at its Board Meeting on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, approved a resolution for a two-year memorandum of understanding between the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and the Saratoga County Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for the use of $205,000 in regional abatement funds authorized from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). The Sheriff’s Office will use these funds to contract with the Healthy Capital District Initiative (HCDI) and with two Certified Peer Recovery Advocates to launch the school-based opioid and substance use support program.

Certified Recovery Peer Advocates facilitate outreach with individuals currently in an addiction treatment program or who may be considering treatment. Utilizing their recovery expertise, professional training, and lived experience, CRPAs boost individuals’ engagement in treatment and commitment to recovery. CPRAs can also connect students to community-based recovery supports consistent with treatment, recovery, and discharge plans.

Saratoga County Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo said, “As first responders, our deputies know the damaging effects the opioid crisis is having on our residents of all ages, which is why the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office is utilizing a variety of strategies and strategic partnerships with County departments and community organizations to address the epidemic. This initiative to bring Certified Peer Recovery Advocates and School Resource Officers together to help struggling students offers a unique way to provide professional support to our younger residents in need of recovery services.”

Michael S. Prezioso, Ph.D., Commissioner of the Saratoga County Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services said, “As Saratoga County residents continue to feel the effects of the opioid crisis, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is proud to continue its partnership with the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office to reduce the devastating consequences of addiction. By pairing CRPAs with School Resource Officers, existing relationships will become force multipliers in the effort to support recovery among younger members of our community.”

Pat McGrath, Superintendent of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District said, “I applaud the Board of Supervisors for the work they have done to provide this important program to our community. For several years, the School Resource Officer initiative has benefited schools across our county in numerous ways. This partnership will further support and enhance the resources available to our SROs and school administrators.”

The school-based opioid and substance use disorder support program is part of Saratoga County’s multi-department opioid epidemic prevention, education, treatment, and response efforts.

For more information about Saratoga County visit, www.saratogacountyny.gov.

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The following organizations were awarded grants:
• Old Saratoga Athletic Association was awarded $31,999 to purchase a vinyl storage garage.
• Schuylerville Lacrosse was awarded $6,917 for equipment, supplies, tournament fees and scholarships.
• Mechanicville Stillwater United Soccer Club was awarded $5,606 for field and gym rental, medical kits, and registration fees for low-income youth.
• Mechanicville Area Community Services Center was awarded $12,542 for infrastructure improvements, volleyball equipment and staffing.
• Mechanicville Stillwater Little League was awarded $15,000 for infrastructure improvements.
• Corinth Ice Hockey was awarded $18,000 for indoor ice rink rental and a temporary liner for an outdoor ice rink.
• Galway Baseball Softball League was awarded $18,160 for infrastructure improvements.

TEAM Sports funding is provided by the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services with funding from 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.

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

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Photo: Saratoga County Officials present checks to recipients of Saratoga County Youth Sports Teams Funding, Old Saratoga Athletic Association and Schuylerville Lacrosse. Pictured: Supervisor Tom Richardson of the City of Mechanicville, Supervisor Eric Butler of the Town of Corinth, Rebecca Robarge, Youth Program Coordinator at Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services, Sandra Cross, Director of Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services, Mike Prendergast of Old Saratoga Athletic Association, Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett, James Ducharme of Schuylerville Lacrosse, Supervisor Ian Murray of the Town of Saratoga, Supervisor J.D. Arnold of the Town of Galway, and Schuylerville Mayor Dan Carpenter.

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 will be available to seniors 65 years of age or older who reside in Saratoga County.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that everyone six-months and older get an influenza (flu) vaccine every season with rare exception.

Detailed information about influenza vaccine is available from CDC.

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At 1PM, representatives from the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services and the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley will make a presentation about the New York Connects Program. New York Connects is a locally based No Wrong Door (NWD) system that provides one stop access to free, objective, comprehensive information and assistance on long term services and supports for people of all ages or with any type of disability.

From 1:30-2PM, representatives from Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services will present “What’s new for 2024 with Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance” with a question-and-answer period.

The event takes place directly following the Dine and Gather program, which begins at noon. Reservations are required for Dine and Gather. Seniors who would like to attend lunch can call 518-884-4100 by noon the day before to make a reservation.

The Saratoga County Office for the Aging provides services for seniors throughout the County of Saratoga. These services create opportunities for active older people and meet the needs of those at risk of losing their independence. The Department provides older people with access to information and referral services, transportation, job and volunteer opportunities, senior center and day care center programs, congregate and home delivered meals, as well as case management and in-home services.

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

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Applications are due March 1, 2024 and are available on the Saratoga County website at www.saratogacountyny.gov/youth.

Those interested must participate in a pre-requisite swim at the Saratoga Springs YMCA (290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs) on March 9, 2024 at noon. This requirement will take approximately two hours. Participants will take part in swimming 300 to 500 yards continuously (depending on pool or waterfront certification), treading water hands-free, and retrieving a weight, both under time limits. Participants will be eligible to apply for sponsorship upon completion of these components.

Classes for the water skills portion of the Lifeguard Training will take place April 1st through 3rd from 9AM to 5PM. Additional classes will be announced for May and June.

Students will be certified in American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, AED and Water Rescue Skills. These classes will provide pool certification. Waterfront certification is available upon request and requires additional skills.

The program is provided through funding from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

For more information, please contact the Saratoga County Office of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4101 or visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/DAYS.

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The NaloxBox Program aims to address the opioid overdose crisis by providing public access to Naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.

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 Phil Barrett (Clifton Park) said, “Saratoga County is committed to combating the opioid epidemic through a multi-pronged approach that includes education, prevention, treatment, and response efforts. Through the NaloxBox Program, we are bringing resources to the community and empowering people to save lives. We are thankful to the Southern Adirondack Library System and their member libraries for their partnership in this important program that provides public access to life-saving Naloxone.”

NaloxBoxes may be found at any of the eleven public libraries (and one branch) in Saratoga County:

• Ballston Spa Public Library
• Ballston Community Public Library
• Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library
• Corinth Free Library
• Galway Public Library
• Mechanicville District Public Library
• Round Lake (Women’s Round Lake Improvement Society Library & Malta branch library)
• Saratoga Springs Public Library
• Schuylerville Public Library
• Stillwater Public Library
• Waterford Public Library

Commissioner of the Saratoga County Department of Health, Daniel Kuhles, MD MPH, stated, “The persistence of opioids and other illicit substances in our community represents an imminent threat to public health, which makes providing the community with access to potentially life-saving tools like naloxone, so important. We are thankful for this partnership with the Southern Adirondack Library System and their members in Saratoga County.”

“Public libraries are a vital community resource,” said Erica Freudenberger, the Outreach, Engagement, and Marketing consultant at the Southern Adirondack Library System. “We are committed to supporting community health and appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Saratoga County Health Department on this important initiative.”

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.

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 2022 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.

The Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS) is a voluntary association of 34 public libraries in Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. We work together to provide the best possible library services to residents of our region. For more information about SALS, visit https://salsblog.sals.edu/.

For more information about Saratoga County’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis, visit www.SaratogaCountyNY.gov/DOH.

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At 1PM, representatives from the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services and the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley will make a presentation about the New York Connects Program. New York Connects is a locally based No Wrong Door (NWD) system that provides one stop access to free, objective, comprehensive information and assistance on long term services and supports for people of all ages or with any type of disability.

From 1:30-2PM, representatives from Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services will present “What’s new for 2024 with Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance” with a question-and-answer period.

The event takes place directly following the Dine and Gather program, which begins at noon. Reservations are required for Dine and Gather. Seniors who would like to attend lunch can call 518-664-9884 Ext 317 by noon the day before to make a reservation.

The Saratoga County Office for the Aging and Youth Services provides services for seniors throughout the County of Saratoga. These services create opportunities for active older people and meet the needs of those at risk of losing their independence. The Department provides older people with access to information and referral services, transportation, job and volunteer opportunities, senior center and day care center programs, congregate and home delivered meals, as well as case management and in-home services.

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

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