Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Thom Francis welcomes poet, author, and artist Elizabeth Gordon who shared her work at the Year in Review event at The Linda, WAMC's Performing Arts Center in Albany on December 17, 2022. +++++ Since 2021, the Hudson Valley Writers Guild has hosted the Year in Review poetry event to highlight the poets and writers in the area while looking back at the year that was. In 2022, I was joined on stage by five other local writers for the second annual Year in Review at the Linda, WAMC's Performing Arts Studio. Today we are going to hear from one of those writers - poet, author, educator, and artist Elizabeth Gordon. Elizabeth K. Gordon is a college literature instructor based in Cohoes, New York, and the author of two books: Love Cohoes and Walk with Us. A pioneer in the local poetry scene, she was a member of the Capital District's first slam team, the Nitty Gritty Slam, representing them at the National Poetry Slam and the Women of the World Poetry Slam (WOWPS). Later, she competed at WOWPS on behalf of New York City's Urbana Slam. Beyond performing, Elizabeth has served as a writing coach and mentor, most recently guiding Troy's Café Euphoria slam team. In addition to her literary work, she is also a painter specializing in abstract art. Local poet Dan Wilcox wrote on his blog about the reading: “Elizabeth Gordon, otherwise known on the Slam circuit as Elizag, not surprisingly brought the performance level up a few more notches with her pieces of radical social engagement, such as her opening piece beginning “It was the Summer tuna cost less than cat food…” & a meditation on shopping with her younger self. She too had a poem about her cellphone, & another an “Ode to My Painting Pants,” followed by the linking alliteration of a poem on Putin. She ended with a poem from memory in her best Slam performance style, “A Hiding Place,” on the shooting at a gay bar in Orlando.”

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea reports on Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace's plans for a forum on June 4th to discuss data centers in the community. Then, Andrea Cunliffe shares voices from the No Kings voting rights Memorial Day rally. Later on, we have retired National Weather Service Meteorologist, Hugh Johnson to give us our weekly weather update. After that, Wei Qin shares her immigration story to the Capital District in this week's Everybody Moves segment. Finally, Sarah Abraham speaks with Ana Joanes, director of the documentary "Wrestling Ghosts," about how trauma relates to mental health.

On May 29th and 30th, more than a dozen rallies were held across New York State to urge lawmakers to adopt the full New York For All Act to prohibit collusion between local police and ICE. While immigrant groups were thankful for the package of immigrant protections included in the recent state budget, they fell short of the proposals advocates have been pushing. In part one of our coverage of a rally at the State Capitol, organized by the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement and local Indivisible groups, we start with Iridian Riccobono Lucas of CCSM .We also hear from Karmran Jahanshahi of Indivisible ADK/Saratoga, Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz and Mary Panzetta of We Get Out the Resistance. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On Thursday, June 4th, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace is sponsoring a forum on the issue of data centers coming to the Capital District and their impact on electricity and water use. A main focus in the proposal to redevelop the old Kenwood Center in the South End of Albany. Professional engineer Oliver Holmes talks with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine. The event will be at 7 PM at the Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Avenue, Delmar

Joshua Gruft (DJ Mercy) is a pillar of the Troy community. As the owner of the indie bookstore, Paper Moon, and a musician with 20+ years of experience curating local events, Joshua joined Arbor Mae in the Hudson Mohawk Magazine studio to talk about what it's like to balance both worlds under one roof.

A father and his four-year-old child, Alexander and Alexandra, were abducted off of North Lake Ave in Albany and taken to the ICE headquarters at 11 Old Stonebreak Road, Malta NY. ICE agents had been staking out the neighborhood for some days. Hearing that this family was facing immediate removal to Texas and then to Venezuela, Capital Region Sanctuary Coalition organizers moved quickly and rallied allies outside the headquarters. The next day over fifty neighbors gathered on the corner of Lake Ave and Central Ave in Albany, to denounce ICE and deportations and to amplify rapid response mobilizations against raids and abductions like this. Sal Rochelle spoke with Jahaira and Amanda from CRSC about their work.

This weekly series profiles the migration stories of members of our community, whether the migration be their own stories of that of their parents or grandparents, and reminds us that migration touches us all, as it is a part of the human experience. This episode is a part of Season 2 of the Everybody Moves series. Season 2 features stories collected and produced by a team of students at the University at Albany. This week we feature Amit from India.

This weekly series profiles the migration stories of members of our community, whether the migration be their own stories of that of their parents or grandparents, and reminds us that migration touches us all, as it is a part of the human experience. This episode is a part of Season 2 of the Everybody Moves series. Season 2 features stories collected and produced by a team of students at the University at Albany. This week we feature Bashir from Lebanon.

This weekly series profiles the migration stories of members of our community, whether the migration be their own stories of that of their parents or grandparents, and reminds us that migration touches us all, as it is a part of the human experience. This episode is a part of Season 2 of the Everybody Moves series. Season 2 features stories collected and produced by a team of students at the University at Albany. This week we feature Jinah from the U.S.

This weekly series profiles the migration stories of members of our community, whether the migration be their own stories of that of their parents or grandparents, and reminds us that migration touches us all, as it is a part of the human experience. This episode is a part of Season 2 of the Everybody Moves series. Season 2 features stories collected and produced by a team of students at the University at Albany. This week we feature Urbano Llano from Peru.

This weekly series profiles the migration stories of members of our community, whether the migration be their own stories of that of their parents or grandparents, and reminds us that migration touches us all, as it is a part of the human experience. This episode is a part of Season 2 of the Everybody Moves series. Season 2 features stories collected and produced by a team of students at the University at Albany. This week we feature Wei Qin from China.

On May 29th and 30th, more than a dozen rallies were held across New York State to urge lawmakers to adopt the full New York For All Act to prohibit collusion between local police and ICE. While immigrant groups were generally thankful for the package of immigrant protections included in the recent state budget, they fell short of the proposals that advocates have been pushing. A rally was held outside the state Capitol in Albany, primarily organized by the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement (CCSM) and local Indivisible groups. We start with the last minute of the opening remarks by emcee Iridian Ricobono Lucas of CCSM .We also hear from Karmran Jahanshahi of Indivisible ADK/Saratoga, Dawedo Sanon of CCSM and Assemblymembers Jeffrey Dinowitz and Linda Rosenthal. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine

The Troy Public Library provides a lot of great public resources in addition to a lot of great reading material! Patrick Kiley of The Troy Public Library came to the studio with his daughter to speak about book suggestions and library programming.

On Friday May 29th, Capital Region Sanctuary Coalition (CRSC), responded to a father and his four year old daughter being taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). CRSC and the community showed up at the ICE office in Malta, NY to demand their release. CRSC volunteer Jahaira Roldan spoke with Sina Basila Hickey for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, the local community came together to respond to a father and his four year old daughter being taken into ICE custody. We'll speak with local immigrant justice organizer with Capital Region Sanctuary Coalition Jahaira Roldan to hear what took place. Then, we will have Patrick Kiley of Troy Public Library in the studio to talk about what they have going on for the month of June. Later on, Mark Dunlea reports on the push by local organizers for a moratorium on new nuclear power plants. After that, Arbor May will talk to DJ Mercey about creating a musical career in Troy and beyond. Finally, we mark Daryn Keahi's birthday. Co-hosts: Ember Keahi-Grigoraskos and Richard Sleeper

Governor Hochul wants to build 5 new nuclear reactors in New York, starting with one by the New York Power Authority. Legislation has been introduced to enact a 2 and a half year moratorium on any state financing of any nuclear power plants so that an independent financial and environmental analysis can be done. From a press conference on Wednesday May 27th we hear from lead Assembly sponsor JoAnn Simon and from Dr. Greg Jaczko, former chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission during the Obama administration. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us to two separate economic justice rallies that happened in Albany. Then, Willie Terry interviews Akkeem Polack at the Somos, Inc. conference in Albany. Later on, H Bosh Jr. interviews Shining Star Elijah Jackson. After that, we talk with Meagon Nolasco of Collar City Pride about the June 1st Pride flag raising and what's in store for Pride Month. Finally, we hear from the National Alliance for Mental Health.

Collar City Pride is holding the second annual Flag Raising to kick off Pride Season 2026 on Monday, June 1st. Meagon Nolasco, founder and board chair of Collar City Pride, joined Sina Basila Hickey and Marrow for an interview about the flag raising and the highlights of this years upcoming Pride Season.

On Wednesday May 27, there were two economic justice rallies held at the same time at the Capitol. We first hear from the One Fair Wage campaign, a national effort to raise state minimum wages to $30 an hour and eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers. The second rally was in support of legislation to lower utility bills by converting Central Hudson Gas and Electric to public ownership. We hear from Senator Hinchey and Assemblymember Shrestha about their legislation to create the Hudson Valley Power Authority.

On this interview of 518 Raising Stars with H Bosh Jr. Deacon Elijah "Eli" Jackson shares his journey as a standout student-athlete, community leader, and graduating senior earning both his diploma and associate's degree in Mathematics and Science while inspiring others though leadership, faith , and service.

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry covered the Somos, Inc 40 Anniversary Conference in Albany, NY. Somos, Inc. is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting the Latino community and advocating for equitable public policy. In this labor segment, Willie interviewed Akkeem Polack, Chairperson of the University Student Senate in New York City. Akkeem was at the conference advocating for comprehensive transportation needs for all City University of New York (CUNY) students.

Today on Hudson Mohawk Magazine, we hear part 2 of our coverage of a May 19th press conference on plastic reduction. Then, we hear about why the End Mass Incarceration Collaborative is calling for the corrections commissioner to be impeached. Later on, Rosemary Armao discusses the recent billion dollar slush fund Trump extracted from the IRS. After that, we hear about the Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program at U Albany. Finally, we hear about the TroyAsia Night Market, which will take place takes place on Sat, May 30 from 5 to 9 PM. Host: Mark Dunlea; Benno Greene Engineer: Joan Eason

It's like someone breaks into your house, then sues you because he cut his hand on broken window glass! Podcaster Rosemary Armao and opinion writer Jay Jochnowitz struggle along with an audience in Pownal, Vermont, to make sense of the IRS deal Trump has put together to compensate Jan. 6 insurrectionists and others he sees as victims of the Biden administration.

On the Comedy Corner this week we had the hilarious Terrence Green with host Tyler Artis to talk about the Pride Extravaganza he's performing on. We talked about performing during pride and some Juneteenth talk sprinkled in there. It's a fun conversation with some laughs.

On Tuesday May 26, more than a dozen protestors yelled from the NYS Senate gallery calling upon the Senators to support impeachment proceedings against the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Community Services, Daniel Martuscello III. The protestors charged DOCCS has continued violating the HALT Solitary Confinement Law . We also hear from Anne Rabe for the push to a moratorium on state funding for new nuclear power plants. With Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea reports on an attempted ICE arrest of immigration workers with Columbia County Sanctuary Movement. Then, we hear part 3 of Marsha Lazarus's conversation with musician and composer David Amram. Later on, hear an interview Moses Nagel did with two UAlbany students about challenges Asian students face on campus. After that, it is time for Albany Comedy Corner. This week Tyler Artis talks with Terrence Green about his upcoming LGBTQ+ show. Finally, Thom Francis welcomes Alyssa Michelle to the stage for the Hudson Valley Writers Guild 2022 Year in Review event at The Linda, WAMC's Performing Arts Studio, in Albany. Hosts: Sina Baslia Hickey and Caelan McPherson Engineer: Caelan McPherson

With less than 2 weeks to go before the legislature adjourns for the year, lawmakers are still passing budget bills. This means that many critical issues will be discarded due to a lack of time. One of the big question marks is whether Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie will allow the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act to finally come up to a vote after tabling it in the waning hours of the last two legislative sessions. In part 2 of our coverage of a May 19th press conference, we hear from Assemblymember Chris Burdick, Senator Erik Bottcher, Judith Enck of Beyond Plastics, and Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky. This has been Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Part 3 of a conversation with musician and composer DAVID AMRAM... Learn about his Jewish Sephardic background and how his perspective and work have been influenced by it! Produced by Marsha Lazarus

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine we take a break from our regular programming for a show about Veterans with stories from our archives. We begin with an interview with Elliot Adams, former national head of Veterans for Peace. Then, we hear from Brian Troutman about the Capital Region chapter of Veterans for Peace. Later on, Jesse Gould talks about founding the Heroic Hearts Project to spearhead the acceptance and use of psychedelic therapy as a means of addressing the current mental health crisis among veterans. After that, Lee Vartigian, Director of Vet Services at Albany Housing Coalition, speaks about fireworks as triggers for many veterans. Finally, veteran Jack Gilroy speaks about highlighting Martin Luther King Jr.'s anti-militarism message

Part 2 of our conversation with musician and composer DAVID AMRAM...David shares his understanding of how each culture brings something new to our world...and how he has incorporated so many different traditions into his music! Part 2 of a 3-part interview. Produced by Marsha Lazarus

Learn about David Amram's long connection with the capital region, his experience in so many different genres and how he brought a unique cultural spin to the Woody Guthrie song, "Pastures of Plenty." He will be playing at the May 9th Kingston Earth Fair. Part 1 of a 3-part interview. Produced by Marsha Lazarus

First, Elizabeth Press provides coverage on how activists are responding to Troy's updated Flock Safety ALPR Policy. Then, Willie Terry continues his coverage from the New York Upstate Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), annual “James Connolly Memorial ". Later on, We'll go to the NYS Museum to learn about a new project focusing on the great migration. After that, Marsha Lazurus continues her conversation with musician and composer David Amran. Finally, Sina Basila Hickey takes us to Collard City Growers as they kick off their open garden hours. Co-Hosts: Richard Sleeper, Jacob Boston | Engineer: Jacob Boston

On May 6, members of the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement (CCSM) successfully thwarted an effort by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest immigrant workers in Columbia County. Bryan MacCormack of CCSM talks to Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine about their ongoing efforts to protect immigrants in their community.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us to a press conference about the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. Then, Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry brings us to the annual James Connelly Memorial facilitated by the Industrial Workers of the World in Troy. Later on, another episode of the Triple E's–H Bosh Jr. interviews Diana Mbombo-Tite about her business Akula Interpreting and Translating LLC. After that, Marsha Lazarus interviews David Amram about his music and connection to the capital region. Finally, Ellie and Jessie talk all about fermentation.

There have been so many moving parts related to Flock's automatic license plate reader technology in Troy, NY. On May 19, 2026 the administration in association with the city council put out an updated Flock Safety ALPR Policy. In this next segment, Elizabeth Press speaks to Dierdre Shea to get the activists' take on the new policy, the pending legislation and the Council's lawsuit with the administration over the mayor's declaration of a state of emergency to get the Flock Safety contract renewed.

With less than ten session days before the legislature adjourns for the year, the state legislature is only now passing the state budget that was due April 1. It is unclear whether the Assembly will finally allow a vote on the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. In a May 19 press conference, in part one we hear from Assemblymember Deborah Glick, Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment; Alicia Deen-Steindler of the League of Conservation Voters; Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger; and, Chuck Bell of Consumers Report. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

A reUse center is trying to find a location in the capital region. Two of the organizers, Michael Rosenthal and Brigid Rockwell, spoke about the work that they are doing with Mark Dunlea and Benno Green for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Tonight on Hudson Mohawk Magazine, we hear part 2 from the rally calling for a moratorium on new Data Centers. Then, we talk with Veterans for Peace about their participation in Albany's Memorial Day Parade. Later on, in this week's Beyond the Brink, Rosemary Armao examines some of President Trump's many corruption scandals. After that, we have a live interview about a reUse center which is trying to take root and find a location in the capital region. Finally, Sina Basila Hickey talks to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve about the unique ecosystem of the Pine Bush– including the endangered karner blue butterfly– and what they offer. Hosts: Benno Green; Mark Dunlea Engineer: Joan Eason

Greg Creft gets to sit down with the man who started Albany Comedy Corner, Brad Monkell, where he talks about balancing both his talent for music as well as his comedy. We also get to talk about some of the national acts he's had the pleasure to work with. Brad will be on the Laughin' at The Local 217 with Carmen Lynch, featuring Andrew Schiavone on Saturday May 23rd, 7 pm.

The Pine Bush is a unique ecosystem, important to protecting many species of plants and animals. The endangered karner blue butterfly relies on the blue lupin for survival. Prescribed fires is one way that this ecosystem thrives. Neil A. Gifford, Conservation Director at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, spoke with Sina Basila Hickey for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On This Episode of the TripleE's, Diana Mbombo-TIte tells her story of growing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and all the languages she learned in the DRC. she also talks about her story of how and why she immigrated to the United States of America , and Finally she tells H Bosh Jr about starting her business Akula Interpreting and Translation LLC. https://akulainterpreting.com

When Beyond the Brink Podcaster Rosemary Armao asked political writer Mary Anne Sharkey to pinpoint her favorite Trump-administration corruption scandal, the biggest one had not even been reported yet. Just this week we learned that the IRS has agreed to a deal to exempt Trump, his family and his company from audits centered on past failures to pay taxes. Even without that choice Sharkey has plenty of scandals and sketchy conflict of interest deal to choose from.

On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the New York Upstate Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), annual “James Connolly Memorial " at Riverfront Park in downtown Troy. The gathering celebrates the life and legacy of Connolly, who was also a member of the IWW while in the United States. Connolly returned to Ireland and became a leading figure in the Irish labor movement and in the revolutionary struggle against Great Britain for Irish independence. He was murdered by the British authorities on May 12, 1916, during the Easter Rising. In this two-part labor segment, Willie recorded the ceremony and presentation by IWW Upstate Delegate Greg Giorgio, along with some attendees sharing their thoughts on James Connolly. Part 2.

On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the New York Upstate Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), annual “James Connolly Memorial " at Riverfront Park in downtown Troy. The gathering celebrates the life and legacy of Connolly, who was also a member of the IWW while in the United States. Connolly returned to Ireland and became a leading figure in the Irish labor movement and in the revolutionary struggle against Great Britain for Irish independence. He was murdered by the British authorities on May 12, 1916, during the Easter Rising. In this two-part labor segment, Willie recorded the ceremony and presentation by IWW Upstate Delegate Greg Giorgio, along with some attendees sharing their thoughts on James Connolly. Part 1.

Dan Wilcox of Veterans for Peace talks with Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine about why they annually participate in Albany's Memorial Day Parade.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us a story on the Wednesday April 13th rally calling for a moratorium on data centers in Albany. Then, Yi Lu talks with Albany Law professor Dale Margolin Cecka about adultification bias. Later on, Corinne Carey talks with a veterans group about the benefits of psychedelics for treating PTSD . After that, on this Albany Comedy Corner Greg Creft sits down with Brad Monkell to learn more about his upcoming show. Finally, this week, Thom Francis welcomes poet and wildlife rehabilitator J. Lester Allen to the stage. Hosts: Sina Basila Hickey and Caelan McPherson Engineer: Caelan McPherson

This week, Thom Francis welcomes poet and wildlife rehabilitator J. Lester Allen to the stage for a reading at The Linda, WAMC's Performing Arts Studio, on July 27 2022. +++++ J. Lester Allen was one of 11 poets who shared their work as part of a two-night event series presented by the Hudson Valley Writers Guild, Hobo Camp Review, and Trailer Park Quarterly that took place in both Troy and Albany. J. Lester Allen is an American writer and poet. Originally hailing from the Central Pennsylvania region, he currently calls the waterfall rich holler of Ludlowville, NY home. He published his first collection of poems, The Days Carnivore, in 2008 and has since published three other collections of poetry and short stories, most notably This Is a Land of Wolves Now (Kung Fu Treachery 2019). A fourth collection, Beyond The Wounded Horizon, a split effort with fellow poet James H. Duncan, is also available on Alpine Ghost Press. Allen's poetry covers topics from growing up with his brother and single dad, friends who have passed, and why there might be a raccoon in his apartment.

Retired National Weather Service Meteorologist Hugh Johnson speaks about a cold May which turned into a hot May before it is likely to get cooler again. He spoke with Sean Bernyk and Lennox Apudo.

Young Futures is a community organization focused on creating unique art and educational programs that promote the conversation of health and wellness. The organization's founder, James Mitchell, spoke with Lennox Apudo and Sean Bernyk to talk about the various initiatives that the group is currently working on, including the Financial Literacy Arts Program. www.YoungFuturesCo.com

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage from the recent Beyond Plastic's lobby day and rally at the state capitol. Then, EP talks with City Council President Sue Steele, discussing both the lawsuit and pending legislation related to Flock safety. Later on, we welcome back retired National Weather Service meteorologist, Hugh Johnson, for our weekly weather update. After that, we have Everybody Moves our weekly series that profiles the immigration stories of our community. Finally, James Mitchell the founder of the community organization Young Futures joins us on the show to talk about the interesting work they're doing building community and making folks financially savvy. Co-hosts: Lennox Apudo and Sean Bernyk, Engineer: Sina Basila Hickey

Do you know that we are (still) in a state of emergency in Troy? On April 1st the mayor declared a state of emergency to renew the Flock Safety ALPR camera contract. The Troy City Council is suing the administration over it. In this segment, City Council President, Sue Steele discusses both the lawsuit and pending legislation related to Flock Safety. As of time of airing this story, one update is that it is actually unclear if the administration will allow the Troy Police to join the Council on May 21, 2026.