Hudson Mohawk Magazine

On Saturday, April 29, 2023, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the Public Employees Federation (PEF) "Health and Wellness Fair" held at the Washington Avenue Armory in Albany. In this part one labor segment, Willie spoke to Wayne Spence, President of the NYS Public Employees Federation, about the event and other union issues.

The 2nd annual SNUG Peace March is taking place this Friday, May 5th, from 4-6pm. This march is against gun violence in our community. SNUG Troy came into the Hudson Mohawk Magazine studio to speak with Mark Dunlea and Sina Basila Hickey.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine:

We begin with Mark Dunlea's report from the May 2 rally on the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and the Bigger Better Bottle Bill.

Later on, Sina Basila Hickey reports from another May 2 rally, this time at the Rensselaer County Jail over the treatment of individuals and the federal program supporting ICE.

After that, for our peace bucket, we talk with SNUG about their upcoming Peace March against gun violence on Friday, May 5 in Troy.

Then WIllie Terry files part 2 of his report on the April 28th postal workers protest at the Karner Road facility.

Finally, from our archives, Amy Halloran talks about food and cooking with what’s available with Ellie Markovitch

On Tuesday, May 2, there was a rally at the Rensselaer County Jail calling for "Dignity Not Detention," and calling attention to the poor and abusive conditions facing people held in the jail, and demanding that this facility end its program with ICE. Sina Basila Hickey reported for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

200 solid waste advocates came to Albany on Tuesday May 2., 58 environmental organizations joined Beyond Plastics and NYPIRG for Rally and Advocacy Day to say, “New York Is Not Disposable.” The advocates called for the passage of two bills that would greatly reduce plastic pollution statewide: the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (A5322/S4246) and the Bigger Better Bottle Bill (A6353/S237) We first hear from Assemblymember Deborah Glick, the chair of the Assembly environmental committee and the lead sponsor of the two bills. We then hear from Alexis Goldsmith, national organizing director at Beyond Plastics.

Hear about Up-Stitch, a nonprofit crafting "thrift shop" in Albany that sells donated fabric, yarn, thread, sewing notions, and other crafting supplies at low prices. Maggie Erlich and Megan Stasi, the co-founders, talk with Brea Barthel about how Up-Stitch also collaborates with numerous community partners to offer classes, hand-sewn items, repair help, and other services. The goal is to reduce the trashing of usable materials while encouraging people to develop new skills. Up-Stitch welcomes more volunteers and partners. Upcoming events mentioned include an embroidery demonstration at Ten Thousand Villages in Stuyvesant Plaza on May 12th and an Attic Sale on July 8th. For more details and to shop their online store, visit www.up-stitch.com. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On Friday, April 28, 2023, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended a press conference and rally by American Postal Workers Union, Local 390 in Albany at Central Avenue and Karner Road. The workers protested a toxic work environment and short staffing, leading to unsafe working conditions in post offices nationwide. In this part two labor segment, Willie interviewed and recorded speakers at the rally about their protest against the post office's administration.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine,

First, Earth Day Advocacy Day took place at the State Capitol on April 25. We hear from several participants about the key environmental bills before the legislature.

Then, Willie Terry attended a press conference and rally by American Postal Workers Union, Local 390 in Albany. The workers were protesting a toxic work environment and short staffing, leading to unsafe working conditions in post offices throughout the country.

Later on, Brea Barthel speaks with Danuel Butterworth, Executive Director, about the services offered to Albany newcomers through the Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE).

After that, Brooklyn-based musician Christopher Tignor will perform on May 5 at The Avalon Lounge in Catskill, with Earthen Sea and Connor Armbruster, and on May 7 at The Studio in Troy. He spoke with Tom Roe of WGXC.

Finally, this week Thom Francis speaks with Bob Sharkey who writes poetry and short fiction. Bob is a long-time board member of the Writers Guild

Learn about the services offered to Albany newcomers through the Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE). Danuel Butterworth, Executive Director, talks a bit about the language and other challenges that newcomers face, and decsribes a few ways that volunteers can help folks with their transitions. For more information, visit www.risse-albany.org. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Bob Sharkey writes poetry and short fiction. He is a long-time board member of the Writers Guild serving in many capacities including Treasurer and Membership. Bob is the editor of the annual Stephen A. DiBiase Poetry Contest and its website, dibiasepoetry.com.

Bob read his poem "After ODing on Peanut M&Ms during Game 6" at Poets Speak Loud on November 27, 2017, at McGeary's in Albany.

In our conversation, we talk about where that poem came from, writing for work, local open mics, and how the DiBiase Poetry Contest came to be.