Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Since our last conversation with Angela about Lakeview Mobile Home Park, one resident already left due to the stress at the park. The park has few trees left. Two trailers were demolished on site and debris still around making the park look like a dump site. The resident's concern about the owner's agenda to drive people out and build boat storage is becoming a true story. Angela discusses with HMM what has happened since June.

For more information about Lakeview Mobile Home Park please visit: https://www.facebook.com/Save-Lakeview-Mobile-Home-Park-107544068073942

Interview by Aileen Javier

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine,

We begin with the housing crisis in Utica and efforts to keep an overnight shelter open when powerful interests are taking away their funding;

Then, Mark Dunlea interviews Tony Gaddy, cofounder of Upstate New York’s Black Chamber of Commerce;

Later on, we learn about Shades of Cocoa, an organization devoted to the self-esteem of Black and Brown girls in Troy, and join Willie Terry’s visit to the "Cocoa-Given” dinner;

After that, we speak with owner of the bar and bottle shop, Elixir16;

Finally, we are joined by retired meteorologist, Hugh Johnson

Pastor Mike Ballman and Stephen Wu of Cornerstone Community Church talk with Brendan Maslauskas Dunn about the uphill battle they face in Utica to keep the Morrow Warming Center, an overnight shelter, open. Powerful, wealthy interests in Utica came together to gut the funding of the center, and politicians have done little to help out. The homelessness and housing crisis deepens in Utica, but Ballman, Wu, and others continue to stand up to address the crisis at its roots, and find a solution. This is Part 1 of a two part series.

The bar and bottle shop Elixir16 opened in 2017 as a curiosity on the first floor of a 4-story Victorian townhouse in downtown Troy. Its owner, Megan Reavey, talked to HMM correspondent Corinne Carey about how she found the building, what's currently on tap, and how the business weathered the pandemic. Listeners can learn more about Elixir16's upcoming happenings and events by following the business on Instagram or Facebook.

As part of the nationwide "Don't Look Away" protest after Thanksgiving, Nick Mottern of BanKillerDrones.org carried a model reaper drone through the streets of Northhampton Massachusetts. The protest sought justice for the Ahmadi family, who were killed by the US in a Reaper drone attack in Kabul, Afghanistan on Aug. 29 during the evacuation of US residents from the nearby airport. Such drone attacks often kill innocent civilians. With Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Radio Network. (Nov. 16 interview with Kathy Kelly on drones https://www.mediasanctuary.org/stories/2021/kelly-drone-killings-dont-look-away-campaign/)

Correspondent Willie Terry attended the Shades of Cocoa "Cocoa Given Families and Friend Dinner" at the Oakwood Community Center in Troy, NY. Shades of Cocoa is an organization that seeks to inspire Black and Brown girls to have high self-esteem. In this community segment, you will hear his interview with Shades of Cocoa Founder Debra Garrett and others about the need for such an organization.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine,

We begin by speaking with Building Blocks Together founder, Virginia Rawlins, about supporting individuals in buying and rehabbing homes;

Then, Hope LaBonty of Radix Center advises us to not overthink our home composting;

Later on, we head to the Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program, "Celebration of Strong Community Event;"

After that, Vacari Fox of Community Matters Inc. speaks on being an activist in her community;

Finally, Troy has become a disc golf hub, and we’ll hear from some of the players and organizers who brought it here.

The City of Troy has begun its compost program pilot. The program is called “From the Ground Up” and gives Troy residents an opportunity to keep food scraps out of their trash. Hope LaBonty of Radix Center spoke with Sina Basila Hickey about how to become a successful composter and why that's important.

Who is activated in your community to make change happen? Hudson Mohawk Magazine producer Elizabeth Press caught up with Vacari Fox of Community Matters Inc. to hear what she is doing to make the Capital Region a better place.

On November 15, 2021, the Hudson Mohawk Magazine Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program, "Celebration of Strong Community Event."

They honored Deacon Jerry and Elvira Ford for their determination and care of our underserved youth. Jerry and Elvira founded "Team H.E.R.O. – Helping Everyone Recognize Opportunities" in 2008. Team H.E.R.O.'s mission is to support black and brown children and young adults in South Troy to realize their full potential. In this Community segment, Willie interviews Christine Neaton, C.E.O. of Trip, about the event and the honorees.