March

April 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.

April 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 Washington.

April 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.

April 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.

April 18 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.

April 19 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.

April 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 Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie.

April 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.

April 30 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.

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.

###

During this event, Saratoga County Department of Health staff will offer free Narcan training and distribute Narcan rescue kits. In addition, the Clifton Park-Halfmoon EMS will provide first aid demonstrations and CPR information with demonstration dolls, practice mats as well as other activities for the younger audiences.

This event is in partnership with the Saratoga County Department of Health, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Clifton Park-Halfmoon EMS, the Town of Clifton Park, and the Clifton Park Center Mall.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Phil Barrett (Clifton Park) said, “On behalf of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, I encourage residents of all ages to attend Health and Safety Day at the Clifton Park Center Mall. Attendees will enjoy health-focused interactive activities and receive valuable information as part of our Healthy Saratoga County initiative. Thank you to our partners Clifton Park-Halfmoon EMS, The Clifton Park Center Mall, Saratoga County Department of Health, and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office for joining the County and Town to bring this event to our residents. Together, we can foster a healthier Saratoga County.”

As Chairman of the Board, Barrett created the Healthy Saratoga County initiative to promote health and safety for a stronger Saratoga County. The initiative aims to provide residents with tools and information about healthy living.

About Narcan Training:
Participants will learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer nasal Narcan, which takes approximately 10 minutes. 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 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 about Narcan and future training events, visit: www.saratogacountyny.gov/narcan.

###

The three-day event will be held during school spring break on April 2 through 4, 2024 from 11AM to 4PM at Gavin Park in Saratoga Springs and is open to Saratoga County youth ages 6 to 17. Saratoga County residents are encouraged to sign up on the County’s website at www.saratogacountyny.gov/youth.

This event is sponsored by Saratoga County Department of Aging & Youth Services as part of the County’s recognition of Youth Month and aims to promote physical fitness and teamwork among youth.

Participants will be grouped by age and will receive a complimentary t-shirt upon arrival. The clinic will feature a skills demonstration and a Double Dutch competition on April 4th from 2:30PM to 4PM, which family, friends, and community members are invited to attend. The Commissioner of the American Double Dutch League has been invited for the last day of the competition.

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, participants are advised to wear comfortable, athletic clothing and sneakers. It is also recommended to bring a water bottle each day and a bagged lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday. Lunch will be provided on Thursday.

It is recommended to register as a group; however, each participating youth requires their own registration form. Please note that children cannot be dropped off without supervision. Space is limited to the first 100 youth.

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

###

The Saratoga County Animal Shelter currently houses 20 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 10 adorable cats, all longing for a loving and caring environment to call their own. There are also six guinea pigs available for adoption!

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.

The Blooming Bonds Adoption Day Event is a family-friendly event where attendees can spend quality time with the shelter’s furry friends and interact with dedicated staff. 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. The shelter also encourages people to bring dog or cat food or cat litter to the adoption event for donation to a local food pantry. The Saratoga County Animal Shelter regularly partners with area food pantries to provide items that help keep pets in their homes.

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

For more information visit www.saratogacountyanimalshelter.com.

###

The collection of individual-size personal care items and snack foods will run from March 15 through April 7 and will be donated to the Blue Star Mothers of America NY-2 to put together and send “Freedom Boxes” to local troops serving abroad. The donation drive is held in conjunction with the annual celebration of New York State’s Yellow Ribbon Day, which takes place April 9 and is designated as a day to honor active-duty troops and their families.

In addition to municipal locations across the county, Hannaford Stores in Saratoga County are again participating, serving as drop-off points for donations.

Saratoga County Clerk Hayner said the impact each package can have on the military member who receives it reinvigorates him for the launch of every Yellow Ribbon Day Donation Drive. “Our troops serving overseas make great sacrifices on our behalf every day. By contributing to this effort, we can provide members of our military with a few comforts of home as they protect our freedom from many miles away,” Hayner said. “I hope this year we can really ramp up the donations and ensure the Blue Star Mothers can meet and even exceed the demand for these special care packages.”

Donna Abare, president of Blue Star Mothers of America-NY 2, said the prices of everything have gone up, and they currently have very little inventory on hand. However, the demand for “Freedom Boxes” is still high. “It has become much more difficult to fill boxes, but the need is still so tremendous,” she said.

She said the Yellow Ribbon Day Donation Drive is incredibly important to the Blue Star Mothers because it typically enables them to do a large-scale packing in May. They hope this year’s drive will help them meet their goal of sending 300 boxes.

“Somebody’s child is out there putting their life on the line for us to be able to continue to enjoy the freedoms we have today. The least we can do is to support them in a small way,” Abare said, adding that when it comes to donating, no effort is too small. “It’s about caring enough to contribute in some way. Our military members love getting everything we put in the boxes, but what they love most is knowing that they are not forgotten.”

Frank McClement, director of the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency, said he knows from personal experience what receiving a package while deployed far from home can do to boost morale. “What the ‘Freedom Boxes’ do for our troops goes way beyond providing snacks and personal-care items. The packages also send a message to our service men and women that we care about them and value their service,” McClement said. “Please join us in this important effort to support our local troops.”

Donations can include non-perishable items like cookie and cracker snack packages, microwavable soup cups, fruit snacks, granola bars, and beef jerky, as well as personal care items such as insect repellent wipes, body wash (small), lip balm, puzzle books, and more.

Donated goods can be dropped off at the following locations during regular business hours:
• DMV offices in Saratoga County (located in Ballston Spa, Clifton Park and Wilton)
• Saratoga County Clerk’s Office, 40 McMaster St., Ballston Spa
• Veterans Service Agency, 2144 Doubleday Ave., Suite 15, Ballston Spa
• Saratoga County Hannaford stores
• Various town and village offices in Saratoga County (Call to see if your local municipality has a collection box.)

Monetary donations are also accepted. As a reference, it costs $18 postage to send each “Freedom Box”. The cost to fill one box is about $45, so a $63 donation covers the cost of filling and sending one box. Checks can be made payable to Blue Star Mothers of America-NY 2 and sent to PO Box 243, Delmar, NY 12054. Please write “In honor of Yellow Ribbon Day” in the memo section. To donate through PayPal, go to www.paypal.com/fundraiser/hub and search “Blue Star Mothers of America-NY2”.

All items collected during the drive will be presented to the Blue Star Mothers during a Yellow Ribbon Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, at the Veterans Memorial, 162 Route 236, Halfmoon. The public is welcome to attend, and donations also can be brought to this event.

For more information, please visit the Saratoga County Clerk’s Facebook page, @saratogacountyclerk, which will be updated throughout the donation drive.

###

This event is part of the County’s recognition of Youth Month and aims to promote physical fitness and teamwork among the youth.

The Double Dutch Jump Rope Clinic is a three-day event during spring break where participants will learn how to Double Dutch or improve their existing skills with nationally recognized Double Dutch trainers from Ms. K and her Swagga Jumpers. Participants will be grouped by age and will receive a complimentary T-shirt upon arrival. The clinic will feature a skills demonstration and a Double Dutch competition on April 4th from 2:30PM to 4PM, which family, friends and community members are invited to attend. The Commissioner of the American Double Dutch League has been invited for the last day of the competition.

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, participants are advised to wear comfortable, athletic clothing and sneakers. It is also recommended to bring a water bottle each day and a bagged lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday. Lunch will be provided on Thursday.

Registration is required for participation in the Double Dutch Jump Rope Clinic. To register, please visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/DAYS. It is recommended to register as a group, with each participating youth requiring their own registration form. Please note that children cannot be dropped off without supervision. Space is limited to the first 100 youth.

For more information, please contact the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4101.

###