The Debrief Podcast

Last month Leadership Ontario was announced as a new, innovative way to get the next generation of local leaders on the road to changing the community for the better. Then, the Coronavirus Pandemic turned life upside down. While the academy plans to go forward, today on the show - we catch up with Leadership Ontario Executive Director Katie Panara to talk about what's happened, what's coming, and what to expect in the coming weeks as the program grows from infancy- to it's first full calendar of operation.

This year the Rural & Migrant Ministry is celebrating essential workers on the frontlines, who haven't received the benefits that many of us have enjoyed to date. Today, a conversation about May Day efforts to highlight an important group of the workforce.

What does the future of journalism look like? To Steve Keeler, who leads the school of media and arts at Cayuga Community College - it's going to take quite a bit to save local journalism. While he's optimistic it can happen - he's realistic enough to see the business for what it is now. A place of great uncertainty. Today on the show, part of our full-conversation with Keeler about the future of the business, and how students might feel heading to college this fall.

Over the last two weeks, leaders in Cayuga County have stepped up voicing concern over a rash of overdose deaths. For Sheriff Brian Schenck, the challenge lies in maintaining vital connections between those who are in recovery and the resources that keep them on that road. Throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic the County has stepped up to provide resources for those battling addiction, or simply continuing on their road to recovery. However, it doesn't mean that effort has come without challenges. Today on the Daily Debrief - Schenck sheds some light on the experience from the frontlines.

As New York begins the re-launch of the economy-at-large, workforce development professionals are trying to figure out what's next. Specifically, they're trying to serve as assistant to businesses that need information about available resources during the economic shutdown - and helping those employees and workers out of a job. There's opportunity in the market, as was made clear by an announcement from Finger Lakes Community College on Monday. They're expanding short-term workforce development course offerings. It's a workforce in flux, and today on the show insight from some of those professionals.

As momentum built following another successfully rally and march in Seneca Falls in January, this year was set to be a landmark occasion for the National Women's Hall of Fame. Then, a pandemic struck, throwing everything in the air. Liza Kiernan, the social media coordinator for the National Women's Hall of Fame talks about how they are handling the delayed grand opening of the Seneca Falls Knitting Mill, which corresponds in observance with this year's 100th anniversary celebration of the 19th amendment.

The Weekend Debrief is back with another edition, focusing on the potential outcomes of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Josh Durso and Ted Baker will break down some of the biggest stories of the week with long-term implications.

https://youtu.be/JGXGJ_51pKg

In this historic region - it's not difficult to find organizations, or even buildings - that have stood through a lot. While the Finger Lakes region is rich with history, the Smith Center embodies that entirely. Standing mightily in historic, downtown Geneva - the Smith has stood through wars, the Influenza Pandemic of the last century, and so much more. Today on the show, a conversation about arts, The Smith, and so much more.

Documenting these unusual moments in history will be something appreciated - even if not in the moment. It's a strange time we're living in now, and one person is working to help document that locally. Jan Regan is a photographer, and serves as city councilor in Geneva. She has been documenting the city throughout the pandemic with her camera. Today on the show, a conversation with Regan, who talks about the experience of living, and seeing this 'new normal' through her lens. 

How are schools going to function moving forward? Stephen Parker Zielinski is the superintendent of schools at South Seneca. It's a smaller, rural district, and we wanted to catch up to ask him about potential budget cuts, navigating a pandemic on limited staffing, and what some of his expectations were moving forward. While he said the plans in place right now, to not only educate - but feed students are sustainable - they only stay that way if state and federal aid comes through. And if it doesn't? Zielinski says it will be a very challenging day.