Keeping Relevant With Ronnie Eldridge

Led by Mary Haveiland, the NYC Alliance Against Sexual Assault provides information and support for survivors, through rape crisis programs, education through child and adolescent programs, legal support through its criminal justice based programs.

Lola Finkelstein believes that rather than complaining about a wrong, she join forces to correct the wrong. Ms. Finkelstein has spent the past 30 years working with Community Board 5, Bellevue Hospital and other community agencies-on behalf of the City.

Peter Goldmark whose remarkable career in public service, philanthropy, as a journalist, environmentalist, and now, consultant, self-described troublemaker and practical joker discusses his time (1977-1985) as executive director of the Port Authority.

James Larocca discusses his long career and some of the people he met along the way. Mr. Larocca, former commissioner of the Public Service Commission, talks about fracking, from companies' dealing with landowners to drilling to cleanup of the land.

Peg Breen, of the New York Landmarks Conservancy describes the organization's work to preserve New York's architectural heritage. By providing technical advice, financial aid, and education, neighborhoods survive.

Camille Rivera, of UnitedNY, and Ronnie Eldridge consider the loss of connection between worker, labor unions and the community. Do we consider the low wages of the worker who has helped us, the two and three jobs needed to provide for a family?

Elizabeth Nunez, Hunter College, scholar, author of 8 novels, talks about "Not for Everyday Use: A Memoir" her latest book. Ms. Nunez explores family relationships, the struggle to meet expectations, the oppression of the church, and more.

Sheila Rule, founder of the Think Outside the Cell Foundation, works to end the stigma that follows the formerly incarcerated and their families through the End the Stigma/Expand Opportunities Campaign. NY's "broken" parole system is highlighted.

Les Leopold is puzzled that the people of the U.S., the richest nation - ever - in the world, are constantly being told that "we can't afford it." We can't afford free higher education, or children's Pre-K, or healthcare, or an unbroken infrastructure.

David Hawkins, at the Natural Resources Defense Council, has been in the business of climate change for many decades. His goals: to get the U.S. government to adapt better carbon-pollution standards in the coal industry, to promote alternative energy.

Seymour Lachman's latest book, "Mr. New York: Lew Rudin and His Love for the City," prompts Ronnie Eldridge to describe her guest as "Mr. New York himself." Author of 7 books, including "Three Men In A Room," Senator Lachman has served New York well.

Ed Ott, Distinguished Lecturer in Labor Studies, Murphy Institute/CUNY School of Professional Studies, reminds us of the 4 decades of loss suffered by the labor movement; we must adjust to the "new" economy and figure out where do we go from here.

In New York, more than 54,000 people are in prison at a cost of $60,000/year/inmate under 40 and $240,000/year/inmate over 40 due to increased health issues. Soffiyah Elijah, Correctional Association, talks about If the Risk is Low, Let Them Go! campaign.

Working towards a realistic discussion of policy, Gale Brewer, Manhattan Borough President, discusses: housing, particularly affordable housing, education, classroom space for pre-K and charter schools, mental health programs in schools, quality of life.

Gloria Feldt, of Take the Lead, describes the organization's mission: "to prepare, develop, inspire and propel women" to leadership positions to achieve leadership parity. Ms. Feldt is an author, educator, and advocate for advancing women's equality.

Myrna Pérez, deputy director of the Democracy Project at NYU's Brennan Center for Justice is a little more optimistic these days, reporting in their "Voting Laws Roundup 2014" of "real momentum toward improving our elections..." in states and nationally.

Artist Audrey Flack and Ronnie Eldridge talk about their "callings" art and public service. Graduates of Music & Art High School, the longtime friends discuss old masters and contemporary artists-and Ms. Flack's paintings, sculpture, writing and band.

The Brooklyn Movement Center, a community based organization, identifies issues, and works to improve the quality of life of the central Brooklyn community. Mark Winston Griffith, BMC's executive director admits to being a "serial social entrepreneur."

Mary White Ovington was a suffragette, journalist, and the first white woman to dedicate her life's work to racial equality. A trusted colleague and friend of W.E.B Du Bois, she is the main character in "Dr. Du Bois and Miss Ovington," by Clare Coss.

Richard Steier, editor of The Chief-Leader, and author of "Enough Blame to go Around: The Labor Pains of New York City's Public Employee Unions," talks about unions, in general, the complexity of NY unions, collective bargaining and the future.

CUNY Distinguished Professor and art historian Gail Levin describes the life and career of American artist Theresa Bernstein. In her long life, (1890-2002), Bernstein made and exhibited her art in every decade of the 20th century.

Ronnie Eldridge welcomes Helen Rosenthal, newly elected to the City Council, to represent Manhattan's 6th Council District-the district Ronnie represented for 12 years. Conversation referred to the Progressive Caucus, the effect of term limits & more.

Kathy Goldman, longtime advocate for children and the poor, co-founder of Community Food Advocates and Ronnie Eldridge talk about the "Lunch for Learning Campaign for Free and Healthy School Lunch for All," and their letter to Mayor Elect Bill Di Blasio.

Jennifer George presents "The Art of Rube Goldberg: (A) Inventive (B) Cartoon (C) Genius" for our pleasure. The book is filled with photos, personal stories, commentary and of course, Rube Goldberg cartoons. All great fun! (A special book cover.)

In Queens, one can find such treasures-to make any teacher, artist, set designer, social and health community service organization-any creative person's heart beat a little faster. Harriet Taub, Materials for the Arts, talks about MFTA's many services.