September

The Clerk’s Office is offering these extended hours as a convenience to those whose schedules make it difficult to visit the office to apply for a passport during regular business hours.

A similar event last fall received a positive response. “We are excited to again offer this opportunity for busy families and individuals to apply for their passports at a time that may be more convenient for them,” said County Clerk Craig A. Hayner, adding that the office provides a comfortable environment and knowledgeable staff to guide people through the process.

To book an appointment, call the County Clerk’s office at 518-885-2213.

Application forms will be available, and photos can be taken on site. Those planning to attend can also download a copy of the passport application in advance at www.travel.state.gov and fill them out ahead of time. However, the applications must be signed in front of an acceptance agent at the Clerk’s Office.

Applicants should bring:
• An original or a certified copy of their birth certificate with a raised seal and, if possible, a photocopy (front and back)
• Their photo ID and, if possible, a photocopy (front and back)
• A check or money order (one per passport application) made out to the Department of State to cover the application fee (See below for details.)
• Cash or separate check to cover the processing fees and passport photos (if having them taken on site)

Applicants should also have the places and dates of birth of their parents so they can complete the passport application. Children younger than 18 must have both parents present when applying.

Passport fees are as follows:
• Passport books — $130 for adult applications and $100 for children under the age of 16.
• Passport cards — $30 for adults and $15 for children under the age of 16. (Note that they are only good for land travel to Canada and Mexico.)
• Processing fee — $35 for each application
• Passport photos — $10
• Expedited service — $60 per applicant

Current processing times are about 6-8 weeks or about 3 weeks for expedited applications. However, processing times can vary.

Passport renewals for those over 16 must be mailed by the applicant, however, the required new photo can be obtained at the County Clerk’s Office.

Regular hours for passport services are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

For more information, visit the website at https://www.saratogacountyny.gov/departments/county-clerk/passport/

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October 2 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.

October 3 at 11AM: Transferable Skills – Transferable skills are qualities you have already acquired which can be used in a different job. Make it easy for employers to 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. Learn ways to research the employer’s needs then identify and show them that you have these skills. Facilitated by Warren and Washington.

October 8 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.

October 9 at 10AM: Goal Setting – Goals are what take us forward in life. They are the first step in every journey we take. In this workshop we will explain how goal setting works, why goals are important, and take home more helpful resources to get you started. Remember: “if you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” Find out how to reach your dreams. Facilitated by Washington and Albany.

October 17 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.

October 22 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.

October 22 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.

October 25 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.

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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Highlights of the 2024 “Victory Season at Saratoga” include:
• “Saratoga Siege” Living History Weekend October 12 at 13 with Saratoga National Historical Park at locations throughout the towns of Saratoga & Stillwater. This free, family event features both military and civilian reenactors with hands-on activities, cannon firing demonstrations and a family passport challenge. Events run 10AM to 4PM each day.

• The “American Revolution Experience,” a national traveling exhibit produced by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Battlefield Trust. It showcases diverse perspectives of common people on the lead up to, and during, the War for Independence. It will be on display at the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center, 30 Ferry Street, Schuylerville, NY from October 13 – October 27, 2024.

• “Surrender Day,” October 17 celebrating the surrender of a British Army for the first time in world history, marking the Turning Point of the American Revolution, features multiple events.
– Surrender Day Ceremony at Fort Hardy Park, Schuylerville, 10AM. This free, family event features a reenactment of the surrender by British General Burgoyne to American General Gates by the banks of the Hudson River, interactive music, and cannon firing. This annual event is a favorite of families with young children and elementary school classes. (weather permitting)
– Siege and Surrender Tour – Join licensed battlefield guide Pat Niles for a tour of key sites tied to the siege and surrender at Saratoga. The tour departs from America’s Turning Point Heritage Center at 30 Ferry St. Schuylerville. This is a ticketed event from 1PM – 3:30PM with limited seats on private coach. Visit www.saratoga250.com to purchase tickets.
– An inaugural Surrender Day Benefit co-presented with SPAC and Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library/Saratoga Book Festival at Spa Little Theater from 6:30PM to 8PM featuring Dr. Kevin J. Weddle, US Army Colonel (Ret.), author of the award-winning recent book, “The Compleat Victory: Saratoga and the American Revolution” and County Historian, Saratoga 250 Chair and NYS 250 Commissioner, Lauren Roberts. Local students will also be featured in the program. All proceeds benefit Campaign for Saratoga 250 & Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Visit www.saratoga250.com to purchase tickets.

As part of the 250th commemoration of the Battles of Saratoga, Saratoga County will transform space at the Chaplain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center in Schuylerville to be used as its information hub for America’s Turning Point activities and to promote heritage tourism in the area. Planning is currently underway to develop the “America’s Turning Point Heritage Center,” which will feature interactive exhibits funded in part through a recently announced grant from the American Battlefield Protection Program.

America’s Turning Point events commemorate our revolutionary history both on and off the battlefield, including lesser-known perspectives from all sides of the conflict and life in the area. Events will feature interactive civilian living history, unique national exhibits, cannon and military demonstrations, award winning author presentations, music and more over a series of free and ticketed events suited to all ages. These events aim to educate, engage, and preserve the world-changing impact of Saratoga on the American Revolution.

Don’t miss out. Learn more at https://saratoga250.com/news-events/events/.

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The horse was not vaccinated against EEEv. It became ill on September 16 and was euthanized the same day. Specimens were collected at the time and tested positive for EEEv by Cornell University’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center.

EEEv is transmitted from mosquito bites and there is no risk of infected horses spreading the virus to humans or to other horses. There are currently no confirmed or suspected human cases of EEEv among Saratoga County residents.

While risk to the public is low at this time, Saratoga County Department of Health is reminding residents to prevent mosquito bites by taking the following precautions:

• Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient and apply according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. More information on repellents can be found on the EPA website.
• Wear long sleeves, tuck shirts into pants, and tuck pants into socks when outdoors.
• Use tightly fitting screens in all windows and doors of the home. Make sure the screens are free of rips, tears, and holes.
• Eliminate all standing water in yards and around the home and property where mosquitoes can breed, including plastic containers, pool covers, wading pools, ceramic pots, clogged drainpipes, water troughs, used tires, and wheelbarrows.
• Be aware of peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEv) is an extremely rare but serious viral disease that can be fatal and is spread by infected mosquitoes that can affect people and horses. Anyone can be infected with EEEv, but those 50 years and older and those younger than 15 are at greatest risk for developing severe disease when infected with the virus. While most people bitten by an infected mosquito will not develop any symptoms, severe cases may begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. The illness may then progress into disorientation, seizures, encephalitis, and coma. Approximately one-third of patients who develop EEEv die, while many patients who survive EEEv experience neurologic impairment. EEEv is not spread person-to-person, person to animal, or animal to person.

There is no commercially available human vaccine for EEEv and the best protection is to prevent mosquito bites.

Horse owners should have horses stay in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use on animals and make sure their animals are up to date on vaccinations for EEEv and other mosquito-borne diseases.

More information on Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus can be found on the New York State Department of Health website.

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Rabies Clinic Information:

Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Location: 4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Times & Requirements:
Cats: 5:30-6:30 PM Must be in a carrier
Ferrets: 5:30-6:30 PM Must be in a cage or carrier
Dogs: 6:30-7:30 PM Must be on a leash
Animals must be at least three months old

Cost: Free

All vaccination certificates are written for one year unless prior proof of vaccination is provided. Owners must bring proof of prior vaccine to receive a three-year certificate for their animal.

For more information please call the Saratoga County Animal Shelter at 518-885-4113 or visit www.saratogacountyanimalshelter.com.

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