Author: Saratoga TODAY

BALLSTON SPA — The nationally recognized Second Chance program has helped 1,000 people and their families in Saratoga County access addiction treatment and support services, Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo announced this week. 

The program began Aug. 9, 2017 and created a new approach to addressing substance use disorder and strengthening the relationship between police and people suffering from addiction in Saratoga County. Through the program, Sheriff’s deputies and their partners follow up with every overdose call in Saratoga County to connect overdose survivors and their families with treatment providers and support services in the community. 

The program hit a milestone earlier this year, following up with 1,000 overdose survivors.

“It throws a lifeline to someone at what could be the lowest point they’ve known and can be the difference between life and death, Zurlo said in a statement. “I’m thankful to the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors for their support of this program and to our community partners, without whom reaching this milestone and impacting so many lives wouldn’t have been possible.”

Since its inception, the program has expanded through multiple partnerships with community organizations such as the Healing Springs Recovery and Outreach Center, Prevention Council, and Recovery Alliance in Saratoga (RAIS). 

Additionally, in 2018, the Office received New York State Department of Health certification as an Opioid Overdose Prevention Provider, allowing the Sheriff’s Office to train law enforcement and civilians in the use of Naloxone.

For more information about the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Second Chance program, contact Captain Dan Morley at 518-885-2403. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Three patrol officers of the Saratoga Springs Police Department rescued a horse in imminent danger of freezing, after the horse had fallen through ice and was stuck in a pond at a local farm. 

Police Dispatch received a 911 call from a local farm shortly before 4 p.m. on Feb. 24. Patrol Division officers were sent to the call and immediately began rescue efforts upon arrival, police said.  

Patrol Officer Kyle Clinton was first on scene and began to assist the owner in pulling the horse out with a rope. Patrol Officers Kris Camarro and Dominic Martuscello arrived shortly after and working as a team with the horse owner successfully rescued the horse from the frozen pond. 

After reaching solid ground, the horse was able to get to its feet and was walked back to the barn to begin receiving veterinarian care. 

LAKE GEORGE — A celebration combining history and local craft beverages will take place March 22 to mark the 270th anniversary of the construction of Fort William Henry and the 268th anniversary of Vaudreuil’s Raid of 1757. 

The event will be staged at Fort William Henry, a historic site originally constructed in 1755 during the French and Indian War and overlooking the southern basin of Lake George. The original fort burned to the ground during the war and was meticulously reconstructed in the 1950s and is part of the Fort William Henry Resort. 

Reenactments – Vaudreuil’s Raid of 1757. 11:00 a.m. & 1 p.m. – Reenactments will portray the surprise winter assault on the fort that was repulsed after several days in the face of overwhelming odds. Lunch of soup, sandwiches, and hot beverages will be provided for participants. 

Faire & Meet – Sutlers & Reenactors & Beverages. 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Fort William Henry Museum. Historical Sutlers and Crafts – demonstrations, displays, and sales. Local Craft Brewers, Distillers and Wineries – tastings and sales. 

At 7 p.m. guest speaker Dr. Steven C. Eames presents “Warfare on the Colonial Frontier” in the Fort William Henry Conference Center. 

Free Parking is available for guests in the South Lot of the Fort William Henry Hotel and Museum at 46 Canada St., Lake George. Parking for all other visitors is $10. For more information, visit: fwhmuseum.com or email: info@fortwilliamhenry.com.

BALLSTON SPA — Mia’s Fashion & Home Boutique in Ballston Spa is celebrating International Women’s Day by co-hosting an event featuring women-owned businesses, and raising money for The Foreverly House. 

The non-profit Foreverly House is dedicated to providing a safe and sustainable home for homeless women veterans, including mothers with children. This continues the legacy of Mia Jones – the boutique’s former owner, who actively supported the Veterans Housing Coalition throughout the years.

“With the brands we carry, we’re celebrating and supporting women every day—it’s part of our mission—but for International Women’s Day this year, we wanted to do something special to bring women in the community together to celebrate and make a difference,” says Elena Wise, Mia’s owner.

The event will take place 5-9 p.m. Friday, March 7, one day prior to International Women’s Day.  Mia’s is partnering with Sage Wine & Spirits to host a Sip N’ Shop at 124 Milton Ave. where visitors who shop can enjoy free samples from women-owned wine brands and 20% off Mia’s selection of women-owned brands, as well as make a monetary donation to The Foreverly House.

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Career Center in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers will hold the following free virtual career workshops:

March 5 at 10 a.m. and March 6 at 10:30 a.m. 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. 

March 6 at 11 a.m. and March 30 at 1:30 a.m.: 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. 

Registration is required for all workshops. Visit https://swwworkforce.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.