Welcome to the Village Mahvash

My high school bestie, Sheri, and I are joining forces to take you on the journey of how we came to be in high-ranking positions and some of the challenges we faced and continue to face as women in power.  We are here to inform, encourage, and inspire so tune in and enjoy! 

Dr. Carrin Schottler-Thal of Albany medical center specializes in caring for children on the Autism spectrum.  She is giving some great insight and helpful resources for understanding, appreciating, and supporting children on the spectrum. Tune in for a valuable and interesting discussion. 

Is everyone ready for fun in the sun? As we kick of the official start of summer, I am joined by Ginger Champain, director of Cancer prevention in action to talk about how to avoid those annoying sunburns and get the most out of our time enjoying the weather this summer.  

"The Walter Elwood Museum is a gateway to learning using the past to illuminate the present. "
(part of the museum's mission statement) 

There is nothing more precious than hearing the sound of children's joyous laughter as they are enjoying time together while learning something new.  I am joined by the museum director, Ann Peconie, as she holds the free winter  camp for school age kids this past February. 
 You can hear her as she teaches them about old fashioned writing and reads some of the letters that the presidents have written as well as other lessons in history. 
I was also able to sit down to interview her so we could talk more about the museum and it's founder- educator, avid traveller, and Amsterdam, NY native Walter Elwood. 

Abdul-Rahman Yaki, is the Imam (religious leader/counsellor) of the Islamic Center of the Capital District in New York. 

My discussion with him has Islamic references but is a discussion that is relevant for all religions. 
Children need boundaries and structure.  They need to learn about hard work and dedication.  If they are raised in a household with religious and spiritual principles they do not have to feel restricted.   Instead, the basic principles that all the major religions have in common of kindness, mercy, justice, and equality can be the backbone of their life and of their strength. 

Bob Cudmore is an Amsterdam, NY native and well known radio show host, columnist,  author and pillar of the community.
 I was able to have a nice kitchen table chat with him to discuss some cool facts about the history of the Mohawk Valley.  We talked about his time growing up and living here, and what his past and current projects are about.
Learning and teaching history is so important for everyone but especially our growing youth.  An appreciation for the past can be inspirational and make you excited for a bright future ahead.