Episodes

  • Veterans May Be Eligible for Additional Health Benefits at Stratton VA

    Veterans May Be Eligible for Additional Health Benefits at Stratton VA
    Dec 8 2022
    In August of 2022 the Pact Act was passed. It expands health care benefits for veterans exposed to a variety of toxic substances. Now the Stratton V.A. is conducting outreach to help identify veterans who have may have been exposed, and to inform them about the expanded coverage. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks about the Pact Act with Peter Potter, Public Affairs Director, Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, and Emil Baker, who volunteers with many groups and works on multiple initiatives involving veterans. Potter says due to the Pact Act, this will probably be the second largest influx of veterans coming in for VA care since the Vietnam Era because there will be such an increase in eligibility. He also explains what a “presumptive condition” designation means. Baker says many veterans don’t know about what is available to them and he wants to spread the word to help more people acquire essential heath care services.
    Learn more: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
    Show more Show less
    16 mins
  • Opportunities for Coders in the Capital Region and Beyond

    Opportunities for Coders in the Capital Region and Beyond
    Nov 23 2022
    Opportunities abound for coders, web designers, and software developers but many people don’t realize they have the aptitude to pursue those kinds of careers. The growing need for training for coders and developers has led to growth for CanCode Communities. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with CanCode founder Annmarie Lanesey about how locally, statewide, and nationally, careers in web and app development are skyrocketing. Lanesey says she has always focused on training non-traditional talent for software careers. Now CanCode is working with local schools, in addition to training adults both young and old, about essential skills for the world of software development. Lanesey also talks about how quickly technology keeps changing and her work with local employers to make sure CanCode graduates will have the up-to-date knowledge they need for successful careers.
    Show more Show less
    12 mins
  • Local Parents Warned About Vaping Among Middle and High School Students

    Local Parents Warned About Vaping Among Middle and High School Students
    Oct 28 2022
    More than two-and-a-half million high school and middle school students are vaping, with many of them attracted to the sweet, fruity flavors that are offered. That’s according to a report from the CDC. A local group is trying to educate parents and community members about the risks of vaping. Tim Murdick, President of the Nopiates Committee says many parents don’t realize how easy it is for kids to buy and hide vaping materials.  In this episode of Upstate Issues with Diane Donato, Murdick talks about ways parents can talk to their kids about the risks and steps they can take to ensure their kids don’t become addicted.

    For more information: https://www.nopiates.com/
    Show more Show less
    13 mins
  • NY Officers Getting Advanced Training to Become Drug Recognition Experts

    NY Officers Getting Advanced Training to Become Drug Recognition Experts
    Oct 21 2022
    Helping to keep our roads safe in New York involves the work of over 400 Drug Recognition Experts. In this episode of Upstate Issue, Diane Donato talks with New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Deputy Commissioner Owen McShane about the intensive training that is involved for officers to become Drug Recognition Experts and how they then work with law enforcement throughout the state to help identify drivers who have been operating under the influence. Deputy Commission McShane says they also try to educate the public about driving under the influence and other factors like a lack of sleep that can affect a driver’s abilities.
    Show more Show less
    13 mins
  • Local County Providing More Assistance with Childcare

    Local County Providing More Assistance with Childcare
    Sep 30 2022
    Securing childcare is one of the major hurdles for working parents, especially when children are young. Recent changes in eligibility for aid have made many more New York families able to get financial assistance to pay for care for their children but many families remain unaware that they can get help. Many other families don’t know how to go about applying. Schenectady County Cares is a new online portal that helps families get assistance. Paying for help is just part of the hurdle. Finding providers is another challenge. The Schenectady County Cares portal is trying to address the shortage of providers by offering information and assistance to make it easier for people to become certified as childcare providers. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with County Legislator Michelle Ostrelich and Department of Social Services Commissioner Paul Brady about the new initiative and why it is vital for the community at large.
    Show more Show less
    15 mins
  • Creative Recycling in the City of Troy

    Creative Recycling in the City of Troy
    Sep 23 2022
    The City of Troy has been bringing some unique recycling opportunities to its residents, such as the Pumpkin Smash, curbside composting, and string-lights recycling. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with Naomi Pitkin, the Recycling Specialist for the City of Troy about efforts to connect with the community about ways to get involved in recycling efforts.
    Show more Show less
    10 mins
  • Helping your neighbors and helping yourself in the Capital Region

    Helping your neighbors and helping yourself in the Capital Region
    Sep 1 2022
    Be it a home fire, a hurricane, or other natural disaster, the American Red Cross responds with food, shelter, and other resources necessary to stabilize families and communities. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with American Red Cross Senior Disaster Program Manager Josh Moskowitz about the services the Red Cross provides. Moskowitz has years of experience responding to disasters and says there are specific actions individuals can take to help prepare themselves in advance of disasters. Preparation in advance can make a big difference since you rarely know when a disaster may strike. According to the Red Cross, in 2021 more than 40% of Americans — some 130 million people — were living in a county struck by a climate-related disaster.
    Show more Show less
    15 mins
  • Local Students Mentored All the Way from High School through College Completion

    Local Students Mentored All the Way from High School through College Completion
    Aug 5 2022
    For 25 years, a local group has been supporting area students achieve their dreams of graduating from college. 518 ElevatED, formally known as Capital Region Sponsor-a-Scholar, provides mentorship to students at Albany, Schenectady, and Troy High schools.  The program requires students meet weekly at school and at least once a month with a volunteer mentor. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with Laura Marx President and CEO of 518 ElevatED about their success rate with helping launch high school students into higher education and/or careers. So far, hundreds of students have completed the program and now have college degrees.
    Show more Show less
    14 mins