Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine: We begin with Mark Dunlea discussing the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP28, with David Schwartzman, a biogeochemist who is active with the Global Greens climate working group. Then, Troy librarian Ian Hauck is back to recommend recent books on a variety of topics, including fantasy, role-play games, an airship disaster, and encyclopedias. After that, retired meteorologist Hugh Johnson joins us to talk about climate and weather, including the higher average global temperatures and icebergs. Later, our Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry brings us part 3 of his coverage of a roundtable discussion with Freedom Fighter and Civil Rights icon Mukasa Dada, aka Willie Rick, and others. Finally, we have an interview with Natasha Pernicka, director of the Food Pantries for the Capital Region.

The COP28 climate summit will run from November 30 to December 9 in the United Arab Emirates. Key issues to be debated include whether to set a firm deadline to phase out the use of fossil fuels and how industrial polluting nations will provide climate financing to the Global South. David Schwartzman is professor emeritus at Howard University and a biogeochemist who is active with the Global Greens climate working group. He talks with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine. (You can hear David on a Global Greens webinar on COP28 on Tuesday 11/28 at 7 AM (ET). Register at https://bit.ly/GreensCOP28 )

As a 4-day halt to the attacks in Gaza started to allow for a limited hostage exchange, Shut It Down for Palestine protests took place across the country on Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year. The rallies called for a boycott of companies such as Motorola, Puma, Siemans, SodaStream and Re/Max for their role in profiting from the occupation of Gaza. In the Capital District, about 150 protestors braved the freezing cold at Crossgate. We hear from Chris, one of the rally organizers; Elizabeth, a Palestinian American; Kaya, holding a Jews for Palestine sign, and Steve, a former military person.

In place of our regular Hudson Mohawk Magazine programing, today we share this episode of The Aunties Dandelion podcast called "Auntie Kahehtoktha - Keeper of the Seeds." Show notes: EPISODE SUMMARY NARRATOR: On this episode of The Aunties Dandelion – an interview with Kahehtoktha Janice Brant - a Kanyen'kehà:ka Mohawk farmer, Seed Keeper, and co-founder of the Kenté:ke Seed Sanctuary. Janice and her Tyendinega collaborators recently took over care of a seed collection held by nuns for decades at a nearby convent. It's been a journey of community engagement, discernment and the creation of a new and original wampum belt to honor the transfer of the seeds. KAHEHTOKTHA JANICE BRANT: When you open that husk – it is like you are looking at an infant. You are looking at a baby. You are looking at the future generations and to me that is extremely humbling and extremely powerful. They have been around for a long time and here they are still. NARRATOR: That power behhcomes a push back against our over culture -- and Kahehtoktha discusses the risks of caring for seeds with an intention sovereignty. KAHEHTOKTHA JANICE BRANT: We are not trying to create control over the seeds. In fact just quite the opposite. We are trying to make seeds available to people to make healthier, stronger seeds available to people. So you can see how that sort of – just given that flip of the paradigm can make it a dangerous game to play. And so we have to be careful and we get stopped at the border. You become sort of like a terrorist almost in the same – we are dangerous because we are in charge of freedom and you are free when you have your own food.

In place of our regular Hudson Mohawk Magazine programing, today we share this episode of The Aunties Dandelion podcast called "Auntie Katsitsionni Fox (Kanyen'kehà:ka) Filmmaker, Artist, Potter." Show Notes: AUNTIE: Wa'tkwanonhweráton. Greetings, love, and respect from me to all of you. On this edition of The Aunties Dandelion we're visiting with Katsitsionni Fox who is a beloved Bear Clan filmmaker, potter, and artist from our Kanyenkehà:ka territory of Akwesasne. After decades of teaching Indigenous media and Rotinonhsyón:ni culture in her community's schools – Katsitsionni has become an independent artist and filmmaker after receiving the Nia Tero's storytelling fellowship in 2021 that unleashed her unique storytelling skills and perspective onto a global stage. She's created two movies that aired on PBS with another on its way to completion and each film is profoundly tied to our Onkwehonwe teachings and practice. KATSITSIONNI: I am not telling the story and disappearing. I'm going to be here. People come into the communities and try to harvest our stories and then it is not coming from the inside because they don't have that connection and respect and that way of being I guess that comes from living in the community. AUNTIE: Back in the day Katsitsionni trained at the acclaimed Institute for American Indian Arts in Santa Fe and her art installations and films have been featured at the Museum of Art and Design in New York, Musée Du Quai Branly in Paris, Everson Museum in Saracusev, the Ganondagan Seneca Museum and beyond. Her art extends to new variations on traditional Rotinonhsyón:ni pottery and Katsitsionni attributes her prolific storytelling and art to the relationships she tends to in everything she does. KATSITSIONNI: Whether its, you know, having a relationship with that clay. It is not something you just grab and slap together. For me I always greet that clay and I say “Nyá:wen” to the clay and I put my intention in there. What am I making? I have that intention. I share it with the clay before I start. AUNTIE: I'm Kahstoserakwathe and we are Yéthi Nihsténha ne Tekarónyakénare. The Aunties Dandelion. We're focused on revitalizing our communities through stories of land, language, and relationships. And we want to say Nyá:wenkò:wa – or big thanks – to Canada's Indigenous Screen Office – teyonhkiwihstekénha – for making this podcast possible through their New Media fund. Learn more about https://www.theauntiesdandelion.com

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine: We begin with coverage of the Lights Out Norlite press conference before the recent DEC hearing. Then, for our peace bucket, we talk with activists who hung banners in support of a Free Gaza at the Empire State Plaza on Wednesday. Later on, Brea Barthel gives us another library report that looks at books about families. After that, Moses Nagel covered the Sunday, November 19 dinner by Capital District Border Watch. We finish with another segment about the challenges by adjunct college professors.

On Sunday, November 19, Capital District Border Watch hosted a dinner in Albany to Celebrate Asylum. Members of Capital District Border Watch along with other groups spoke about the history of asylum and spoke with some of the refugees who have recently arrived in the area. Venezuelan food was provided by a new catering company started by asylum seekers and there were live music performances. Moses Nagel was there.

On November 22, as Israel announced that it had agreed to a 4-day halt of their assault on Palestine, supporters of a Free Gaza did a banner drop over the roadway entrance to the Empire State Plaza to call for a permanent ceasefire and a halt to the killing of so many children. Mark Dunlea talks to three of the organizers of the banner drop for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea tells about a NYS lawsuit against PepsiCo. Then, Andrea Cunliffe reports on the event that took place at the time of the signing of the Clean Slate Act. Later on, we continue to hear Willie Terry's roundtable discussion entitled “The Struggle Continues” After that, Brad Monkell brings comedian Erin Harkes into the studio. Finally, for this week's Talking with Poets, Thom Francis spotlights Albany poet Victorio Reyes Asili.

Comedian Erin Harkes came into the studio and talked about comedy, music, and podcasting with Brad Monkell.

Hugh Johnson, a retired meteorologist, talked with Alexis Goldsmith and Brea Barthel about a recent report on global emissions (see article linked below), about notable weather on past Thanksgivings, and on what's expected for the upcoming holiday and beyond. "World on track to blow past 1.5C as emissions rise not fall" https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/global-warming-limit-un-report-b2450466.html

Fantasy, role-play games, airship disaster, and encyclopedias -- hear about a variety of topics in this month's picks of new books by Ian Hauck, of Troy Public Library's adut services. The choices discussed: "Forged by Blood: A Novel" (Okosun, 2023) is the first in a new fantasy series exploring colonization through Nigerian mythology. "Role PLaying" (Yardley, 2023) has a mother and college-age son trying to be more sociable through online gaming. "His Majesty's Airship: The Life and Tragic Death of the World's Largest Flying Machine" (Gwynne, 2023) is a non-fiction account of one of largest airship disasters in history, in 1930. "All the Knowledge in the World: The Extraordinary History of the Encyclopedia" (Garfield, 2023) delves into the history of efforts to compile all knowledge into one set of books, and reflects on similarity to the limitless range of online information. But even if all can be compiled, can all be absorbed by anyone? For more details on books and activities, visit www.thetroylibrary.org. To find other libraries in New York State, see https://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/libs/#Find. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Thom Francis welcomes Albany poet Victorio Reyes Asili to the stage for a reading at The Linda, WAMC's Performing Arts Studio, presented by the Hudson Valley Writers Guild and literary journals Hobo Camp Review and Trailer Park Quarterly. That night in August 2023, Victorio read from his chapbook, "Crown Me: An American Mix Tape."

Lights Out Norlite and its members said that it was long past time for DEC to amend the expired permit for the Norlite Hazardous Waste Incinerator to require the company to treat the toxic ash from its pollution control equipment as hazardous waste. For years Norlite has taken advantage of a federal loophole that allowed it to sell the incinerator ash for use in building products. That exemption was ended three years ago by the federal and state environmental agencies but DEC failed to enforce the change. DEC held a hearing Monday night, November 20th, at the Cohoes Senior Citizen Center, to receive public comment after Norlite objected. Speakers at the press conference were Dr. David Carpenter, Ed Sokol, and Chris Sevinsky. Dave Public acted as moderator. Hudson Mohawk Magazine brings you this report.

Lights Out Norlite and its members said that it was long past time for DEC to amend the expired permit for the Norlite Hazardous Waste Incinerator to require the company to treat the toxic ash from its pollution control equipment as hazardous waste. For years Norlite has taken advantage of a federal loophole that allowed it to sell the incinerator ash for use in building products. That exemption was ended three years ago by the federal and state environmental agencies but DEC failed to enforce the change. DEC held a hearing Monday night, November 20th, at the Cohoes Senior Citizen Center, to receive public comment after Norlite objected. Speakers at the press conference were Dr. David Carpenter, Ed Sokol, and Chris Sevinsky. Dave Public acted as moderator. (full news conference)

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine: We begin with a report from Mark Dunlea on this past Saturday's rally at the Capitol to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and the liberation of Palestine. Then, Lex Figuereo, one of the founders of Saratoga Black Lives Matter, talks with Moses Nagel about the recent elections in Saratoga, the trial of Daryl Mount and other issues that Saratoga BLM is highlighting right now. After that, retired meteorologist Hugh Johnson joins us for our weekly discussion, this time comparing the weather on past Thanksgivings and forecasting what's in store for us this week. Then, Elizabeth “EP” Press and Victoria Kereszi bring us news of a protest this past Saturday by the Save Burdett Birth Center Coalition outside of a St. Peter's fundraiser urging attendees to allocate funds specifically to the birth center. Finally, Carol Roberts from Troy Public Library recommends four books for young readers by native authors that offer different, broader perspectives on indigenous peoples.

On Sunday, October 29, 2023, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry held a RoundTable Discussion entitled “The Struggle Continues” with Freedom Fighter and Civil Rights icon Mukasa Dada, aka Willie Ricks, who coined the slogan “Black Power.” The Part-time correspondents Carlos Dulffar and Angel Martinez also joined the discussion. Carlos is a poet and was involved in the 1968 Poor People's Campaign, and Angel Martinez, Son of Carlos, is a Professor of History at Hunter College in New York City—part four.

On Sunday, October 29, 2023, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry held a RoundTable Discussion entitled “The Struggle Continues” with Freedom Fighter and Civil Rights icon Mukasa Dada, aka Willie Rick, who coined the slogan “Black Power.” The Part-time correspondents Carlos Dulffar and Angel Martinez also joined the discussion. Carlos is a poet and was involved in the 1968 Poor People's Campaign, and Angel Martinez, Son of Carlos, is a Professor of History at Hunter College in New York City—part three.

On Saturday night, the Save Burdett Birth Center Coalition organized a protest outside St. Peter's fundraiser in Troy. Their goal was to urge donors attending the gala to allocate their funds specifically to keep the birth center open. Victoria Kereszi recorded at the protest and Elizabeth (EP) Press edited this piece. For more information visit https://www.saveburdettbirthcenter.com/

PepsiCo., the global soft drink company, is being sued by the NYS Attorney General Tish James over the issue of single-use plastics pollution. The lawsuit alleges that the soft drinks giant “substantially causes public harm in Buffalo, has failed to warn consumers about the potential health and environmental risks of its single-use plastic packaging, and misleads consumers and the public about its efforts to combat plastics pollution”. From the press conference announcing the lawsuit, we hear first from Attorney General James followed by Jill Jedlicka of Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Michael Perrin of the office of NY state senator Neil Breslin recognizes the outstanding successes and achievements of formally incarcerated individuals. Andrea Cunliffe of Hudson Mohawk Magazine brings you a recording of this event with 2 of the many recipients on this day, LeMeik Taylor and John Romano. This event was held on the day the Clean Slate Act was signed by Governor Hockey. Thank you to Tiana Taylor for hosting this event.

Do you delight in -- or maybe dread? -- all the focus on family holiday gatherings? Hear about five novels that offer various takes on families and family dynamics. Laurie Dreyer, Lansingburgh Branch Manager for Troy Public Library, recommends these four. "The Nest" (Sweeney, 2016) explores the divisions brought by squabbles over an inheritance. "The Cherry Robbers" (Walker, 2022) is a gothic feminist novel set in 1950's Connecticut. "This Is How It Always Is" (Frankel, 2017) tells of how a family accepts, but keeps secret, a five-year-old boy's desire to be a princess, but struggles years later when the secret explodes. "The House in the Cerulean Sea" (Klune, 2020) is a fantasy about a case worker in the department in charge of magical youth who creates an unexpected family with a group of children on an island. Laurie says this is the book to read for "all the warm fuzzies." Finally, "Hello Beautiful" (Napolitano, 2023) follows the tearjerker story of a college boy accepted by his girl friend's three younger sisters, with a later family rift that threatens to tear the family apart. For more details on books and activities, visit www.thetroylibrary.org. To find other libraries in New York State, see https://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/libs/#Find. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Lex Figuereo, one of the founders of Saratoga Black Lives Matter, talks with Moses Nagel about the recent elections in Saratoga, the trial of Daryl Mount and other issues Saratoga BLM is highlighting right now.

A crowd of 250 chanted for a ceasefire and liberation of Palestine at a peace rally at the State Capitol on Saturday, Nov 18. The lead organizers were Students for Justice in Palestine and the UAlbany chapter of Youth DSA. Protestors braved chilling winds to support the call for an end to the assault on Gaza by Israel. Speakers in mixtures of grief and anger condemned both the genocide taking place in Gaza and the US role in financing and promoting it. The groups marched to Congressmember Paul Tonko's office to demand that he support a ceasefire. Last week, more than 100 protestors staged a die-in and a reading of the 10,000 killed in Gaza, many children. Speakers represented the Palestine and Muslim communities, Jewish Voice for Peace, Youth DSA, the Palestinian Rights Committee, and many others. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine. (this is the full version)

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine: We begin with Mark Dunlea's coverage of the newly signed Clean Slate Act. Then, Elizabeth (EP) Press brings us an interview about a bill that would offer reparations for slavery in New York State. Later on, Sina Basila Hickey gives us a look into how Friendsgiving will be celebrated at Cafe Euphoria. After that, Brea Barthel gives us a preview of the events happening at the Troy Public Library in November and December. Finally, for this week's The Rhythm of Rebellion segment, Taina Asili interviews Ivelisse Diaz about the world of bomba.

The Governor has signed the Clean Slate Act into law, making over 2 million New Yorkers eligible for automatic sealing of their criminal records, making it easier for them to access jobs and various services. For misdemeanors, a person has to wait at least three years after serving their sentence and completing their parole or supervision. For certain felony crimes, the wrongdoer has to wait at least eight years. Lukee Forbes of the Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition talks to Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine about the importance of the new law.

If the limited one-dimensional representation of Indians at Thanksgiving bothers you, hear about four books for young readers that offer different, broader perspectives on indigenous peoples. Carol Roberts, head of Young People's Services at Troy Public Library, suggests four books, each by an indigenous author. "Encounter" (Brittany Luby, ill. Michaela Goade, 2019) reimagines Jacques Cartier's initial visit to what is now Canada from the perspective of a native person, animals, and even the moon, in a beautiful picture book. The non-fiction book "Indigenous Ingenuity: A Celebration of Traditional North American Knowledge" (Havrelock and Kay, ill. Fuller, 2023) compiles information on native scientific discoveries, with activities suggested for exploration. "Rez Ball" (Byron Graves, 2023) is a young adult novel of a teenage boy living on a Chippewa reservation in MInnesota who loves basketball, graphic novels, and dating. And "We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga" (Traci Sorrell, ill. Frane Lessac, 2018) weaves a history of the Cherokee people, with a "syllabary" of many Cherokee terms. For more details, visit www.thetroylibrary.org. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On Sunday, October 29, 2023, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry held a RoundTable Discussion entitled “The Struggle Continues” with Freedom Fighter and Civil Rights icon Mukasa Dada, aka Willie Rick, who coined the slogan “Black Power.” The Part-time correspondents Carlos Dulffar and Angel Martinez also joined the discussion. Carlos is a poet and was involved in the 1968 Poor People's Campaign, and Angel Martinez, Son of Carlos, is a Professor of History at Hunter College in New York City—part two

Capital District Border Watch (CDBW) is holding a fund-raising dinner and educational event on November 19 to benefit asylum-seekers and other migrants in Capital District area hotels. There will be food, music, educational activities, speeches from asylum seekers, and more. Karen Beetle of CDBW spoke with Vinny Damapoleto and Sina Basila Hickey about the upcoming event. Celebrate Asylum, Sunday, November 19 5:00 until 7:30 First Lutheran Church Albany, 181 Western Avenue Dinner reservations are required by Thursday, Nov. 16. Phone or text Victor at 207-590-5148. For more information contact Carrie Kuehl, CDBW at kuehlcarrie@gmail.com

Friendsgiving is an important tradition for many that has been gaining traction over the years. Cafe Euphoria is offering a Friendsgiving menu and event, and Alaska spoke with correspondent Sina Basila Hickey about food community, and menu.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine: We begin with an interview about the upcoming celebration for asylum. Then, Mark Dunlea chats with Tom Morrissey of Lights Out Norlite. Later on, Willie Terry hosts a Round Table discussion entitled “The Struggle Continues.” After that, Moses Nagel sits down with Barbara Smith and Bill Fletcher ahead of their event “How to Talk About Ukraine.” Finally, Andrea Cunliffe interviews David Graham of the Albany County District Attorneys' Office.

Breaking Cycles of Harm and Violence from the Peoples Campaign for Parole Justice held an event on Tuesday. November 14, at the Oakwood Community Center. Hudson Mohawk Magazine's Andrea Cunliffe reports from this celebration of crime reduction and the successes of formally incarcerated New Yorkers and impacted families. She speaks with David Graham Community Justice and Outreach Manager from the office of the Albany County District Attorney

On today's episode of Rhythm of Rebellion, Taina speaks with Ivelisse Diaz, a dynamic force in the world of Bomba, an emblematic Puerto Rican musical tradition that emerged 400 years ago from our African ancestors. Ivelisse shares her journey, from learning Bomba as a child, to becoming director of La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón based in Chicago's Humboldt Park community with classes offered throughout the world. Her story unfolds as a testament to the transformative power of Bomba as a tool for healing, resistance, reciprocity, and remembrance. LISTEN to entire episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music. More info about Ivelisse Diaz at: bomberadecorazon.com IG @laescuelitabdc or @ivelisse_diaz_ Follow Taina at: tainaasili.com IG + YouTube @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

Hear about all the cool activities going on at Troy Library's Lansingburgh and Main branches in late November & Early December. There's something for everyone: crafting pendants, gingerbread houses, and knitted scarves; getting tech help with devices; joining groups on reading clubs, anime, and story time; and lots more. Plus a special event on December 2nd on the history of the poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas" with display of an original edition of its first publication ever in a Troy newspaper. Librarians Laurie Dreyer, Carol Roberts, and Ian Hauck share info on all that, and even a "community coloring book." For details, see https://thetroylibrary.org/. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On Sunday, October 29, 2023, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry held a RoundTable Discussion entitled "The Struggle Continues" with Freedom Fighter and Civil Rights icon Mukasa Dada, aka Willie Rick, who coined the slogan "Black Power." The Part-time correspondents Carlos Dulffar and Angel Martinez also joined the discussion. Carlos is a poet and was involved in the 1968 Poor People's Campaign, and Angel Martinez, Son of Carlos, is a Professor of History at Hunter College in New York City—part one.

On Saturday, November 18 at 11am, The Albany Public Library is hosting a talk at the Washington Avenue branch. The talk features labor activist and civil rights leader Bill Fletcher Jr. in conversation with black feminist author and activist Barbara Smith. The event will focus on how to talk about the conflict in the Ukraine now that it has been pushed aside in the news by the bombing and killing in Gaza and Israel. Moses Nagel spoke with them both to preview the event.

Caelan McPherson is a Hudson Mohawk Magazine volunteers who has dedicate many hours to the Sanctuary and this program. Caelan McPherson spoke with Mark Dunlea and Sina Basila Hickey about how HMM allowed him to develop skills that eventually lead him to work at WAMC as a control room operator.

We begin with an interview about the NY Renews Coalition budget and legislative climate priorities. Then, we cover last week's die-in at Congressmember Paul Tonko's office to support a ceasefire. Later on, Kristoph DiMaria talks about an upcoming Will Kempe's Players and Creative Action Unlimited version of "It's a Wonderful Life" that gives unique spin to the performance experience After that, we hear from Joseph Jenkins, author of the Humanure Handbook, the preeminent resource on composting human waste. Finally, we invite Caelan McPherson to talk about how his work with Hudson Mohawk Magazine gave him the skillsets to become a wamc control room operator.

"It's a Wonderful Life" has been adapted into an Anonymous Theater performance. Kristoph DiMaria, co-founder and director of development at Will Kempe's Players, spoke with correspondent Sina Basila Hickey about what Anonymous Theater is and how he is working with Creative Action Unlimited's Michael Kennedy to give this classic story a new twist. https://www.willkempesplayers.com/

On Monday November 20, more than 3 years after federal and state laws were changed to require the Norlite Hazardous Waste Incinerator in Cohoes to require the company to treat its hazardous ash as a hazardous material, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation will hold a public hearing in Cohoes, NY on its proposed permit modification to require Norlite to comply with the law. The hearing at the Cohoes Senior Citizen Center will start at 6 pm. Tom Morrissey of Lights Out Norlite talks with Mark Dunlea.

NY Renews, a broad climate justice coalition, formally launched their Climate, Jobs, and Justice Package on Wednesday, November 15. Justin Wood of the NY Lawyers for the Public Interest discusses some of the key climate proposals and budget requests. With Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Mike McLaughlin describes his comedy as long stories that don't have punch lines. He came to Hudson Mohawk Magazine to speak about the comedy scene in Albany, being a full time comedian in NYC for several years, and coming back to Albany. He has upcoming shows at The Lark Street Tavern: Sat. 11/18/23 with headliner Peter Revello, and on 1/7/24 opening for Geoffrey Asmus. Thanks to Brad Monkell for setting up this interview.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea reports on an upcoming community meeting in Saratoga to talk about the status of efforts to stop Saratoga Biochar from building a sewage sludge biochar plant. Then, Brea Barthel gives a taste of the New York Folklore current exhibition, "Day of the Dead" Later on, Mark Russo talks with Dylan Rees about Aquaponics. After that, for our weekly dose of laughs when we talk with local comedian, Mike McLaughlin. Finally, Thoms Francis shares the work of Pittsburgh photographer and poet Jason Baldinger.

Hear about how the Schenectady-based organization New York Folklore continues its 80-year mission to foster "cultural equity" by supporting artists with exhibitions and gallery opportunities. Ellen McHale, NY Folklore Executive Director, talks about the current "Day of the Dead" exhibit of offrendas (~altars) and more by Aurelia Fernandez Marure, and mentions some of the many crafts offered in the NY Folklore gift shop. For more details, visit https://nyfolklore.org/. Produced by Brea Barthel for Mohawk Magazine.

Retired National Weather Service meteorologist Hugh Johnson joins us for our weekly look at weather and climate, this time talking about frost, Alaskan snow storms, volcanoes, the warmest 12 months on record, and the upcoming weather forecast. He spoke with Brea Barthel and Sina Basila Hickey.

Thom Francis welcomes Pittsburgh photographer and poet Jason Baldinger to the stage for a reading at The Linda, WAMC's Performing Arts Studio, hosted by the Hudson Valley Writers Guild and literary journals Hobo Camp Review and Trailer Park Quarterly. Jason's poetry takes you on a journey through the mid-West United States, meeting many characters along the way.

Capital District efforts to stop the killings in Gaza continued on Thursday November 9th, with well over 100 individuals staging a die in outside of Congressmember Paul Tonko's office in Albany to urge him to support a ceasefire. The names of some of the 10,000 killed, many of them children, were read. We hear from among others Keren Carmeli of Jewish Voices for Peace, a staff person for Congressmember Tonko, and Rev. West McNeil of the NYS Labor-Religion Coalition. This has been Mark Dunlea for the Hudson Mohawk Magazine. (radio version)

On Thursday Nov. 16, a community meeting is being held to inform concerned area residents about the status of efforts to stop Saratoga Biochar from building a sewage sludge biochar plant in Moreau. The event is from 6 to 8 pm at the Moreau Community Center, 144 Main Street in South Glens Falls. Tracy Frisch of Clean Air Action Network of Glens Falls talks to Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, We begin with Mark Dunlea's report from Saturday's rally at the Capitol calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the Mideast violence. Then, I talk with Natasha Pernicka, Executive Director of the Food Pantries for the Capital District, about the increased need for food and donations. After that, retired meteorologist Hugh Johnson joins us in his new earlier time slot to share information on volcanoes, Alaskan snowstorms, and our weather. Later on, Larissa Borglum speaks with Urban mushroom farmer, philosopher, and educator Avery Stempel about emerging uses for fungi in our municipal waste systems and to detoxify contaminated sites. Finally, we bring an archive episode from Catherine Rafferty about the process for certifying midwives in New York state.

Hear about how the need for food has continued to increase in the capital region. Learn how you can help nonprofits meet the need, or where to get help if you need it. Natasha Pernicka, Executive Director of the Food Pantries for the Capital District, talks with Brea Barthel about how the organization's member pantries have served 70,000+ people this year, with 80% of members noting an increase in services. She explains why donating money may be the easiest and most efficient form of support, so that organizations can pay their bills as well as buy culturally appropriate food as needed. Natasha also invites people to help "Fill the Truck" (with money) to support their healthy food initiative. For details on getting or giving support, visit https://thefoodpantries.org. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Urban mushroom farmer, philosopher, and educator Avery Stempel speaks with Larissa Borglum about emerging uses for fungi in our municipal waste systems and to detoxify contaminated sites.