Upstate Issues with WGY's Diane Donato: Recent Episodes
News Radio 810 and 103.1 WGY (WGY-AM)
In August of 2022 the Pact Act was passed. It expands health care benefits for veterans exposed to a variety of toxic substances. Now the Stratton V.A. is conducting outreach to help identify veterans who have may have been exposed, and to inform them about the expanded coverage. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks about the Pact Act with Peter Potter, Public Affairs Director, Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, and Emil Baker, who volunteers with many groups and works on multiple initiatives involving veterans. Potter says due to the Pact Act, this will probably be the second largest influx of veterans coming in for VA care since the Vietnam Era because there will be such an increase in eligibility. He also explains what a “presumptive condition” designation means. Baker says many veterans don’t know about what is available to them and he wants to spread the word to help more people acquire essential heath care services.
Learn more: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
Opportunities abound for coders, web designers, and software developers but many people don’t realize they have the aptitude to pursue those kinds of careers. The growing need for training for coders and developers has led to growth for CanCode Communities. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with CanCode founder Annmarie Lanesey about how locally, statewide, and nationally, careers in web and app development are skyrocketing. Lanesey says she has always focused on training non-traditional talent for software careers. Now CanCode is working with local schools, in addition to training adults both young and old, about essential skills for the world of software development. Lanesey also talks about how quickly technology keeps changing and her work with local employers to make sure CanCode graduates will have the up-to-date knowledge they need for successful careers.
More than two-and-a-half million high school and middle school students are vaping, with many of them attracted to the sweet, fruity flavors that are offered. That’s according to a report from the CDC. A local group is trying to educate parents and community members about the risks of vaping. Tim Murdick, President of the Nopiates Committee says many parents don’t realize how easy it is for kids to buy and hide vaping materials. In this episode of Upstate Issues with Diane Donato, Murdick talks about ways parents can talk to their kids about the risks and steps they can take to ensure their kids don’t become addicted.
For more information: https://www.nopiates.com/
Helping to keep our roads safe in New York involves the work of over 400 Drug Recognition Experts. In this episode of Upstate Issue, Diane Donato talks with New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Deputy Commissioner Owen McShane about the intensive training that is involved for officers to become Drug Recognition Experts and how they then work with law enforcement throughout the state to help identify drivers who have been operating under the influence. Deputy Commission McShane says they also try to educate the public about driving under the influence and other factors like a lack of sleep that can affect a driver’s abilities.
Securing childcare is one of the major hurdles for working parents, especially when children are young. Recent changes in eligibility for aid have made many more New York families able to get financial assistance to pay for care for their children but many families remain unaware that they can get help. Many other families don’t know how to go about applying. Schenectady County Cares is a new online portal that helps families get assistance. Paying for help is just part of the hurdle. Finding providers is another challenge. The Schenectady County Cares portal is trying to address the shortage of providers by offering information and assistance to make it easier for people to become certified as childcare providers. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with County Legislator Michelle Ostrelich and Department of Social Services Commissioner Paul Brady about the new initiative and why it is vital for the community at large.
The City of Troy has been bringing some unique recycling opportunities to its residents, such as the Pumpkin Smash, curbside composting, and string-lights recycling. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with Naomi Pitkin, the Recycling Specialist for the City of Troy about efforts to connect with the community about ways to get involved in recycling efforts.
Be it a home fire, a hurricane, or other natural disaster, the American Red Cross responds with food, shelter, and other resources necessary to stabilize families and communities. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with American Red Cross Senior Disaster Program Manager Josh Moskowitz about the services the Red Cross provides. Moskowitz has years of experience responding to disasters and says there are specific actions individuals can take to help prepare themselves in advance of disasters. Preparation in advance can make a big difference since you rarely know when a disaster may strike. According to the Red Cross, in 2021 more than 40% of Americans — some 130 million people — were living in a county struck by a climate-related disaster.
For 25 years, a local group has been supporting area students achieve their dreams of graduating from college. 518 ElevatED, formally known as Capital Region Sponsor-a-Scholar, provides mentorship to students at Albany, Schenectady, and Troy High schools. The program requires students meet weekly at school and at least once a month with a volunteer mentor. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with Laura Marx President and CEO of 518 ElevatED about their success rate with helping launch high school students into higher education and/or careers. So far, hundreds of students have completed the program and now have college degrees.
Public libraries have long been community centers providing avenues to a better life through shared learning resources. Now, a number of libraries in our region are finding creative solutions to expand community access to internet services. According to the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society, in New York State nearly 27% of households do not subscribe to broadband at home. This is often due to the high cost of service but it is sometimes due to a lack of available providers. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with Erica Freudenberger, Outreach & Marketing Consultant at the Southern Adirondack Library System about innovative ways local libraries are helping to bridge that digital divide to help their community members get access to the internet.
As attitudes continue to evolve around mental health and dealing with trauma, first responders are being offered several new tools to help them cope with the many demands of their jobs. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple about new approaches to help all first responder agencies in New York State recover from the stresses of their jobs. He speaks candidly about how witnessing traumatic situations leaves a mark and he speaks about his desire to do more to help after having known of suicides within the ranks.
A joint effort with the New York State Sheriffs’ Association and FirstNet, built with AT&T includes professional employee trainings, Employee Assistance Programs, a Public Service Announcement campaign titled “It’s Ok to not be OK,” and a confidential peer-to-peer hotline available to all Sheriff Office employees statewide. Sheriff Apple points out that the deputies know that they can use the peer-to-peer hotline to connect with officers outside their own department, a distinction that may make them more likely to open up. He also talks about current struggles with recruitment and retainment, issues he hopes will improve with a greater emphasis on wellness.
As a nation and locally we are having a lot of dialogue about aspects of dealing with mental health issues. One of the topics we are trying to get better at is de-escalating when someone is having a problem. Another of the topics has to do with a scarcity of mental health services and providers. The Living Room is a unique program located in the Ellis Health Center in Schenectady, with Alyssa Starrantino as the Psychiatry Supervisor. In this episode of Upstate Issues with Diane Donato, Starrantino talks about how The Living Room is designed to put people who are experiencing a mental crisis at ease with counseling in a home/spa-like environment that is available without an appointment Monday-Friday, 10 am to 6 pm. To ensure money isn’t a barrier, services are provided at no cost. Starrantino talks about their success rate with keeping people in crisis away from costly ER visits and their success with helping to direct individuals to additional mental health care resources once they leave. She says they also work with other community partners like the police, advocates for the homeless, and social workers.
Step one: Just show up. That’s the advice William Rivas gives to people who are looking to improve their communities. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Rivas talks about what inspired him to take action and how he navigates his passion for making the City of Schenectady and the neighborhood he grew up in a better place for everyone. Rivas has made a lot of progress bringing together other institutions and community members to get things done. He is a founder of Save our Streets and has been instrumental in the growth of the COCOA house, now serving as Director of the non-profit. But there’s more, he is helping with a community garden project and other initiatives for the community.
A club that served the needs of children is closing in Albany because of the violence that surrounds it. Pastor Charlie Muller of Victory Church says it was a difficult decision to close the JC Club but they could no longer ensure the safety of workers or the children coming there for programs. For 20 years the club fed kids and helped them with their homework at 498 1st Street in Albany. In recent years the building has been struck by bullets. Also recently, a man was killed outside.
Muller announced today that the building has been sold. He says the church will continue bringing services to the community through mobile events.
WGY”S Diane Donato talked with Muller as he was heading out the door to finish moving the last supplies out of the building. He talked about the violence and their efforts to increase security before closing the club. Muller says he is hopeful that their mobile units will be able to continue their efforts.
A local group is well on their way with an ambitious plan to create the Capital Region Veterans Memorial in Glenville. The 6-acre site will be developed to offer a serene setting complete with a pond and will also feature the Legacy Project. The Legacy Project will include a Welcome Center and Veteran’s Café. In this episode of Upstate Issues, board member Ginny Barr talks about where the idea for the project came from and the hopes they have that it will reignite patriotism in the region. Barr says veterans will be able to find companionship and will get support in finding resources. Educators and parents will be able to use the Capital Region Veterans Memorial and Legacy Project as a destination for learning. World War II veteran Sal Conforti joins in the conversation to explain how important it is for veterans of all wars have a place to open up about their service and their experiences after coming home.
Capital Region Veterans Memorial and Legacy Project is presenting a one-man drama depicting the life of World War II correspondent Ernie Pyle at Proctors on Saturday, May 28th. For information on free tickets for vets contact Ginny Barr at 518-441-4904. Tickets are also still available to the general public at Proctors.org.
For more information: https://capitalregionveteransmemorial.org
Individuals and families who are dealing with mental health issues are about to have a new tool to help them when a crisis arises. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with Matthew Shapiro, Director of Public Affairs, National Alliance for Mental Health New York State about the new 9-8-8 Mental Health Crisis Line which will debut in June. Shapiro says not only will this bring comfort to people and families when they don’t know where to turn for help, the 9-8-8 Mental Health Crisis Line will also help to diffuse tense situations that have previously resulted in calls to 9-1-1 and a possible police response. Diane and Matt also discuss evolving attitudes about mental illness. Stigma around mental illness has decreased recently with many notable athletes publicly acknowledging their own struggles and how they found solutions. Still, there is a chronic shortage of mental health services, especially when it comes to treating children.
Every year in increasing numbers, veterans are launching their own businesses in the Capital Region. Many of them have benefited from an initial boost through the Boots to Business program. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with Boots to Business instructor Emil Baker, who is also the owner of Big Moose Deli and Country Store. Also joining in the conversation is Boots to Business graduate Sean Dion, who is now the owner of Mr. Electric in Glens Falls. They discuss the benefit of having the support of peers who are also veterans while venturing into the challenges of starting a business.
In this episode of Upstate Issues, James Globe, Vice President of Operations, Center for Internet Security talks about some of the cyber attacks schools have endured and how they can help before and after bad actors target schools.
A local homeless shelter is under increased scrutiny as a community weighs the benefits it provides against its proximity to an elementary school. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Perry Jones, Executive Director of the Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany talks about the services it provides, which are many. The Mission provides daily hot meals, beds for the homeless, transitional housing, a food pantry, free clothing and job and substance abuse counseling. It serves a community of men, women, and children. But there are concerns in the community, particularly as the Mission considers expanding, that it is already situated in the wrong spot and that it is detrimental to children at nearby Giffen Elementary School. Jones believes the Mission brings more positives than negatives to the community and says talks are ongoing on how they can continue to provide services and ensure the safety of neighborhood children.
Mental Health issues are something people are becoming much more comfortable talking about, but at the Charlton School in Burnt Hills, the discussion had already been going on for decades. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Alex Capo, LMHC, Executive Director at The Charlton School talks about the school’s individualized approach to helping young women cope with mental health issues while readying them for life after high school. Capo says there has been an increase in ER visits for girls 12-18 for a variety of mental health issues including self-harm and substance abuse in the last year. He says the all-girl environment takes some of the stress away as the healing begins. At the Charlton School, these intelligent and creative young women learn skills to work through emotional and mental health issues through attendance at either a residential or high school program.
A new community space and sensory gym designed with a neurodiverse population in mind, is about to open on Fuller Road in Colonie. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Lisa Audi, and her daughter Carabelle, talk about why she decided to open Bring on the Spectrum and her mission to offer social, recreational and lifestyle activities for individuals of all ages and abilities. Audi talks about what will be offered in the gym and her goal to make sure there is community involvement in organizing and hosting events in the community space. Audi says the community space will be a game-changer. Activities will include art, yoga, music, fitness, Improv, Zumba, e-sports, movie nights and more with an intention that people of all ages will enjoy community engagement.
On February 20, 2022, radio station WGY celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first time the station signed on to the air. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Chris Hunter, Vice President of Collections and Exhibitions at miSci talks about the historical significance of WGY on Schenectady, New York and the world as one of the original commercially licensed broadcast stations. Hunter talks about some of the “firsts” that have been attributed to the station as well as some of the technology that originated at General Electric in Schenectady. This episode of Upstate Issues also features some audio of original announcer and manager Kolin Hagar and early WGY musician Edward Rice playing the first song that was ever broadcast on WGY.
On this podcast, WGY's Mike Patrick speaks with Bryan Jackson, president of the East Greenbush Amateur Radio Association. Besides being a backup for local law enforcement agencies in times of emergency, Bryan refers to Amateur Radio as the original form of social media. On January 20th, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of WGY, the Association will be creating a "Special Event" using the call letters W7Y (since WGY is taken, the "7" represents "G" in the alphabet). Find out how you can participate at www.egara.club
In this episode of Upstate Issues, Mark Eagan, President and CEO of the Capital Region Chamber talks about the Chamber’s long range plans and advocacy for issues affecting everyone in the community. Eagan says that while the Chamber has always been there to support local businesses, the real point of having a successful local business community is so that those businesses can support the overall health and happiness of the community. Eagan talks about the concerns the Chamber has over taxes and regulations on businesses in New York. He says the Chamber is also doing a lot to improve workforce development in New York. He notes that part of the “Great Resignation” is coming from individuals who were already reaching retirement age. Eagan sees an opportunity there for people in lower-skilled jobs to get trained and promoted. This is especially important as technology continues to eliminate many jobs that are considered to be low skill.
Schenectady County has been the historical epicenter of many inventions and famous people, making its impact on state, national and world history profound. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Mary Zawacki, Director of the Schenectady Historical Foundation, shares facts from our past touching on traders during pre-revolutionary times, General Electric, early trains, and broadcasting firsts such as the licensing of WGY. She also talks about ways the Schenectady Historical Foundation is preserving the stories and artifacts of the past through maintaining historical sites and providing digital resources for people from around the world.
In this episode of Upstate Issues, Miriam Dushane, Managing Partner of Alaant Workforce Solutions, talks about the current Capital Region jobs outlook as indicated in the Alaant Hiring Index. Dushane talks about which sectors are looking to hire and discusses why some employers are having difficulty finding the right people. It’s a complicated picture that may require more of a human touch to fill jobs when online hiring fails to make important connections.
Friends of Recovery-New York has long been doing work to support people through their individual Recovery from substance abuse but as time as passed, the definition of what Recovery means has changed. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with Dr. Angelia Smith Wilson, Executive Director of Friends of Recovery- New York, about why that definition has changed and how changing the meaning of Recovery is enlarging the number of people who can be helped. Dr. Smith Wilson says that while there are still clinically based stages of Recovery, there is a greater understanding that when individuals define what Recovery means for themselves, they have a greater chance of being successful. Still, she says community support systems are essential. Allison Weingarten, Director of Policy, also joins in to talk about Stand Up for Recovery Day.
A local city school district is trying a novel approach to attracting new teachers. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Anibal Soler, Jr., Superintendent of Schenectady Schools, talks about the “Grow Your Own” program which will help members of the local community and high school students become teachers. Through an agreement with SUNY Schenectady, Cazenovia College, and Clarkson University, community members can stay local while working all the way through a master’s degree program, often while finding employment in the school district. Soler says the program is particularly appealing to adults who want to switch careers.
This week, Mike Patrick fills in to talk about a great organization called “Wreaths Across America.”
Their goal is to “remember, honor and teach” about the brave souls who have given their lives for our country. Mike speaks with Jeff Pierce about “National Wreaths Across America Day” on December 18th at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. There will also be a special related event at Hudson Valley Community College on Tuesday, December 14th.
https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/?fbclid=IwAR2xxPBgAbbq8g8ZV8JoGwZwodPoOKO-8VjHsJnGsH_o0Wx8skZFqauWThs
A fairly recent change in federal law has marked the beginning of a new era for young people who need care when their parents are unable to provide it. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Colleen Vogel, Senior Director of Foster Care, Northern Rivers talks about the Family First Prevention Services Act which makes it easier for “kin” to provide foster care. She points out that even people who are not related to a minor can provide foster care. Vogel talks about some of the legal, financial and emotional issues that are involved becoming a foster parent.
Service in the New York Army Nation Guard is not always well understood. Case in point, Staff Sergeant Michael McLean who says he was working at a Pizza Hut and looking for ways to advance himself when a colleague talked to him about joining the Guard. He laughs now at his own misconceptions and talks about the opportunities he discovered there. In this episode of Upstate Issues, McLean talks about his years of in the NYARNG, how he has used educational benefits, and the esprit de corps that has meant so much to him while he serves.
Whatever the season, the Capital Region has a lot of offer to people looking to take a stroll, a walk, or a more intensive hike. The Capital Region is also rich in history. A local couple, Russell Dunn and Barbara Delaney took their love of hiking and combined it with their curiosity about the places they were visiting and began a book series that features our natural wonders and the backstories that are the fabric of our communities. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks to Dunn and Delaney about their latest book, "Paths to the Past." Learn about some of the fascinating history at Normanskill Farm, Buttermilk Falls, Peebles Island, and Albany's Washington Park.
In this episode of Upstate Issues, potentially life-saving information about sepsis is shared by Al Cardillo, National Sepsis Alliance Advisory Board, Collaborating Partner to ENDSepsis-Rory Staunton Foundation, and President and CEO, Home Care Association of New York State. He is joined by Jillian Thibault, sepsis survivor and Project Advisor, HCA Sepsis Initiative, HCA “Shining Light” award recipient and advocate for sepsis education and outreach. Host Diane Donato asks about how to spot sepsis infections and what is being done to educate healthcare providers so that the signs of sepsis are not missed.
The concept that children have mental health needs is more understood than even a decade ago, but mental health resources are still lacking for parents and educators. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Glenn Liebman, CEO of the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS) talks about resources they have developed and how they can be accessed. Liebman explains how lesson plans have been developed and talks about the added strain that the pandemic has been placing on all of us.
Our medical response to a pandemic has been at the forefront of our minds for a year and a half. The vaccine is part of the story. Expanded treatment options have been another part of the story. In this episode of Upstate Issues Dr. Greg Dewey, President of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, talks about the foundation that made the vaccines and treatments possible. Dr. Dewey explains how biopharmaceuticals are becoming a dominant force in the industry and how the U.S. needs to prepare a trained workforce for future biopharmaceutical jobs. The newly opened Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training (CBET) is ready to provide that education and training. Dr. Dewey also talks about the strains on medical services that could be alleviated through an increased utilization of community pharmacists.
On September 8th, Upstate Issues host Diane Donato was invited to the 109th Airlift Wing, at Stratton Air National Guard Base to learn about the amazing people who work both civilian jobs and serve part-time in the ANG. They, and those who serve full time, do incredible work supporting four federal missions: polar airlift, aero-medical evacuation, aerial port, and field hospital contingencies. They sacrifice months away from their loved-ones serving on missions that frequently take them to extreme conditions in Greenland and Antarctica. Much of their work is in support of vital scientific research. Travel with her on the Boss Lift in this special episode of Upstate Issues.
Through a new partnership with the Business for Good Foundation, Shelters of Saratoga has been able to expand supportive housing for low-income individuals in Saratoga. In this podcast, Diane Donato brings an update from Executive Director Duane Vaughn about the work Shelters of Saratoga is doing.
Drug overdose deaths during the pandemic hit the highest number ever recorded. CDC data shows that deaths skyrocketed to 93-thousand in 2020, up from 72-thousand in 2019. That's an increase of close to 30-percent. Dr. Nora Volkow with the National Institute on Drug Abuse says the numbers are "chilling" and blames the COVID-19 pandemic for creating a "devastating collision of health crises in America." Most of the deaths involved opioids, synthetic or otherwise.
In this podcast, Tim Murdick, president of the Nopiates Committee INC talks about addiction problems in the Capital Region. Nopiates is a grassroots organization formed to help inviduals and families struggling with addiction.
For over 100 years the City Mission of Schenectady has been helping people in need. Even during the pandemic, services were still provided to men, women and children. On an average day, the mission serves over 600 meals and provides shelter for about 100 people. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Executive Director/CEO Mike Saccocio talks about their approach to helping people who are struggling. After the essential needs of food and shelter are met, counseling and career training are offered. To meet a growing need, the City Mission of Schenectady has also expanded Transitional Housing offerings to help graduates of their Bridges to Freedom program as they work toward self-sufficiency.
Part of the appeal of the annual Freihofer's Run for Women has always been that women at various ages and fitness levels can come together with a goal of reaching for their personal best while running a 5K. For decades the event has attracted world-class athletes and novices. That spirit of camaraderie has been extended to help women prepare for the event in the weeks preceding it. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with Event Director Kristen Hislop about the Freihofer's Training Challenge. It's an 11-week program beginning the week of Sunday, July 11 at 17 sites in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Dutchess Counties. The training is tailored for all abilities, even beginners. Hislop also talks about the physical, mental and social benefits of group training and running.
People who are concerned about safety are more than a little worried about the numbers when it comes to volunteer fire departments. According to John D'Alessandro, Association Secretary of the Firemen's Association of the State of NY (FASNY) more than 80 percent of fire and emergency response in the nation is done by volunteers. He says that percentage is even higher in New York. In the episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with D'Alessandro about efforts to attract new people to volunteer, including ways the training is being made more accessible. D'Alessandro also talks about the personal satisfaction that comes with community involvement. He says they have a job for every kind of skill set.
Through a collaborative effort, Albany is getting its first Mental Health Court, officially referred to as the Albany Alternative and Treatment Court (AATC). In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with Judge John Reilly about who this court is for, how the court will work, and the responsibilities for those who ask to have their cases heard by AATC.
For decades to come we will be talking about the COVID pandemic, where we were, what we were doing, even what we would do differently. We will also always remember those who stepped up, at times put themselves in danger, and provided services to those in need. In this episode of Upstate Issues SFC Jessica Girard of the New York Army National Guard (NYARNG) talks about some of the ways NYARNG served. While members are always there for us helping abroad and closer to home during natural disasters, service during the last 18 months has been unique in many ways.
We generally have an idea about how we are affected when someone else cheats a system we are all a part of but sometimes it doesn't seem too closely connected to us. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Frank Sztuk talks about Insurance Fraud. Frank is the Senior Vice President of Investigative Services at Delta Group and chair of the public outreach committee for the New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud. He was also a cop in New Jersey for 10 years. He has stories about how people have tried to scam insurers with phony, and sometimes dangerous, claims on their medical, auto and individual insurance. Sztuk says the scams are something we all ultimately wind up paying for.
They are the people you depend on during your greatest time of need. In this podcast edition of Upstate Issues, Steven Gordon, Director Emergency Communications for the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office talks about the people on the other end of the line receiving 911 calls. Gordon discusses the medical training public safety telecommunicators get to help save lives and talks about how they have adapted during the pandemic. He also discusses efforts in the NYS legislature to reclassify 911 operators as First Responders. It's a stressful job involving minute-to-minute decisions that literally have life-or-death consequences.
St. Peter's Health Partners and Ellis Medicine have signed a letter of intent to merge operations, but it is not a done deal. Some members of the community served by Ellis are voicing concerns about the implications of such a merger. In this podcast edition of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with Michelle Ostrelich, a member of the Schenectady County Legislature and part of the Schenectady Coalition for Healthcare Access. Ostrelich talks about trying to balance the economic realities that drive mergers with concerns that future healthcare options for the community could be influenced by religious considerations which govern St. Peter's Health Partners. St. Peter's is a member of Trinity Health, one of the nation's largest Catholic health systems.
Mental health issues affect us all and have an impact on all aspects of our lives, from our relationships, our workplaces, our living space, our justices systems, our communities. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Matthew Shapiro Associate Director, Public Affairs for the New York State chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) talks about key issues to make our communities a more mentally healthy place to live. Shapiro touches on resources NAMI offers which include classes taught by people with lived experience. He also talks about how people are processing the trauma and grief of the last year and challenges in accessing services, especially in rural areas. Mental health issues have also been a consideration in reforming policing and Shapiro talks about efforts to create Crisis Stabilization Centers.
Decades after their exposure and decades after Vietnam veterans first heard of the health effects of exposure to Agent Orange, more illnesses associated with Agent Orange are now covered for care at the VA. This is something not all Vietnam veterans are aware of. In this podcast with Diane Donato, Peter Potter, Public Affairs Director at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, and veterans advocate Emil Baker talk about what the change in the law means for the hundreds of thousands of Vietnam Veterans living in New York.
The Social Justice movements of 2020 created a lot of opportunity for reflection in all aspects of our lives. Discrimination in the workplace is part of the larger picture that some local business professionals hope to address with the formation of the BRIDGE Network. The group announced its effort with a mission statement: "The BRIDGE Network, Businesses Building Real Inclusion and Diversity for Genuine Equity, is founded on the principle that promoting inclusion, diversity and equity is essential to recognize and further the potential of every individual — regardless of race, gender, age, economic or educational background, sexual orientation, or diverse ability — and to empower businesses and the region to catalyze and accelerate meaningful change. " In this episode of Upstate Issues, one of the Bridge Network's founders, Miriam Dushane of Alaant Workforce Solutions, talks about the diversity of the people involved in the Bridge Network, the ways they hope to make meaningful change, and how existing resources can be brought together to increase workforce diversity.
Longtime local activist, Dr. Alice Green is the Executive Director of the Center for Law and Justice, a civil rights organization she founded in 1985. In June of 2020, Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order requiring police agencies to consult with local community members and develop a plan to reinvent their policing strategies. In this episode of Upstate Issues Dr. Green talks about the efforts police departments around the state have been making in advance of submitting their plans. What are some of components she thinks are essential to making a real difference and will these plans meet the goal of being transformative? Dr. Green also discusses the trust level between police departments and the communities they serve, and talks about moves to augment public safety with other professionals such as social workers and mental health providers.
For many years now New York lawmakers have been discussing the possibility of legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. It wasn't until only a few years ago that the use of medicinal marijuana was legalized. Meanwhile other states (including many of our neighbors) have legalized the use of recreational marijuana which adds to the pressure to legalize it here. Meanwhile the New York budget deficit is also being used as an example of why New York should seize on the opportunity for new tax revenue. Meanwhile there are activists and legislators who are saying that if recreational marijuana is legalized, it should be done with social equity in mind.
Excelsior College has recently hosted a couple of symposium looking at aspects of legalizing recreational marijuana. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Scott Dolan, Dean, School of Graduate Studies at Excelsior College talks about some of the issues within the debate over legalization. He also explains some of the reasons that led Excelsior to branch into creating an education pathway for people who want to learn about cannabis control.
We're now eight weeks into the COVID-19 vaccination program here in the Capital Region and while the rollout has not been without its bumps and frustrations, each day things are getting a little smoother. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Dr. Dennis McKenna, the President and CEO of Albany Medical Center gives an update on vaccination efforts in the Capital Region. Albany Med has been selected to be the "Hub Planning Lead" by NYS Department of Health and in that role has already administered over 110,000 first and second doses to individuals in the eight county Capital Region area. McKenna talks about the safety of the vaccines and gives a glimpse into how life has changed in the medical system now that 90% of Albany Med's staff has been vaccinated.
Looking for the best way to determine your eligibility and book and appointment? Dr. McKenna recommends: capitalregionvax.org
Access to broadband in rural communities has been a tough hurdle to overcome. New York politicians have been talking about it for years, goals have been set, demands made on providers, and still some are still waiting. The pandemic put a new urgency on extending broadband service, highlighting broadband's role in connectivity to work, healthcare and education.
Dr. Rebecca Watts is a regional vice president for Western Governors University, one of many institutions bringing learning into our homes in the Capital Region. Rebecca has previously provided testimony to state legislative committees on higher education about the importance of expanding broadband access in rural communities. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Dr. Watts talks about why investing in rural broadband is more essential than ever and she gives suggestions on how new approaches could help more people get access.
The group Sistas Healing Old Wounds (SHOW) is on a mission to help women who are currently incarcerated and those who are transitioning out of prison, in ways that are both personal and practical. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with one of SHOW's founders, Roni Minter, about the inspiration behind the group and the work they are trying to do. Minter says when she was behind bars she came to realize that there was a great need for women to help other women heal the wounds that prevent them from moving forward. It's a need for a support system that doesn't stop when the workday ends for most professional counselors. Now a hotline has been established to support women in off hours. SHOW is also providing training sessions for those who work with incarcerated and recently incarcerated women to help teach professionals more about needs of these women. In addition SHOW has started the Dignity Bag initiative to provide some essential care items to women as they are leaving prison.
The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly put a spotlight on vaccine research and manufacturing. Right here in the Capital Region we have the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences' Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training (CBET) where students will learn about the research and manufacturing of drugs and vaccines. For the uninitiated, ACPHS president Dr. Greg Dewey and CBET Associate Director Dr. Julian Rosenberg both explain biopharmaceuticals, discussing how they have been used previously and their current use in developing COVID-19 vaccines. While biopharmaceuticals are changing lives, researchers and manufacturers are dealing with a shortage of trained professionals here in the US. With state-of-the-art labs and programs, CBET is changing that .
COVID-19 has hit cancer care in a variety of ways with diagnosed individuals having care delayed at times this year because of reduced services being available and in other cases individuals delaying treatment themselves because of concerns over costs. Still more people have simply put off screenings, potentially missing an opportunity to detect cancer earlier. In this podcast with Diane Donato, Julie Hart of the American Cancer Society Action Cancer Network talks about remedies for those challenges. She says early detection can save lives.
Therapeutic sessions with the likes of Peppi, Buster Bunny or Gambler may seem untraditional, but at the Saratoga Therapeutic Equestrian Program (STEP), exactly such therapeutic sessions have already been helping individuals with disabilities for almost 35 years. With a team of volunteers assisting to make everything possible, physical and occupational therapists at STEP have been helping individuals grow and advance through programs like Classical Hippotherapy and Hearts, Hooves and Healing. In this podcast Executive Director Kay White talks with Diane Donato about why these experiences with horses can make such a difference for those struggling with a variety of disabilities.
Hands-on learning has been a hallmark for Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School. For years local students have had their classroom learning supplemented with real experience as they pursue careers in a variety of professions including construction, medical assisting, culinary arts and cosmetology.
Then came a pandemic that made social distancing and on-line learning the norm.
But students are still receiving hands-on instruction at locations served by BOCES CTE and say they really love the opportunity to still get their hands dirty.
For administrators and instructors it has been a careful balance.
In this podcast with Diane Donato, CTE director Jeff Palmer talk about the challenges they encountered and how they adapted to ensure students would continue to have the hands-on learning that they have counted on.
The United Way estimates that about 41 percent of Capital Region families are earning less than what is needed for a basic "survival" budget. In this episode of Upstate Issues Diane Donato talks with Peter Gannon, CEO United Way of the Greater Capital Region about the additional pressures the pandemic has put on the poor and the working poor. Gannon points out that many of the essential workers that helped get us through the worst of the pandemic are not making enough to pay their monthly bills for childcare, housing and healthcare. He also talks about the ways volunteers who are working with the United Way are making a difference.
Businesses have had a challenging year in 2020, with some unable to sustain themselves under these extraordinary circumstances and a lucky few finding increased success. Many business owners fall somewhere between those two extremes, having adapted to new ways of doing business with a hope that conditions will improve in 2021. In part one of this two-part podcast, Diane Donato talks with Steve Bulger, Small Business Administration (SBA) Regional Administrator for NY, NJ, and portions of the Atlantic Region, about assistance for small businesses in obtaining capital, opportunities with federal government contracting, and mentoring services provided through the SBA. Bulger also talks about recent moves to simplify the process for loan forgiveness through the Paycheck Protection Program.
In part two, Diane talks with Emil Baker, SBA SCORE and Boots to Business mentor, about how businesses are faring in Upstate New York, and about advice he is giving to would-be entrepreneurs about starting a new business in this time of uncertainty.
Businesses have had a challenging year in 2020, with some unable to sustain themselves under these extraordinary circumstances and a lucky few finding increased success. Many business owners fall somewhere between those two extremes, having adapted to new ways of doing business with a hope that conditions will improve in 2021. In part one of this two-part podcast,
Diane Donato talks with Steve Bulger, Small Business Administration (SBA) Regional Administrator for NY, NJ, and portions of the Atlantic Region, about assistance for small businesses in obtaining capital, opportunities with federal government contracting, and mentoring services provided through the SBA. Bulger also talks about recent moves to simplify the process for loan forgiveness through the Paycheck Protection Program.
In part two, Diane talks with Emil Baker, SBA SCORE and Boots to Business mentor, about how businesses are faring in Upstate New York, and about advice he is giving to would-be entrepreneurs about starting a new business in this time of uncertainty.
A unique program through the Albany County District Attorney's office tries to help young people avoid criminal convictions through making positive changes in their lives. In this podcast interview, Diane Donato talks with D.A. David Soares about what kind of young offenders are eligible for the Clean Slate program, the changes and restitution they have to make, and the challenge they face in going before a panel of community leaders to get their charges dismissed. Soares also reflects on his own youth and talks about the power of mentorship.
At a time when our communities and our nation seem so politically divided, the group Braver Angels is trying to foster communications that can remain civil even when we disagree with one another. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Eva Galvin co-founder of the local chapter of Braver Angels talks about how traditional and social media have influenced political discourse and she gives tips for navigating thorny topics. Galvin also gives information about the group's bi-partisan workshops and discussions. For more information: https://braverangels.org/
PART ONE
Many aspects of education are entering a new era. While distance learning has been around for quite a while and many teachers have been using online resources for years, COVID 19 has forced a sea change in almost every classroom.
Dr. Anna Zendell, is Faculty Program Director for the School of Graduate Studies at Excelsior College. Her areas of interest in higher education involve developing innovative teaching strategies and cultivating community for online adult learners. And she teaches regularly. In this two-part podcast interview with Diane Donato, Zendell talks about overcoming the biggest challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by COVID 19 with hybrid teaching methods. She talks about planning for new approaches to reach students, teacher workloads, and about the discomfort some may be feeling as on-line learning often reveals their personal space.
PART TWO
Many aspects of education are entering a new era. While distance learning has been around for quite a while and many teachers have been using online resources for years, COVID 19 has forced a sea change in almost every classroom.
Dr. Anna Zendell, is Faculty Program Director for the School of Graduate Studies at Excelsior College. Her areas of interest in higher education involve developing innovative teaching strategies and cultivating community for online adult learners. And she teaches regularly. In this two-part podcast interview with Diane Donato, Zendell talks about overcoming the biggest challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by COVID 19 with hybrid teaching methods. She talks about planning for new approaches to reach students, teacher workloads, and about the discomfort some may be feeling as on-line learning often reveals their personal space.
Saying adequate shelter is a human right, Time For Homes has just opened an office in the Capital Region. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with James Ryan, President of Time for Homes about their ambitious goals, their data-driven approach, and some novel ideas about how to partner with the medical community to help get people off the streets and into stable living arrangements.
Long before the COVID 19 pandemic, the country was dealing with an epidemic of substance addiction, and now post-pandemic the work of Friends of Recovery New York continues. In this podcast with Diane Donato, Dr. Angelia Smith-Wilson, Executive Director of FOR-NY talks about the impact stay-at-home directives have had on people in recovery and how they have adapted to keep services available.
Mohawk Hudson Humane Society has come up with creative ways to care for pets and the people who love them during COVID-19 pandemic.
Because of the pandemic, businesses have had to undergo extraordinary changes. Business owners are anxious to get back going, but they have so much uncertainty to deal with. Jayson Kratoville, the interim director of the National Center for Security and Preparedness (NCSP) at the University at Albany, believes that businesses’ ability to adapt will play a critical role to restarting the economy. He says it will also play a key role for people who are looking for or trying to keep employment.
A familiar voice re-joins us; Amy Amoroso is the Director VBOC, U.S. Small Business Administration, Veterans Business Outreach Centers. We've spoken to Amy before about local veterans starting their own businesses and the Boots to Business program. In this podcast with Diane Donato, Amy updates up on how veterans continue to get help getting business ideas off the ground despite the COVID 19 pandemic.
Local manufacturers have had to move quickly to stay in business during the COVID-19 outbreak in Upstate New York. In this podcast Diane Donato talks with Rick Sicari of Albany Distilling about a local partnership to help manufacturers re-start in New York. Sicari talks about how manufacturers have adapted and about the ways the Center for Economic Growth is helping them continue to move forward.
We are all re-adjusting to work after the pandemic's peak and we know we have more adjustments ahead. Many employers are expressing concern about the unknowns. In this podcast with Diane Donato, Miriam Dushane of Alaant Workforce Solutions talks about the new landscape and offers tips on how employers can protect themselves, their employees and their customers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in innumerable ways. Many legal issued are tied into the health and economic impacts we are experiencing. Albany Law School will be focusing on some of the legal issues in an on-line course taught by Dean Alicia Ouellette.
We often think about the transitions that signal adulthood being occasions such as graduating from high school or college, turning 18, turning 21, getting a driver's license. As much as these events signal changes in our lives, the truth is most people have a gradual process in becoming adults. For foster kids this can be a very different experience. Because of the pandemic, there are even more challenges.
In this podcast with Diane Donato, Brad Hansen the Policy Director for Families Together in New York State, talks about those challenges and their pleas to Governor Cuomo to put some new protections in place due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
For over 100 years the Schenectady City Mission has been helping people in need. In this podcast Diane Donato talks with Mike Saccocio, Executive Director at City Mission of Schenectady. Saccocio explains many more women and children are seeking help than when the mission first started. He also talks about how the opioid epidemic has created more need for help and explains about some of the successful job training programs at the City Mission.
Provider Status for pharmacists in New York could help keep down medical costs and could help provide services as the nation sees a decline in the number of physicians.
"We're finding out what life is like without them, and it's just no fun! These Main Street stores, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, everything...they are the things that make our town work." In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with Ted Potrikus of the Retail Council of New York State about the RetailNewYork.com website. It's a free tool for local businesses and it's a way shoppers can help keep local stores in business during the pandemic.
Automotive dealers are adapting to the challenges of providing service while still protecting against the spread of COVID-19. In this podcast, Diane Donato talks with Chris Neuber, President of the Eastern New York Coalition of Automotive Retailers. Neuber explains how their work is continuing and how essential their businesses have become.
In 1988, the Albany Damien Center was founded during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Years later there are fewer deaths and there's a great hope for the future of those living with the disease. But the Albany Damien Center is still working to improve the lives of those who are ill, noting that for some people a diagnosis leads to more isolation and financial hardships. In this interview Executive Director Perry Junjulas talks with Diane Donato about their housing, food, and social resources as well as their push to help prevent new infections.
Manufacturers are still finding success in Upstate New York, although they do face challenges. In this interview with Diane Donato, the President of Tough Traveler Nancy Gold talks about how they have stayed successful in a very competitive field and why she thinks it's so important that manufacturing stays viable in Upstate New York.
With approximately 30,000 Guard and Reserve members across New York State, it's important that employers understand the laws concerning time away from the job during times of service. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve provides that education and helps member work through some of the unique challenges associated with their service. In this podcast with Diane Donato, NYS Chairman of ESGR Admiral Powell (retired) and Emil Baker, Employer Outreach Director for New York DoD ESGR, talk about educating employers and helping service members.
In a time when social media seems to be amplifying disrespectful words and actions, a former local teacher and coach is trying to promote the message that we should "Act with Respect Always." Rich Johns taught elementary and middle school and coached tennis for 38 years. Now he travels to schools giving presentations about character traits, speaking with kindness, the value of each individual and talking about how we can challenge ourselves to be our best. In this podcast with Diane Donato, Johns talks about the presentations and some of the students he has worked with.
A new study is proving what many of us suspected; kids are spending a lot of time in front of screens. And we are starting them very young. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the average time children spend in front of screens increased from 53 minutes per day at 12 months to more than 150 minutes at 3 years. That's just one finding from the study. In this podcast with Diane Donato, Erin Bell, professor of Environmental Health Sciences at UAlbany’s School of Public Health talks about the findings.
You can help a veteran in so many, many ways. In this podcast Peter Potter, Public Affairs Officer, Stratton VA Medical Center and Emil Baker, New York Employer Outreach Director, DoD ESGR talk about the many ways people young and old can make a difference for veterans by volunteering through the Stratton V.A. in Albany.
Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins says the department will lease space at 215 Washington Avenue Extension in an effort to train more recruits. Once renovations are done Hawkins says they will be able to go from training 20 recruits at a time to having the capacity to train up to 50 recruits.
At a time when area recruiters are frequently discussing a skills gap that is keeping local people from filling high-paying local jobs, Albany Can Code is offering classes that can help people fill that gap without obtaining an advanced degree.In this podcast with Diane Donato, Founder and CEO Annmarie Lanesey explains what coding is, talks about local opportunities, and describes some of the classes offered at Albany Can Code. Who has the aptitude? Lanesey says many people do and she talks about local partnerships that help bring the opportunity to learn coding to some under-served communities.
Hoping to illuminate a dark history of political corruption, Bruce Roter continues work toward building the Museum of Political Corruption in Albany, NY.
Roter, who by day is a music professor at the College of St. Rose, says he got the idea for his museum few years ago and decided to take action. In this podcast with Diane Donato, Roter says it will be easy to keep the museum non-partisan because history shows no one party has been immune to ethical lapses. The concept of a Museum of Political Corruption may sound cynical, but instead Roter hopes it will inspire our better natures and ignite conversations about how government operates and how we can work to root out corruption wherever we find it.
Overdose fatalities are now the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 50. While the U.S. has started to turn the tide on the number of new opioid addictions, there is still much work to do to help those who are already addicted. Statistically just 1 in 5 people who are suffering with addiction are getting the treatment they need. Congressman Paul Tonko believes when an addict has a moment of clarity and is ready to ask for help, access to that care should not be a barrier.
Tonko is part of a bipartisan group backing the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act. In this podcast Congressman Tonko talks with Diane Donato about the irony of having medical professionals who can prescribe medication for pain who are then not able to prescribe medication to treat addiction to pain-killers. The MAT Act would expand the number of medical professionals who can treat addiction by removing some of the bureaucracy surrounding buprenorphine. Buprenorphine has widely been used to treat addiction, but requires a special DEA waiver for medical professionals to be allowed to prescribe it to treat addiction disorders.
Children with special needs or chronic health conditions receive a lot of attention, deservedly. Sometimes their siblings could use a little extra attention too. The Bus Stop Club supports siblings of special needs kids with club activities and camp experiences, giving them a chance to have fun and connect with their peers. The Bus Stop Club also gives parents a chance to connect with their own unique peer group. In this podcast hosted by Diane Donato, Executive Director Angela Tobin talks about how the Bus Stop Club got started, what they do, where they meet, and future plans to expand.
Decades after their exposure and decades after Vietnam veterans first heard of the health effects of exposure to Agent Orange, some veterans are just finding out that some of their ailments may fall under Agent Orange Syndrome. In this podcast Emil Baker talks about his diagnosis and how he has found help through the Stratton V.A. Stratton spokesman Peter Potter also talks about how Agent Orange exposure has led to new programs for generations of service members.
Friends of Recovery NY is helping to support people and families along the Recovery journey. In this podcast with Diane Donato, Executive Director Dr. Angelia Smith-Wilson talks about reducing stigma, opening doors to employment, and how many different paths to recovery are leading to enriched lives for thousands of New Yorkers.
Dr. David Hoffman, Associate Professor, Ethics and Health Policy and Director, Healthcare Management Program at Maria College has recently published a commentary article in Ageing Science and Mental Health Studies titled “Public Health Responding to the Epidemic of Alzheimer’s Disease.” In this podcast with Diane Donato, he talks about research showing that Alzheimer's caregivers are at increased risk for health and economic problems. Hoffman says it's important for public officials to consider the toll Alzheimer's is taking and suggests ways the health community can do more to help those who are helping others.
The SUNY Student Assembly represents 1.4 million students enrolled at 64 campuses throughout the SUNY system. In this podcast assembly president Austin Ostro talks about the group's priorities, the Excelsior Scholarship program, and how students are navigating bigger social issues like freedom of speech.
In this episode of Upstate Issues Todd Cramer, President and CEO of Mohawk Hudson Humane Society talks about the traditional and new services they are offering to small pets. Cramer talks about how behavioral health affects physical health for pets and how staff and volunteers work with the animals to help prepare them for adoption. Cramer also explains the ways they are helping people care for the pets already existing in their homes.
A community solar farm is becoming part of the Capital Region landscape. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Mark Richardson, President and CEO of US Light Energy talks about the factors that go into selecting a site for a solar farm and how farmers and communities can benefit. He also talks about how National Grid customers can tap into solar energy. Also discussed: tax credits the project received and the types of jobs created by solar energy.
The concept of Mental Health First Aid is a relatively new idea. In this podcast with Diane Donato, John Cooney, Retired Troy Police Captain, talks about components of the programs and explains that it's premise is very similar to traditional First Aid training. Mental Health First Aid can save lives, according to Cooney.
Stratton VA Medical Center Director Darlene DeLancey talks about the new MISSION program. MISSION stands for Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Network.
Medical and recovery experts from the Capital Region discuss the Opioid Epidemic. Presented by the New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud and hosted by WGY's Diane Donato.
A typical day for people working in Emergency Communications can go from mundane to extreme crisis in seconds and they have to be ready for every situation. In this podcast, Steven Gordon, Director of Emergency Communications for the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office talks about the challenges they face while always striving to provide the best care for all the members of their community. It's not an easy job, but it is meaningful work. Listen to learn more about the people who answer your call on what might your greatest time of need.
A growing number of people who have Type 1 diabetes, which requires daily insulin, are going without that vital medicine, or making potentially fatal reductions in their doses, due to the skyrocketing cost of insulin, Mike Patrick discusses this health care crisis with Ray Kimmelblatt, Executive Director of JDRF (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and looks at options for reducing those costs.
For anyone who has ever dreamed of starting their own business but didn't know where to start, the Small Business Association offers many services, including free SCORE counseling. SCORE counselors are retired professional who volunteer their time to mentor the next generation of business owners. In this podcast Emil Baker talks about how to connect with a SCORE professional and what to expect along the way from time-management to spreadsheets.
Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York helps people with Alzheimer's Disease and their caregivers understand the disease and plan for the future.
Many veterans are opening businesses in Upstate, NY. In this podcast series they talk about skills and stamina developed while in service and about applying those skills to running their own small businesses. It's a big leap and starting a business is not easy. Learn how they have made their dreams a reality.
Serving the transportation needs of the Capital Region is a big task, and that's just the beginning of the many important functions CDTA fills in our region.
From tax prep assistance to serving up summer lunches, United Way of the Greater Capital Region is helping people stay afloat. It often starts with a call to 2-1-1. In this podcast with Diane Donato, Peter Gannon, CEO of the United Way of the Greater Capital Region talks about their continuing mission to help people get connected to the resources they need.
Episode three in a series on veterans that focuses on some of the success stories of those who have tapped into state and federal resources, have started their own businesses and want to share their stories with others. In this episode, Jacob Ashby, former US Army officer and combat veteran talks about how his service experiences helped shape his business plan for Ashby Adaptive Occupational Therapy. Amy Amoroso talks about her work with veterans through the Veteran Business Outreach Center.
Episode two in a series on veterans with a focus on some of the success stories of those who have tapped into state and federal resources, have started their own businesses and want to share their stories on how help others. In this episode, Robert Duff talks about how his service experiences helped inspire his dream of opening a business. Duff talks about some of the programs he has found most helpful along his journey to opening the Salt Den, a Himalayan Therapeutic Wellness Center.
Many veterans are opening businesses in Upstate, NY. They're taking skills (and stamina) developed while in service and applying what they know to running their own small businesses. It's a big leap and starting a business is not easy. In this podcast series, veterans will talk about their service backgrounds, the businesses they've started, and how they made the transition. They'll also talk about some of the state and federal programs they've found useful and share advice for other veterans looking to start their own businesses.
In this episode, Air Force Veteran Jason Young, owner of Old Saratoga Wine and Spirits, Clarks Steak House, and Schuyler Yacht Basin talks about how he's taken skills he learned in service and applied them to the business world.
In this podcast with Diane Donato, newly-elected representative Antonio Delgado talks about his first days in Congress, trying to bring a bi-partisan approach to a deeply divided federal government, creating economic opportunities, and trying to help others realize the American dream.
Energy costs are one of the biggest costs the average household faces. In this podcast Diane Donato talks with JoAnne Zales, a Consumer Advocate for National Grid, and Patrick Stella, Eastern NY Media Relations for National Grid about a variety of ways customers can get help if they are having trouble paying their bills. From H.E.A.P. to Care and Share to budget billing, there are many ways New Yorkers can keep the lights on and their homes comfortable.
Local man on a mission to shed light on history of corruption influencing politics in New York State. Museum would also highlight political figures that fought back against corruption.
Strong emotions dominate the discussion over Sanctuary Cities, and existing laws may not provide much clarity. Senior Staff Attorney for Albany Law School's Government Law Center talks about the legal issues surrounding policing, identification cards, services and more.
Strong emotions dominate the discussion over Sanctuary Cities, and existing laws may not provide much clarity. Senior Staff Attorney for Albany Law School's Government Law Center talks about the legal issues surrounding policing, identification cards, services and more.
People with disabilities experience a higher joblessness rate than the general population. That's an incredible waste of human resources, considering that 1.1 million New Yorkers have some kind of disability. Many times the biggest obstacle is not the disability itself, but instead its the discomfort and awkwardness that employers have when it comes to hiring someone who is disabled.
But that can change. In this podcast, John Robinson, CEO of Our Ability speaks very directly about that discomfort and how to overcome it.
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences opens The Collaboratory — a one-of-a-kind health resource set in Albany’s South End community. In this podcast, ACPHS president Dr. Greg Dewey and Harris Oberlander, CEO of Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region talk about how the community and the students each benefit from the Collaboratory approach and give examples of projects they are already working together on.
Can you imagine your town putting a moratorium on recycling? Faced with rising costs and a lack of viable markets to sell recycled materials to, some U.S. towns are being forced to decide between cutting back on recycling or raising prices for residents. In this podcast with Diane Donato, Stephen Acquario of the New York State Association of Counties explains some of the factors that are making recycling an urgent topic.
PS...despite your best efforts, you may be making the recycling crisis worse!
Families dealing with addiction know both triumphs and grief. Local groups support one another in navigating the good and the hard times. While they are at it, they are also working to stop the stigma.
As the Upstate New York region joins the nation in dealing with the opioid crisis, the Freedom Model offers an alternative approach to ending addiction. But the approach is not without controversy. In this podcast with Diane Donato, Mark Scheeren (Chairman, Co-Founder) and Michelle Dunbar (Executive Director) say that addiction is not a disease. They talk about their personal experiences with 12 Step Programs and AA and about research which they say refutes the standard belief that addiction is a disease. Scheeren and Dunbar also offer a free book which they say can help people use the Freedom Model to take control of their lives.
The pros of outweigh the cons, according to a comprehensive report on regulated (legal) marijuana that was put together by the New York State Department of Health.
BOCES program adds more career classes for adults to respond to region's economic needs.
Tina Yun Lee is the Community Education and Outreach Manager with National Alliance Mental Illness-NYS. In this podcast with Diane Donato, she speaks very candidly about conversations we need to be having about mental health and suicide prevention.
Long Term Care Community Coalition works to improve the quality of care for elderly and disabled people.
Podcast explains Friends of Recovery's voluntary mission to celebrate the many success stories of overcoming addiction. Friends of Recovery says "Recovery is Real. Attainable. Sustainable. Powerful."
Each and every day over 400 people are served with residential services, educational services and community services through Vanderheyden. Providing that care is nothing new for the organization which began as the Troy Orphan Asylum in 1833. So much has changed since then, but Vanderheyden President and CEO Karen Carpenter Palumbo points out that what began as a small group of people looking for solutions to the community's problems is in essence still the same.
In this podcast learn about the ways Vanderheyden is helping individuals and families. And learn why Carpenter Palumbo believes that a wonderful future can be achieved for everyone, but it has to happen one individual and one family at a time.
Dr. Havidan Rodriquez talks about: priorities for the school, increasing research opportunities, college affordability, college readiness, internationalism, expanding programs and more.
School districts continue to grapple with being able to maintain funding levels that ensure the best possible learning environments for students. Another issue that the education community is always preparing for and adapting to is school safety procedures. In this podcast Larry Spring, Superintendent of the Schenectady City School District, talks to George Morris about these and other topics that he faces while leading the staff and students amid constantly evolving times.
Congressman Paul Tonko talks about taking a multi-pronged approach to the opioid crisis. He talks about the need for immediate access to programs to help addicts, the need for research, and how far reaching the problem has become.
Grassroots organizer shares the story of how...and why...he's inspired to improve his community.
Saratoga County Sheriff's Deputy Ken Cooper says the average police response time to an Active-Shooter incident is 3 minutes. In this free podcast with Diane Donato, Deputy Cooper teaches some of the skills that can keep you alive until help arrives.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can come on quickly. Learn the signs to protect yourself and those you love, because every minute that treatment is delayed increases the danger.
Mediation Matters is increasing Upstate, NY’s capacity to resolve conflict in nonviolent ways.
Criminology program looks for ways to keep families connected when a parent is in prison.
In this podcast Bill Marszalek, Executive Program Director for Foster Care at Northern Rivers talks about how great the need is for foster parents, how support is given, and how adults can learn whether or not becoming a foster parent is for them. Plus, learn surprising news ways people can help.
A push is on for New York's government to invest in community-based mental housing. A coalition consisting of dozens of community-based supportive housing providers and mental health advocates from across the state has launched the "Bring It Home" campaign. In this podcast Toni Lasicki, the Executive Director of Community Living of New York State, talks to George Morris about repercussions that await if funding does not materialize.
On November 2, 1974, seventeen-year-old Katherine Kolodziej was reported missing from the campus of SUNY Cobleskill. Her body was found on Thanksgiving. Over 40 years later, New York State Police Investigator David Ayers says he believes her murder case can be solved.
Former congressman discusses, why our political leaders must elevate political discourse, how our government was designed for achieving peaceful change, and our calling as citizens to stand up for self-governing.
Attracting new and keeping current business in Saratoga County is the goal for the Saratoga Partnership. In this podcast Marty Vanags talks about best practices, overcoming hurdles and why talent has become one of the most important factors in economic development .
JDRF Northeastern New York provides amazing support for children and adults managing Type 1 Diabetes.
The work of volunteer firefighters is essential. According to John D'Alessandro, spokesperson for the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, somewhere between 85 and 90 percent of all fire and EMS response is accomplished by volunteers. D'Alessandro says there a great need for volunteers.
In this podcast, D'Alessandro explains that volunteering in your local fire department doesn't require a commitment to run into a burning building. He says there is a job for everyone, from bookkeeping to traffic control to firefighter support services.
Marc J. Cohen has been elected for a second year as President of the SUNY Student Assembly. It's an important job to fill, representing the 600-thousand students enrolled at SUNY as a member of the University Board of Trustees. In this podcast Diane Donato interviews Cohen. Cohen talks about student reaction to the free tuition plan, quality of instructors, infrastructure and career readiness.
From border security to political corruption, the U.S. Attorney assigned to the Northern District of New York works to brings justice to over 3 million people. Rick Hartunian addresses philosophical questions about the pursuit of justice and brings the discussion down to the community level.
Who would I contact, where would I go and what would I need? Free emergency preparedness training can help your community prepare for everything from flooding to power-outages to man-made disasters. Diane Donato talks with Colonel Rob Mitchell of the New York Division of Military and Naval Affairs on Emergency Preparedness Training
Prescription drug addiction can start as early as middle school and in some cases, elementary school.