October

Saratoga County Early Voting Extended Hours Locations for the 2024 General Election:
• Board of Elections: 50 W. High St, Ballston Spa
• Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library: 475 Moe Rd, Clifton Park
• Gavin Park: 10 Lewis Rd, Saratoga Springs
• Greenfield Firehouse No. 1: 13 S. Greenfield Rd, Greenfield Center
• Malta Community Center: 1 Bayberry Dr, Malta
• Saratoga Springs Rec Center: 15 Vanderbilt Ave, Saratoga Springs

Saratoga County Board of Elections Commissioners state the Greenfield location has seen the lowest traffic thus far and recommend voters to go to that location, if they are able to.

All voters may vote at any poll site. All poll sites are accessible to voters with physical disabilities. Voters who cast a ballot during Early Voting will not be allowed to vote on Election Day. Voters who have applied for an Early Vote by Mail or Absentee Ballot are not permitted to vote on the voting machines but may be issued an Affidavit Ballot.

For more information, call the Saratoga County Board of Elections at (518) 885-2249.

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The independent auditor, EFPR Group, reported that Saratoga County received an unmodified opinion (clean opinion) for FY2023, in a report dated October 23, 2024. According to the report, the auditor found the financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Additionally, the audit did not identify any deficiencies in internal control and noted the County’s exceptionally light debt burden. While it is the Auditor’s responsibility to express an opinion on the financial statements, it is management’s responsibility to provide an accurate accounting and financial report that demonstrates a constructive and transparent effort to clearly communicate its financial story.

Acting Saratoga County Treasurer JoAnn Kupferman said, “I’m pleased to present another clean audit report for the taxpayers of Saratoga County. This clean audit reflects the diligent work we’ve done for the past ten years in the County Treasurer’s Office to consistently follow appropriate policies, procedures and the GAAP to ensure Saratoga County’s financial statements are complete, compliant, and transparent. Ensuring County funds are managed responsibly, placing the County in a healthy financial position, is a top priority.”

Additionally, the Saratoga County Treasurer’s Office notes that a review of the County’s financial reports for the past ten years shows that the County has seen an exponential growth in investment income, a steady increase in its fund balance, and has consistently kept expenditures below revenues, providing for the County’s financial stability.

This report and Saratoga County’s financial reports spanning the years 2006 to 2023 can be found at www.SaratogaCountyNY.gov/Treasurer.

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Foster families are encouraged to offer an isolated space within their homes, ensuring the kittens are kept separate from other pets. This space should be large enough to accommodate food, water, and litterbox access, allowing the kittens to thrive. In addition to providing basic care, foster families will play a crucial role in socializing the kittens by offering love, attention, and playtime.

While in foster care, kittens will receive regular medical check-ups and vaccinations at the shelter, ensuring they remain healthy and happy.

If you are interested in becoming a foster and making a difference in these kittens’ lives, please contact the Saratoga County Animal Shelter today at 518-885-4113. To learn more about the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, please visit www.saratogacountyanimalshelter.com.

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The conference, entitled “A Guide to Caregiving,” brings together caregivers, healthcare professionals, and experts from various fields to share knowledge, resources, and experiences to empower, educate, and support caregivers.

Caregivers Conference topics include:
• Caring for Everyone Else? How that impacts you and what can help. Presented by Alexandra Drane (ARCHANGELS).
• Navigating the Veterans Administration for Caregivers. Presented by Frank McClement (Saratoga County Veterans’ Services Agency).
• Caregiving: We all Need Relief. Presented by Gwen Rowland, LMSW, (Saratoga County Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern New York) & Molly Moller (Albany Guardian Society)
• Navigating Care. Presented by Christina Vendetti, LMSW (Eddy Alzheimer’s Services), Diane Coleman, RN (Wesley Senior Solutions), Renee Birnbaum (Choice Connections NY).
• Planning for the Caregiver. Presented by Matthew Dorsey, Esq. (O’Connel and Aronowitz), Deidre McCarthy, (NYSARC Trust), David Demarco & Patrick Harrington (Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services)
• A Palliative Care Conversation. Presented during lunch by Dr. John Pezzulo, DO, HDMC, FAAFP

The Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services encourages caregivers to attend this comprehensive program to gain valuable tools and knowledge to help them navigate their challenging and critical roles.

To learn more about the Caregivers Conference, please contact the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4100 or visit the department’s webpage on the Saratoga County website at www.saratogacountyny.gov/DAYS.

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This year, the Saratoga County BOE staff and volunteers will offer local registration days with dedicated hours to facilitate the voter registration process.

A voter registration day is scheduled for Saturday, October 5, from 2P.M. to 9P.M. at the Saratoga County Board of Elections office at 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Additionally, a second voter registration day will take place on Thursday, October 10, from 9A.M. to 1P.M. at the same location.

For more information on voter registration, polling locations, or early mail-in voting, please visit the Board of Elections website.

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Each year, Heggen and her office call attention to Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, reminding residents the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to being an advocate for victims of domestic violence and to prosecuting domestic violence offenders.

During October, the District Attorney’s Office is sponsoring a collection of personal care items in recognition of the on-going need for support of domestic violence victims and those who serve them. Suggested items include unopened bottles of shampoo and conditioner, body soap, lotion, sanitary products, hair accessories, and nail products. All items collected will be donated to domestic violence programs in Saratoga County to help survivors of domestic violence. Those wishing to contribute to the collection drive, may bring items to the District Attorney’s Office Monday through Friday 9A.M. to 5P.M. at 25 West High Street, Building 4, Ballston Spa, NY until October 28, 2024.

Attorneys within the Special Victims’ Unit (SVU) specialize in prosecuting domestic violence cases and working with victims of domestic violence. In addition, the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office also supports victims through the work of Crime Victim Specialists in the Crime Victim Unit.

Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen said, “The Assistant District Attorneys assigned to the Special Victims’ Unit in our office work daily to navigate the challenging and unique aspects of criminal cases that involve family members who are victims and defendants. Their training, experience and relationships with other agencies and programs focused on domestic violence issues come together to achieve a fair and just result for all involved parties.” Heggen also stated, “The prevalence of domestic violence is such that everyone knows someone impacted by domestic violence. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please don’t hesitate to seek help.”

To manage the volume of cases, local courts in the County have set specific times for domestic violence cases. Prosecutors from the DA’s Special Victims’ Unit work collaboratively with the local court and the parties involved as the case navigates through the court system. Some cases are also heard in the Integrated Domestic Violence Court part of the Saratoga County Family Court. Prosecutors and victim specialists may also refer victims to support and advocacy agencies for counseling, shelter, and assistance. Victim specialists are available at the District Attorney’s office at 518-885-2263, Monday through Friday, 9A.M. to 5P.M.

The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors passed Resolution 237 of 2024 proclaiming October 2024 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in Saratoga County during its September Board Meeting at the request of Heggen. To read the resolution, visit the Board Meetings page on the Saratoga County website.

For more information call the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office at 518-885-2263.

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