October

Hill will spend two days in Saratoga County, presenting on November 1^st to Ballston Spa High School students at 8:45am and to Corinth High School students at 1:25pm and presenting on November 2^nd to Saratoga Springs High School students at 8:15am and to Schuylerville High School students at 12:45pm.

Stephen Hill is the founder of Speak Sobriety, a young person in recovery, bestselling author, recovery coach, and a defense attorney. He is a renowned national speaker on substance use prevention & mental health awareness with a truly inspiring comeback story that everyone must hear. Stephen has presented in front of thousands of people for more than 500 schools, drug free community coalitions, alliances, and organizations across the country, sharing his cautionary tale of addiction to recovery and beyond, leaving people better educated, feeling hopeful, and motivated to make smart choices and positive change.

Theodore T. Kusnierz, Jr. (Moreau), Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman said, “We are proud to bring Stephen Hill’s cautionary story to high school students in Saratoga County as part of our ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. We hope through educating our young residents about the dangers of drug use, we can prevent more people from succumbing to the perils of addiction. I thank our participating schools for allowing us to provide Stephen’s inspiring presentation to Saratoga County teens.”

Supervisor Phil Barrett (Clifton Park), Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Health and Human Services Committee said, “Saratoga County is addressing the opioid epidemic through multiple prevention, education, treatment, and response efforts. By providing area schools with engaging presentations like Stephen’s true-life story of addiction and recovery, we hope Saratoga County teens will better understand the consequences of drug use and be empowered overcome challenges and temptations they may encounter. I thank our participating schools for hosting this important presentation.”

Saratoga County is utilizing a multi-department approach to address the opioid epidemic through prevention, education, treatment, and response efforts and continues to make investments in a wide range of programs, equipment, and professional personnel to help communities battle the harmful grip of drug addiction that affects every municipality.

Some initiatives to address the opioid epidemic include:

• Meeting with families and advocates to better understand their needs and priorities, which has aided in developing programs and services for County residents.
• Establishing Family Navigator and Certified Recovery Peer Advocate positions in partnership with the Prevention Council.
• Conducting 21 Naloxone training events throughout the County, distributing more than 5,000 Narcan Rescue Kits and training more than 1,000 individuals.
• Distributing Naloxboxes throughout the County in areas with a higher need for Naloxone as identified by the County’s Substance Use Surveillance Dashboard.

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Fort Hardy Park is the site of British General Burgoyne’s army decampment, where on October 17, 1777, the British army laid down their arms in the surrender of the British to the Americans, known today as the Turning Point of the Revolution.

Keeping in line with the event’s Revolutionary theme, representatives from Saratoga: America’s Turning Point will have 18th Century dress up clothes for photo-ops, kids’ games, crafts, and more for event goers to enjoy. The Revolutionary Run will also feature a free kids fun run, music, and food.

Runners can register for the Revolutionary Run at www.finishright.com. Registration is $40 and ends November 3^rd.

All runners will receive a tee shirt. Runners are also invited to enjoy refreshments, hamburgers, and hotdogs after the race provided by Saratoga County American Legion Posts.

The 5K begins at Fort Hardy Park in Schuylerville and traverses the historic tow path north and across the canal to Hudson Crossing Park. Following a gentle loop around the Hudson Crossing Park field the course then enters the nature path along the Hudson River. The return is again on the tow path ending with refreshments and ceremonies at Fort Hardy Park.

All proceeds from the Revolutionary Run for Veterans will benefit the Saratoga County Veterans Trust and Agency Fund, which supports projects dedicated to the welfare of our veterans, including training, education, healthcare, housing, and essential services.

For more information or to learn about volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Saratoga County Veterans Services Agency at (518) 884-4115 or Email

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Each year, the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services distributes coupon booklets to qualifying seniors through its Elderly Nutrition Program. Qualified individuals are those age 60 or older who earn a monthly income of no more than $2,096 a month for a one-person household or no more than $2,823 a month for a two-person household. The coupons can be redeemed at participating farmers market locations throughout Saratoga County.

Last year, the Department distributed 3,325 coupons valued at $16,625. Saratoga County seniors redeemed 2,219 of these coupons, which provided them with a total of $11,095 in fresh, local produce to support their health and nutrition. 2022 is the most recently completed season for which statistics are available.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Theodore T. Kusnierz, Jr. (Moreau) said, “The Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program not only helps our low-income seniors access fresh, locally grown produce, but it also supports our local farmers, which are a vital part of the Saratoga County economy. I thank our Department of Aging and Youth Services for their excellent work in making these coupons available to our seniors and encourage more eligible seniors to participate each year.”

“As we wind down from the farmers market season, we are proud to reflect on the success of the Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program in Saratoga County and are happy to see so many of our seniors benefit from this program. We encourage more eligible seniors to take advantage of this program each summer,” said Sandra Cross, Director of the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services.

The Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is designed to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs; increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities through farmers’ markets.

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Herren will speak to Shenendehowa High School students on Wednesday, October 18 at 12:30pm. He will speak to students at South Glens Falls High School and Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake High School on Thursday, October 19 at 8:30am and 12:30pm, respectively.

Shenendehowa will also host a community presentation, open to the public, on October 18 at 6:30pm at the High School East auditorium.

Chris Herren, a basketball legend from Fall River, Massachusetts, was an All-American, broke scoring records and was recruited by the nation’s top colleges. Herren realized his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA when he was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1999 before losing his career and almost his family to the disease of addiction. Alcohol and drug-free since August 1, 2008, Chris has spoken to over one million students nationwide with the goal of sparking honest discussions and making a positive difference in their lives. Through inspiring presentations Herren empowers the audience and guides students to rethink how we look at the disease of addiction, from the last day to the first.

Theodore T. Kusnierz, Jr. (Moreau), Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman said, “In Saratoga County, we’ve made addressing the opioid epidemic one of our top priorities. Bringing Chris Herren to our high schools for an honest discussion about addiction is just one of several initiatives the County is taking to help bring an end to the opioid epidemic in our communities. I thank our participating schools for allowing us to provide this thought evoking presentation to Saratoga County teens.”

Supervisor Phil Barrett (Clifton Park), Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Health and Human Services Committee said, “Combating the opioid epidemic starts with prevention and education. Chris Herren offers a true life, powerful story that we hope students will take to heart. As Health and Human Services Committee Chair, I am proud to bring this important presentation to teens and families throughout Saratoga County.”

Becky Carman, Director of Policy and Community Development at Shenendehowa Central School District said, “Shenendehowa Central School District is grateful to be able to host this inspiring event for both our students and community members. Learning about someone’s personal struggle with addiction fosters empathy and compassion, while empowering students to stand up and make a difference. It helps students and adults to understand the complexity of addiction, along with its impact on individuals and the community as a whole. October is mental health awareness month, and having a presentation such as this one provides insights into the mental health aspects of addiction. Students and community members can gain a better understanding of the emotional and psychological challenges individuals face, which is essential for holistic mental health education.”

Saratoga County is utilizing a multi-department approach to address the opioid epidemic through prevention, education, treatment, and response efforts and continues to make investments in a wide range of programs, equipment, and professional personnel to help communities battle the harmful grip of drug addiction that affects every municipality.

Some initiatives to address the opioid epidemic include:

• Meeting with families and advocates to better understand their needs and priorities, which has aided in developing programs and services for County residents.
• Establishing Family Navigator and Certified Recovery Peer Advocate positions in partnership with the Prevention Council.
• Conducting 21 Naloxone training events throughout the County, distributing more than 5,000 Narcan Rescue Kits and training more than 1,000 individuals.
• Distributing Naloxboxes throughout the County in areas with a higher need for Naloxone as identified by the County’s Substance Use Surveillance Dashboard.

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The public hearings are on:
• Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 1PM to 2PM at Galway Town Hall (5910 Sacandaga Rd, Galway, NY 12074); and
• Tuesday, October 31, 2023, from 12:30PM to 1:30PM at the Town of Halfmoon Senior Center (2897 Lower Newton Rd, Waterford, NY 12188).

A plan abstract may be examined on October 16 and 17 at the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services (152 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020) during normal business hours.

The public hearings are held to obtain input, suggestions, and comments relative to programs for the aging for the year 2024, under Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, and the New York Community Services Act for the Saratoga County planning and service area.

For more information or to request special accommodations at a hearing, please contact the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4100.

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The Saratoga County Animal Shelter currently houses 40 incredible dogs, each with their own unique personality and charm, ready to bring immeasurable happiness to their future families. In addition, there are a diverse range of more than 30 adorable cats, all longing for a loving and caring environment to call their own.

To ensure a smooth adoption process, potential adopters should fill out the application ahead of time at the Saratoga County Animal Shelter’s website (https://saratogacountyanimalshelter.com/adopter-profile/). This will help shelter staff and volunteers understand potential adopters’ preferences and match them with the perfect companion.

The Bark-To-Purr Adoption Day Event is a family-friendly event where attendees can spend quality time with the shelter’s furry friends, interact with dedicated staff, and participate in educational activities. Please note that while shelter staff and volunteers love all pets, they kindly request that attendees do not bring pets to the event. To streamline the adoption process during this event, the shelter will accept cash or check payments only.

Before attending the Bark-To-Purr Adoption Day Event, potential adopters are encouraged visit the Saratoga County Animal Shelter website for a sneak peek of the adoptable dogs to become familiarized with the dogs and their profiles.

For more information visit www.saratogacountyanimalshelter.com.

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Saratoga: America’s Turning Point is partnering with Saratoga National Historical Park to offer this annual event that aims to educate the public about the revolutionary history of the Saratoga region. Through engaging demonstrations, historical reenactments, and immersive experiences, the encampment brings the past to life, providing visitors with a unique window into the American Revolution.

This event will take place across multiple locations including the General Philip Schuyler House, the Saratoga National Historical Park, and the Stillwater Blockhouse. An activity passport will be available at all locations to encourage visitors to visit all the unique locations. The Saratoga Siege Encampment promises an immersive experience that will transport visitors to a pivotal era in American history.

“What a great coincidence that New York State’s Path Through History Weekend coincides with the anniversary of the second Battle of Saratoga (also known as the Battle of Bemus Heights),” said Saratoga Historian and Chair of the Saratoga County 250th Commission, Lauren Roberts. “It gives us the perfect opportunity to highlight Saratoga County’s important role as the turning point of the war. As we get closer to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we hope to be able to highlight this history and engage with all ages to share these stories about our past.”

From cannon firing to blacksmithing displays, surgical showcases to a real live forge experience, the 18th-century will be brought to life by a talented group of reenactors and living historians. Learn about women’s healing roles, discover the art of traditional cooking, try on some colonial clothing and engage with historical reenactors who will provide a fascinating glimpse into the revolutionary past.

Please visit the Saratoga: America’s Turning Point website for details on live events and locations: Saratoga Siege Encampment | Battles of Saratoga 250.

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