Hudson Mohawk Magazine launched on September 11, 2017 with the conscious goal of creating a community radio platform to nurture diverse voices in the Capital Region in response to increasing assaults on our civil liberties. Sina Basila Hickey asked Steve Pierce, co-founder of the Sanctuary for Independent Media about the evolution of this program on its 5th year anniversary.

This photo is from the very first HMM show on 9-11-17

Hudson Mohawk Magazine is 5 Years Old; an Interview with Steve Pierce

On Thursday, April 10, several dozen protestors gathered at the intersection of Rt. 43 and 150 in the hamlet of West Sand Lake to voice their opposition to the actions of President Trump and Elon Musk. Protestors carried signs calling to protect democracy, health care, social security, immigrants and federal workers. Mark Dunlea interviewed several of the protestors for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Hands Off in Sand Lake

DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency, has stripped the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) of its funding, effective immediately. This is a devastating blow to arts and humanities around the country. Humanities New York (HNY) relies on NEH funding for its own grant program. To better understand what this means, HNY Executive Director Sara Ogger spoke with Sina Basila Hickey for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Humanities NY Loses Grants Funding Due to DOGE

Home care user and advocate Larissa Martin and caregiver Maggie Ornstein speak to Sal Rochelle about upheaval in New York's homecare program CDPAP, after the company PPL took it over. Amidst thousands of workers missing paychecks due on April 10, and disabled New Yorkers having to call for ambulances because of homecare interruptions, they discuss actions that consumers and workers are taking to support each other and demand justice - including rallies in Latham and New York City, and virtual "water cooler hours" that service users and caregivers can join from anywhere.

Update: As of 4/16 both of Larissa's aides have now been paid in full.

CDPAP Under Attack

Thom Francis introduces us to poets Susan Kress and Will Nixon. Both of whom were finalists in the 2025 Stephen A. DiBiase Poetry Prize Contest.

-------- 

The 2025 Stephen A. DiBiase Poetry Prize winners and finalists were recently announced with many poets from the Capital Region and Hudson Valley included in the list. 

The DiBiase contest was created in 2015 to offer a more inclusive and welcoming alternative to traditional poetry competitions. There are no entry fees, no line or page limits, and no restrictions on subject matter, form, publication history, or age, making it especially appealing to younger poets. Each year, approximately $2,500 in prize money is awarded, with $500 going to the first-place winner and the rest distributed among top finishers. 

Last week we heard from finalist Howard Kogan, who shared his poem, “Mourning Becomes Her.” This week we will hear from Hudson Valley Writers Guild members Susan Kress and Will Nixon. 

First up is Susan Kress. Her poem “Fire-Proof Box” was an Honorable Mention in this years contest. Before she reads her poem, she tells me more about the inspiration of the piece.

Susan Kress was born and educated in England and now lives in Saratoga Springs, NY, having taught at Skidmore College for many years. Her poems appear in Nimrod International, The Southern Review, New Ohio Review, Salmagundi, New Letters, South Florida Poetry Journal, Valparaiso Poetry Review, Third Wednesday, Gyroscope Review, La Presa, and other journals. 

The next poet up to the mic is Will Nixon who will read his poem “Orpheum.” 

Will Nixon is the author of the poetry collections, “My Late Mother as a Ruffed Grouse” and “Love in the City of Grudges.” With Michael Perkins he is the co-author of “Walking Woodstock: Journeys into the Wild Heart of America’s Most Famous Small Town.” He has also written “The Pocket Guide to Woodstock.” He now lives in Kingston, NY.

For more information on the Stephen A DiBiase Poetry Prize and to read the poems from the winners, finalists, and honorable mentions, go to https://dibiasepoetry.com.  


Talking With Poets: DiBiase Poetry Prize Finalists Susan Kress and Will Nixon

Jewish Voice for Peace - Albany chapter, held a rally for liberation in Townsend Park on Thursday, April 17  to honor the Jewish celebration of Passover and to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, as well as with immigrants under increasing attack in the United States.  We hear from representatives of Jewish Voice for Peace (Jessie Sander, Mark Mishler, Ava Berman with Blue Carreker) and the NY Immigration Coalition (Jahaira Roldan). Karen Beetle, and others.

Jewish Voice  for Peace Liberation Rally for Passover

An estimated 500 people rallied and marched in downtown Troy on Saturday, April 19 to oppose the Trump administration, demanding that Trump and Elon Musk take their Hands Off our democracy, economy, and public services. In the afternoon, about 1000 braved the rain to protest at the State Capitol in Albany. From the Troy event, we hear from Leigh Bailey and Leyla Kiosse from Indivisible, followed by law professor Mary Lynch, Adam Pelletier of the Federal Unionist Network, and long-time labor activist, Art Fleishner, former Head of the Troy Area Labor Council.; and Erik Kriss. We end with a version of the song, Take Back What He Stole from Me. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

500 in Troy Tell Trump Hands Off on April 19

Everybody Moves Series: Migration Stories from our Community.

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, and teaches us much, because it is a part of the human experience. This week: Daniel, from Colombia, who is a member of the Sanctuary for Independent Media board of directors. . 
This series is produced by Moses Nagel and Joanna Dreby. Interested in sharing your story? You can reach us at Joanna.dreby@gmail.com or moses.nagel@gmail.com to schedule a 20-30 minute storytelling session, in person or on zoom.

Everybody Moves- Daniel

On this week's segment of the TripleE’s, we hear from minister and professor Diane Clark who started the Delight in Zion Education Center. She talks about how and why she became an educator and about the Who Am I: Explorations of Self Identification conference. By H Bosh Jr with support by Caelan McPherson

TripleE's: Diane Clark says This is Why Teachers Teach for Outcome, Not Income

On May 1, International Workers Day, several hundred students, workers and other community activists marched from the SUNY Central Administration buildings in downtown Albany to the State Controller’s office and then to the state capitol. The protestors called for the SUNY Administration to support the free speech rights of all students, including those supporting Palestinians and called for SUNY to divest from Israel. They also called for State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli not to renew $50 million in Israeli bonds that just expired. We here from Eyad Alkarubi of the Queer Palestinian Empowerment Network, Jamaica Miles of All of Us, Jim McCabe of Columbia County for Palestine, UAlbany student activist Jess, David Banks of UUP, labor leader Doug Bullock, and Julian Mostachetti of DSA. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Students, Labor rally for Worker Rights, Palestinian Rights on May Day

Jean Stoler is working with a film crew to document the journey of her Holocaust survivor parents, who came to the US when Jean was barely two years old and rebuilt their lives. Jean will journey into the past by taking her sister, kids, grandkid, and film crew back to the displaced persons camp where she was born, to celebrate 80 years since its liberation. Sina Basila Hickey spoke with Jean about her family, this journey, and her take on the current political situation.

Jean Stoler Wants to Memorialize Her Parent's Journey After the Holocaust

Barbara Smith is a scholar and activist who resides in the Capital District. She is the author of books such as The Truth That Never Hurts and Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around.
She recently spoke with Hudson Mohawk Magazine’s Moses Nagel about a range of topics including the Trump administrations list of forbidden books, the conversation about the male loneliness epidemic and the recent national meeting of Jewish Voice for Peace. 

Barbara Smith on Banned Books, Loneliness and Gaza

The Queer Poetry Prize is looking for submission for 2025! 2024 Queer Poetry Prize winner Ennis Rook Bashe was interviewed about their poetry, inspiration, writing process, and the Queer Poetry Prize by producers Mary and Marrow.

Queer Poetry Prize 2024 Winner Ennis Rook Bashe

Interested in seeing the development of a new community center in Albany?  You are invited to an open house on Sunday, May 18th, 11am-12:30pm, at Christ's Church in Albany, to learn how a number of organizations are coordinating resources to provide accessible community programs. Paul "Batman" Collins-Hakett describes how, with full support from the pastor and congregation, the entire church will be converted to an event space and project area, with some offices on the first floor being used by the organizations.  Among those participating are the RED Bookshelf (www.theredbookshelf.org) which provides free books to youth at locations around the city; Young Futures (youngfuturesco.com) which fosters financial literacy through the arts, and Upstate's Cold Brew (https://upstatescoldbrew.com/) which will create a coffee house in the space. You can participate too! Batman invites you to contribute your time, talents, and/or financial support to make the community center a reality. For details, see  https://www.facebook.com/share/1FWeHYpYTe/. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

New Albany Community Center

﻿Everybody Moves Series: Migration Stories from our Community.

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, and teaches us much, because it is a part of the human experience. 
This week: Carl, who was born in Germany. 
This series is produced by Moses Nagel and Joanna Dreby. Interested in sharing your story? You can reach us at Joanna.dreby@gmail.com or moses.nagel@gmail.com to schedule a 20-30 minute storytelling session, in person or on zoom.

Everybody Moves- Carl

More than 300 people turned out in downtown Troy for the Memorial Day Rally against fascism organized by Indivisible Troy, opposing the ICE raids and attacks on immigrants and the constitution. We hear from Karen Zigler, several indivisible organiers, Jen from Jewish Voice for Peace, Eyad Alkurabi of Palestinian Rights Committee, Assemblymember Phil Steck, Troy City Council President Sue Steel, Jim Mounteer, Eduardo Hernandez of Citizen Action, law professor Mary Lynch, and Rudy Stegemoeller and Diane Geary of Common Farms, among others. Unedited.

Troy Memorial Day Rally Against Fascism

The Memorial Day rally in Troy, NY was organized by Indivisible, honoring our Veterans and bringing awareness to the concerns of fascism in our country.  Andrea Cunliffe of Hudson Mohawk Magazine brings you this report. In this segment, we hear from Bryan Pas Herman's of Indivisible, Jen Baumstein of Jewish Voice for Peace, and Troy City Council President Sue Steel.

Indivisible is a grassroots organization formed to inform and to stand for Democracy.

Memorial Day '25 Fascism Rally in Troy, Pt1

This week Comedian / Producer Tyler Artis is in studio along side fellow touring Comedian Shawn Barnes who will be closing out the 3rd installment of Tyler's Successful Comedy Show The Artis Comedy Showcase at the 217 Taproom in Albany on June 6th at 8PM. They talk  about the show With Host Juan Pantaleon and share some of the exciting opportunities that Shawn has had this year while commending Tyler on his ongoing producing success. 

ACIC - Artis Comedy 2

Brendan C. Byrne is a local author who recently published a collection of short fiction entitled "Another World Isn't Possible," available from Wanton Sun press. Ellie Irons and Dan Phiffer spoke to Brendan about this new work.

Brendan C. Byrne: Another World Isn't Possible

There is an important primary election coming up on June 24th for the Troy City Council. 6 Candidates for 3 positions  have been invited to Hudson Mohawk Magazine to talk about their candidacy.  Andrea Cunliffe speaks with Eric Wisher running on the Working Families party this primary for District 5.

Early Voting Location ONLY FOR JUNE 2025 PRIMARY:
500 Federal St Troy, NY 12180
Troy (City Council 5)
19,20,21,22,23&24
Holy Cross Armenian Church
255 Spring Ave
WORKING FAMILIES
Early Voting Dates: June 14th to June 22nd
Saturday and Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM  
Monday and Wednesday: 12 PM to 8 PM  
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM

Troy City Council District 5: WFP Eric E Wisher

There is an important primary election coming up on June 24th for the Troy City Council. 6 Candidates for 3 positions have been invited to Hudson Mohawk Magazine to talk about their candidacy. Andrea Cunliffe speaks with Jona L Favreau running on the Working Families party this primary for District 5.

Early Voting Location ONLY FOR JUNE 2025 PRIMARY:
500 Federal St Troy, NY 12180
Troy (City Council 5)
19,20,21,22,23&24
Holy Cross Armenian Church
255 Spring Ave
WORKING FAMILIES
Early Voting Dates: June 14th to June 22nd
Saturday and Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Monday and Wednesday: 12 PM to 8 PM
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM

Troy City Council District 5: Jona Favreau

There is a primary election coming up on June 24th and there are a few Troy City Council seats included. In District 1 the Conservative line has a primary. In District 4 the Democrats have a primary. And, in District 5 the Working Families Party get a chance to choose who will go up for election in November. Elizabeth Press spoke with Noreen McKee running on the Democratic line this primary for Troy City Council District 4. 

At the time of the airing McKee's opponent has not responded to emails or calls from the Hudson Mohawk Magazine for an interview.

Early Voting Location for JUNE 2025 PRIMARY:
500 Federal St Troy, NY 12180
Early Voting Dates: June 14th to June 22nd
Saturday and Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Monday and Wednesday: 12 PM to 8 PM
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM

Troy City Council District 4 Primary - Noreen McKee

Rosemary Armao talks in this week's chapter of her podcast On the Brink with Dan Butterworth the executive director -- very busy director of RISSE (Pronounced RISE). -- a small Albany non-profit dedicated to helping and supporting immigrants and refugees in the Capital District. That part of upstate New York is not cosmopolitan and the nearest immigration court is out near Buffalo, but it has seen plenty of horrific ICE actions against foreign born residents. Immigrants in the Albany area tend to be from Africa and the Middle East and they are terrified, he said. They aren't coming to English classes, are afraid to go to the supermarket or to legally required meetings with immigration officials for fear of being plucked off the streets and whisked out of the country. There are things that native born Americans who don't like the Stephen Miller-Donald Trump deportation policies can do. That includes sending laundry, shaving and mentrual supplies to Risse to distribute and witnessing-recording-and intervening in ICE actions around the area. 

Armao on the Brink: RISSE on ICE in the Capital Region

The State of New York is considering draining the 98-acre Dunham Reservoir in Grafton, saying the 112-year-old dam is unsafe. Local residents are concerned that the dam’s removal would eliminate a space for recreation and wildlife and potentially risk the area becoming a swamp.  Local photographer John Bulmer talks with Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine about the issue. SaveDunham.org

NYS Considers Draining Dunham Reservoir

In this week's On the Brink Rosemary Armao talks with Dee Burkins, a grandmother who is one of the most visible anti-Trump activists in the Capital District 

Armao on the Brink: Activist Grandmother Against Trump

The 25th Brunswick Summer concert series takes place Tuesday evenings, beginning June 24, 2025. Pat Poleto started the series back in the year 2001 and has focused it on highlighting local bands to bring community together. He was interviewed by Dick Sleeper and Jacob Boston.

Brunswick Summer Concert Series is Back!

On Thursday June 26, NY Divest from Death, Extinction Rebellion of the Capital Region, and the Upper Hudson Valley chapter of Codepink rallied outside NYS Comptroller DiNapoli’s office on State street in downtown Albany to demand an end to investing NY retirement funds in Israeli bonds that help funds the Netanyahu government’s genocide in Gaza and $5 billion in large fossil fuel companies that are driving global companies. We hear from Arthur with Code Pink; Eyad Alkarubi from the Palestinian Rights Committee; Xan Plymale of Divest from Death; and Wendy Dwyer and Tom Ellis (PRC). By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Divest from Death Protest Comptroller DiNapoli over investments in Israel, fossil fuels

In this segment of "Reclaiming History," Lovonia Mallory interviews Ms. Diana Douglas of City Hair Care located at 940 State Street, Schenectady, New York. Ms. Douglas offers advice to budding cosmetologist Eliida “Ellie” Marin on how to become a successful business owner. Ms. Douglas emphasizes three key business traits: love people, love what you do, and be consistent.
If you need to get in touch with City Hair Care for any inquiries or appointments, call them at 518-374-3025.


Reclaiming History with City Hair Care of Schenectady

Due to the frequent ICE raids in Albany, Capital Region Sanctuary Coalition has organized the "ICE Out of Albany" rally, taking place on Wednesday, July 2 at Frisbie Ave at 5:30pm. Kelley of CRSC talk with Vinny DamaPolito and Caelan McPherson.

ICE Out of Albany rally on Wed. July 2

The Trump administration is determined to make good on a threat Republicans  have made for 30 years — to cut or eliminated funding for public broadcast. In this week’s On the Brink Rosemary Armao talks with Mitch Teich, the station manager of North Country Public Radio based in Canton about what the loss of federal tax dollars might mean in the rural and remote area North Country serves.

Armao on the Brink: Trump's Cuts to Public Broadcasting

The E Block is on their Welcome to the Neighborhood Tour, and members Luke Pascarella and Devin Tetlak spoke with producer Brad Monkell.

The E Block is on their Welcome to the Neighborhood Tour

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine,

First, Ellie Irons interviews artist Nicole Chochrek on Broken Plastics and working with the Water Justice Lab on the Sanctuary campus

Then, Willie Terry speaks with the founders of the Underground Railroad Education Center in Albany about Black communities during the time of James Knapp in the gilded age.

Later on, Brad Monkell interviews The E Block, a band from the Capital District.

After that, Tali Saxton joins us in the studio to talk about her exhibition with her 7 grandchildren taking place this weekend. 

Finally, Garret McCarey talks with Sandra Foyt about her book “100 Things to Do in Albany Before You Die”

Co-hosts: Sina Basila Hickey & Khin
Engineer: Jalaya Reid

HMM_07-10-2025

“Generations of Art” is an upcoming exhibition taking place this weekend at Art 66 in Averill Park. It featured Tali Saxton and her 7 grandchildren. Tali spoke with Sina Basila Hickey and Khin for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.
https://www.instagram.com/art66averillpark/

"Generations of Art" Opens at Art66

Climate activists several years ago successfully to get a moratorium on the use of fossil fueled power plants for cryptomining while an environmental impact assessment was completed by the NYS DEC (Dept. of Environmental Conservation). While the moratorium has expired, the draft Environmental Impact Statement was recently released. Irene Weiser of Fossil Free Tompkins discusses the EIS with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

DEC Issues Environmental Assessment of Cryptocurreny

Denise DiNoto, a life-long disability rights advocate passed away in June after a long illness. In the first of several tributes Blaise Bryant shares with us part of a conversation from 2021 about how people with disabilities were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Denise DiNoto Tribute Covid-19 Pandemic

On June 30th, 2025, the Troy Central Little League baseball team played their home opener in this year's summer tournament. Jacob Boston was in attendance and spoke to both players and coaches of the team as they begin their championship chase!

Behind the Plate at Troy Central Little League's Summer Tournament Home Opener

The summer of 2025 marked the First  Capital Region Festival of Threatre:
4 days of theatre productions, readings, discussions, workshops, and panel discussions. Hudson Mohawks Magazine’s Andrea Cunliffe attended the panel discussion “Fighting Censorship Today.”  The discussion was about the impact censorship has on the arts and its mutual responsibility with society. The panel discussion included moderator Sara La Duke, and panelists:  
Ari Edelson - Artistic Director of the Orchard Project The Orchard Project (OP) is a preeminent artistic development laboratory and accelerator for creators of performance and dramatic stories, based in NYC and summers in Saratoga Springs    
Joanna Palladino, council member for the local ACLU,  Actress and Creator of “Read Out “Capital Region literary project.
Howard Sherman Arts Administrator, Arts Writer and  Advocate on behalf of  productions  Academic professional and community confronted with censorship    
Justin Harrison  Senior Policy Counsel for the NYCLU. Representing 1st amendment law and litigation

Censorship in the Arts

Art Night Schenectady is a free monthly community celebration of local and regional creatives. held the third Friday of the month. President of Art Night Schenectady, Craig Petreikis, spoke with Susan Brink. The next event is July 18th, starting at 5pm with local fine artists and music at over a dozen locations in downtown, including the Museum of Prints and Printmaking, Whitney Bookcorner, Bear & Bird Gallery, Gallery 5, Mohawk Valley Art Shoppe, and ending at Armory Studios NY with 25 local artists on display and the monthly movie challenge showcase.  There will be live music at The Van Dyke and Katie O’Byrnes. For more information: artnightschenectady.com

To participate: Filmmakers: Submit your 5 min film to monthlymoviechallenge@gmail.com to get in the showcase.

Visual artists: submit work to artnightschenectady@gmail.com to show on art night.

not august, january
third friday from 5-8:30
artnightschenectady.com

Art Night Schenectady



Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine,

First, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage on the Department of Environmental Conservations’s recent environmental assessment on cryptomining

Then, Blaise Bryant shares a tribute to Denise DiNoto, a life-long disability rights advocate who passed away from COVID-19 complications in June.

Later on, Andrea Cunliffe covers the first Capitol Region Festival of Theatre where she attended a panel on censorship in the arts.

After that, Susan Brink interviews Craig Petreikis of Art Night Schenectady, a monthly community celebration of local and regional creatives.

Finally, Jacob Boston brings us coverage from Troy Central Little League’s summer tournament home opener.

Co-hosts: Jacob Boston & Richard Sleeper
Engineer: Jalaya reid

HMM_07-11-2025

Hudson Mohawk Magazine is a local volunteer-produced news hour that provides sanctuary for the discussion of a wide range of topics, scaling from the global to the hyper-local. The show is broadcasted from The Sanctuary for Independent Media on WOOC 105.3 FM.

Thanks to listeners like you, the Sanctuary is able to use art and participatory action to promote social and environmental justice and freedom of creative expression.

Hudson Mohawk Magazine

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