September

October 4 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.

October 5 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.

October 10 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.

October 11 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.

October 19 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.

October 24 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.

October 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.

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 local 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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The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors passed the resolution naming Discover Saratoga as the County’s official Tourism Promotion Agency (TPA) at its September Board meeting. The resolution also authorizes Discover Saratoga to register as the County’s Tourism Promotion Agency with the Empire State Development Corporation and apply for an “I Love New York” grant for 2024.

The partnership between Saratoga County and Discover Saratoga aims to enhance the overall tourism ecosystem in the County. With a shared commitment to promoting the unique cultural, historical, and natural attractions of Saratoga County, this collaboration will bring about a wealth of benefits for tourists and the local community.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Theodore T. Kusnierz, Jr. (Moreau) said, “Saratoga County is recognized as a leading tourism destination, and we believe this new partnership will increase our visitors who want to experience the many different attractions that draw people from around the world. We are excited to work with Discover Saratoga to promote our growing vacation, leisure, and convention activities across the County, which are an important segment of our economy.”

Supervisor Matt Veitch (Saratoga Springs) said, “I’m thrilled the County is joining forces with Discover Saratoga, which already does a fantastic job of promoting the City of Saratoga Springs. I also want to thank the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, who has done a great job promoting our County for many years. We look forward to helping visitors and locals explore the wonders of our entire County and create memorable experiences for travelers, while contributing to the growth and prosperity of our local community.”

Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga, added “We’re absolutely delighted and honored to be designated as the official Tourism Promotion Agency (TPA) for Saratoga County. We are excited to embark on this journey to showcase the unparalleled beauty, culture, and experiences that our county has to offer. Together with our valued tourism partners, we’re ready to not only celebrate, but also elevate Saratoga County’s status as a year-round tourist destination. Our shared mission is to create unforgettable experiences and forge lasting memories for both our visitors and locals alike, with the goal of fostering a profound connection with our respected County.”

Saratoga County in 2023 allocated $300,000 for the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce to provide TPA services. The County’s move to Discover Saratoga was made in concert with the Saratoga County Chamber.

Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce said, “The hospitality sector is a vital engine for expanding economic opportunity across Saratoga County, and that’s why the Chamber originally suggested that leisure and group tourism promotion be consolidated into Discover Saratoga. Having Discover Saratoga dedicate all their efforts to this mission is the most effective and efficient way to do this and is a win for everyone. This change means that the Chamber will be able to focus our time, talent, and treasure in other vital areas. For instance, we will expand the reach of our “Love Our Locals” campaign which incentivizes Saratoga County’s 235,000 residents to spend more of their money purchasing goods and services from locally owned organizations, and we will lead efforts – – like our “Live Like You’re On Vacation” talent recruitment campaign – – to help local employers overcome the historic labor shortage that now is the biggest threat to our local economy.”

Discover Saratoga will be instrumental in promoting the County’s Saratoga: America’s Turning Point initiative, which highlights the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga and Revolutionary War. Beyond catering to tourists, this partnership underscores the County’s commitment to engaging with and supporting the local community, promoting sustainable tourism, and preserving our cultural heritage.

Discover Saratoga will assume TPA duties for the County beginning January 1, 2024.

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Project Lifesaver operates on a simple yet powerful principle: time saved is lives saved. The program utilizes a transmitter tracking device worn on the individual’s wrist or ankle to aid in search efforts should that person go missing. The Sheriff’s Office has a receiver that can quickly pick up the tracking device’s frequency, providing for a 95% reduction time in locating the missing person compared to someone who isn’t wearing the device. On average, when a Project Lifesaver participant is reported missing, they are located within 30 minutes of the Sheriff’s Office receiver picking up their bracelet transmission.

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office has the largest number of Project Lifesaver participants served in New York State with 175 participants in the County program. Nationwide, Saratoga County (population 238,797) has the third highest participation rate of any county in the country, following only Los Angeles County (population 10 million) and Virginia Beach (population 500,000). Per Capita, Saratoga County ranks highest in the country for program participation.

In the 8.5 years the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office has used the program, 50 Project Lifesaver participants have been quickly and safely located.

This innovative program has become a beacon of hope for families and caregivers across our region and the Sheriff’s Office encourages more families to sign up for this free program.

Saratoga County Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo said, “When a loved one goes missing, time is of the essence. Project Lifesaver allows us to quickly respond to reports of missing participants, which saves lives and reduces potential injury for adults and children with the propensity to wander due to a cognitive condition. I encourage anyone who has a family member, young or old, who wanders, to sign up for Project Lifesaver through the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office; this simple yet effective program can give you and your family peace of mind for the safety of your loved one.”

The bracelet, transmitter, and battery are provided free to families. The Sheriff’s Office routinely checks in with participating families to ensure the equipment is working properly and to replace batteries. The Sheriff’s Office receives a portion of the equipment through a program of the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Jackie Roberts and her family were Saratoga County’s first Project Lifesaver participants when she signed her son Ryan up for the program. Roberts has been instrumental in growing the program through outreach with Autism families in Saratoga County.

Roberts said, “Project Lifesaver has been life changing for our entire family. That first night that Ryan had on his transmitter brought a sense of peace that I had never felt in his entire life. I knew that if he did get out and wander that our new friends, The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department, were only a phone call away. We now have a sense of freedom and peace of mind that I never thought possible as an Autism family. We will forever be grateful to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department for allowing us to be part of this amazing program for 8.5 years.”

Project Lifesaver can help give peace of mind to caregivers of adults with Alzheimer’s as well.

“The advice I typically give to caregivers of people in the early stage of Alzheimer’s is that it’s not a question of if their loved one will wander away, but when. That’s because six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once, but many do so repeatedly,” said Gwen Rowland, Saratoga County Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern New York Chapter. “I believe the best approach to the problem of wandering isn’t just trying to prevent it, but to prepare for its occurrence. It’s really thinking ahead of the worst-case scenario of if my loved one walked out the front door, how would I find them again. That’s where Project Lifesaver comes in. It’s incredibly effective and keeps our most vulnerable community members safe, while giving their families greater peace of mind.”

Key Highlights of Project Lifesaver:

1. Rapid Response Technology: Project Lifesaver equips individuals at risk with a wearable tracking device that emits a unique radio frequency signal. In the event of a wandering incident, specially trained search and rescue teams can quickly locate the individual using specialized receiver equipment, reducing search times from hours or days to mere minutes.

2. Community Collaboration: This program fosters collaboration between local law enforcement, emergency services, and healthcare providers. By working together, these stakeholders create a network of support that ensures the safety and well-being of individuals with cognitive disorders.

3. Peace of Mind for Families: For families caring for loved ones with cognitive conditions, Project Lifesaver provides peace of mind and a sense of security. Knowing that trained professionals are just a call away can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.

4. Lifesaving Results: Project Lifesaver has an impressive track record, with countless success stories of lives saved and individuals safely returned to their families throughout the US, Canada, and Australia.

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to promoting the program’s mission of ensuring the safety and well-being of those at risk of wandering. To learn more about Project Lifesaver and how you can get involved, contact Deputy Jason Lang of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office at 518-944-6288 or .

The Project Lifesaver Program is a non-profit organization that began in Chesapeak Virginia in 1999. It now has more than 1,100 participating agencies across the US, Canada, and Australia.

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Saratoga County residents ages 60 and older are invited to celebrate Oktoberfest with a delicious meal of brats and sauerkraut, pretzels with beer cheese, and German potato salad. Reservations are required and must be made at least one day in advance by noon. Those interested must contact their preferred location to make a reservation.

Oktoberfest will be celebrated on the following Tuesdays at the following locations:

October 3: Clifton Park Senior Community Center, (518) 383-1343 and Halfmoon Senior Center, (518) 371-3892

October 10: Mechanicville Senior Center, (518) 664-9884 and Milton Community Center, (518) 228-3952

October 17: Corinth Senior Center, (518) 654-2040 and Moreau Community Center, (518) 792-6007

October 24: Galway Town Hall, (518) 921-8766

Lunch is served on site at 12PM. “To Go” meals are not available.

Sandra Cross, Director of Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services said, “Seniors throughout Saratoga County enjoy our Gather and Dine program each weekday and look forward to our special events throughout the year. We especially enjoy holding festive luncheon events like Oktoberfest, which are always highly anticipated and well attended by our seniors. Not only do they receive a delicious, hot meal, but they also get to socialize in a fun atmosphere, which is so important for our aging community.”

Jim Kavanaugh, Prime Dining District Manager for Mazzone Hospitality said, “Mazzone Hospitality is looking forward to preparing a special Oktoberfest themed menu for the seniors in Saratoga County. We have been working with the Department of Aging for two years, providing healthy and delicious meals, and catering their special events throughout the year. We look forward to a continued partnership with the county and all of the seniors.”

Seniors with questions may contact Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4100.

For more information about the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services, please visit www.SaratogaCountyNY.gov.

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McDonald entered the US Army on August 2, 1966. McDonald served as a Field Artilleryman with 2nd Battalion, 10th Composite Artillery Battalion, 197th Infantry Regiment at Ft Benning, GA where he trained on 105- and 155-mm Howitzers, as well as “Honest John” rockets.

For his service he was awarded the National Defense Service medal and the Expert Rifle Badge. McDonald was honorably discharged on August 1, 1968.

McDonald married his soulmate, Shirleyan Shakan in 1966 and together they had four children.

After service McDonald worked for Sheet Metal Workers #83 as a superintendent, through MCD Mechanical. He was a member of the American Legion Post 234 in Ballston Spa and served as Commander for seven years. While serving as Post Commander, McDonald played an integral role in the Saratoga County Honor Deceased Veterans program and was a very active Veterans supporter and advocate. He also served as the President of the Burnt Hills Softball Club. He was also a Lifetime member of the Gooley Club, for his 45 years of dedication support and exemplary conduct in the pursuit of the outdoor sports. McDonald served as the NYS Skeet Shooting Association president and is in the NYS Skeet Shooting Hall of Fame.

David was born on March 9, 1947, and passed away at age 75 on October 24, 2022.

Established in 1999 by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, the Honor Deceased Veterans Program provides a way for county leadership and residents to show gratitude for the service of veterans past and present. The program honors a range of veterans with tremendous stories of service, sacrifice, and historical significance. Honorees include those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the name of defending our great country and veterans whose stories continued past their military service.

The ceremony is dedicated to a different Saratoga County veteran each month. Board members rotate throughout the year in selecting a veteran to memorialize, providing for veterans from all over the county to be honored. To date, more than 300 Saratoga County Veterans have been honored.

The public is encouraged to show their support for our veterans at the Honor Deceased Veterans Ceremony, held at 2PM on the third Tuesday of each month.

For more information about the Honor Deceased Veterans Ceremony, please contact Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency at (518) 884-4115.

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Narcan training will be available at the following locations:

Saratoga County Department of Social Services, 152 W. High St. Ballston Spa, NY 12020 from 9AM-12:30 PM

Saratoga County Department of Health, 6012 County Farm Rd. Ballston Spa, NY 12020 from 2PM-4PM

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 completion, 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 opioid overdose. It only works on opioids, such as heroin, prescription 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 overdoes that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.

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

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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.

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

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