Author: Saratoga TODAY

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

March 4 at 10AM and March 5 at 10:30AM: 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, and Schenectady.

March 9 at 10AM: Broadview Financial Well-Being – Your budget is a key that opens doors, guiding you to your money goals. Get ready to take control of your finances and your future! Find out how to organize what you make, spend, and save; set goals to save up, spend down, look ahead; harness the power of mindful spending; and identify budget tactics that work best for you. Facilitated by Broadview and Schenectady.  

March 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. Facilitated by Schenectady.

March 11 at 10AM and March 24 at 1:30PM: 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, Albany, and Schenectady.

March 12 at 11AM: Essential Skills for Success in Any Workplace – Join this engaging workshop to learn about the skills that are most valued by business leaders yet are underdeveloped in employees. Learn why these skills are critically important, how to develop them, and the influence of AI. Facilitated by Albany.

March 17 at 10:30AM and March 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. Facilitated by Schenectady, Saratoga, and Washington.

 March 19 at 1:30PM and March 26 at 10AM: 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, Washington, and Schenectady.

March 20 at 10:30AM and March 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 Albany, Warren, and Schenectady.

March 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. Facilitated by Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie.

March 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. Facilitated by Schenectady.

Registration is required for all workshops. Visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/workforce 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.

A Hadley man was rushed to the hospital on March 2 after an unwitnessed snowmobile crash on Sacandaga Lake in the Town of Day. 

Ryan Looman, 67, of Hadley was airlifted to Albany Medical Center after his snowmobile crashed while he rode on Lake Sacandaga, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. 

A preliminary investigation by the Sheriff’s Office found that Looman was about 1,000 yards offshore when he crashed. While the crash wasn’t witnessed, another rider who had been riding behind him discovered the crash. 

Looman was transported to Albany Medical Center in serious condition with life-threatening injuries. The crash is still under investigation. 

On February 26, 2026, State Police of Clifton Park, with the assistance of the Schenectady Police Department, arrested Mazin S. Kakoum, 27, of Clifton Park, NY, for three counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd, a class “D” felony.

On February 25, 2026, State Police received a complaint from a Rensselaer County resident reporting fraudulent activity on their EZPass account. The investigation led to the discovery of a vehicle on River Crest Drive in Clifton Park that displayed a forged New York State license plate. The forged plate matched the victim’s legitimate registration. Kakoum allegedly owned and operated multiple vehicles while displaying the forged plate he reportedly purchased online, resulting in misallocated tolls on the victims’ EZPass account. In addition, two more fraudulent plates in his possession were located and seized.

Kakoum was arrested at his home and transported to SP Clifton Park for processing. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Clifton Park Town Court on March 18, 2026, and released. 

On February 23, 2026, State Police of Wilton arrested Brian A. Lemery, 69, of Moreau, NY, for:

o Arson, 3rd, a class “C” felony

o Burglary 3rd, a class “D” felony

o Criminal Mischief 2nd, a class “D” felony

On December 3, 2024, troopers responded to the report of a garage fire on Jackson Road in Moreau. The investigation determined that Lemery allegedly entered the garage without permission and intentionally started the fire that eventually caused more than $1,500 worth of damage to the structure.

Lemery was arrested at his home and transported to SP Wilton for processing. He was arraigned at the Saratoga County Court, where he was released under the supervision of the Saratoga County Probation Department.

Congregation Shaara Tfille /The Jewish Community Center of Saratoga Springs announces the retirement of Carole Leakakos, marking the conclusion of 30 years of devoted service to the congregation and the Saratoga Springs community.

Since joining the synagogue three decades ago, Carole has been a constant and welcoming presence at the heart of synagogue life. As Office Manager, she served as the primary point of contact for congregants, clergy, the Board of Directors, and the broader Saratoga Springs community. Her professionalism, leadership, and genuine warmth made her an indispensable member of the Congregation Shaara Tfille family.

The congregation expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Carole for her many years of dedication and extends its warmest wishes for health, happiness, and fulfillment in her well-deserved retirement.