Rising to the Challenge: Faces of the COVID-19 crisis in the Capital Region

In times of crisis, some people go above and beyond to help their communities, even if it means risking their own safety. This section highlights those who, when COVID-19 began impacting the Capital Region, rose to the challenge. They worked to keep others fed; they assisted doctors and nurses; they kept students engaged through distance learning; or they simply help spread a bit of joy during this dark time.

Below, find 31 total features and profiles of these individuals and their important work, grouped by categories: Those working to contain the virus; Those keeping their communities fed; Those going above job descriptions; Those bringing people together while physically distanced. Thank you to all who are rising to the challenge.

Those working to contain the virus

Infectious disease expert leads Ellis doctors amid pandemic
Liebers had 33 years’ practice for greatest health crisis in memory

Saratoga County commissioner of Emergency Services has passion for public service
Zeilman putting years of experience to work in COVID fight

Glenville Town Board member is also a longtime first responder
Wierzbowski currently serves as community outreach coordinator and a paramedic with Clifton Park-Halfmoon EMS

Foss: Montgomery County health chief says compassion is key in this crisis
COVID-19 has thrust public health directors into the limelight like few other emergencies

Schenectady County staffer redeployed in relief effort does a little bit of everything
‘You do what’s called of you’

Saratoga County EMS coordinator logging 7 days a week to keep medical workers supplied, informed
McEvoy has been involved in emergency medicine since he was a teenager

Murray oversees Saratoga County Health Department team working to minimize spread of COVID-19
Contact tracing grueling but rewarding work

Patient support associate works Albany Med’s infectious disease floor
Hospital support staffers in thick of COVID-19 battle, too

Albany lab tech sheds light on truths, controversies surrounding virus testing
Golec developing COVID-19 assays at Albany Medical Center

Glenville nursing home gets creative to keep residents engaged
Activities take on a greater significance during COVID-19 pandemic

Social worker dialed in to Saratoga County’s COVID-19 concerns
Monitoring group maintains daily contact with patients

Those keeping their communities fed

Office manager steps up to fill new role at Prestwick Chase in Saratoga Springs
McNeary’s shopping is lifeline for residents of senior living facility

Route 50 Diner in Ballston Spa open for community, employees
‘How can I not give back?’ says owner Walter Hayer

Group raising the FLAG to lift restaurant industry, health care workers in Saratoga County
Four friends develop strategy to show gratitude to health workers while supporting restaurant community

Montgomery County sheriff and deputies making food pickups part of regular patrols
‘We want to be a good partner during this difficult time’

Capital Region grocery providers also among front-line heroes
Getting groceries into the hands of the public has been a highly scrutinized and deeply needed role

Mohonasen ‘lunch lady’ now keeps to-go lines moving
Kim Gagnon makes sure needy district students receive weekday breakfasts and lunches

Those going above job descriptions

Schenectady public library staffers pitching in to keep community connected
Team asked to run Schenectady County COVID-19 Emergency Response Coalition Call Center

Guilderland teacher puts 3D printing skills to work for Face Shield Project
Corbett is a technology teacher at Farnsworth Middle School

Watervliet t-shirt fundraiser takes off, helps feed community
‘Vliet Never Gives Up’ uses proceeds to buy restaurant gift cards, donates them to local families in need

Schenectady City Mission leader advocates for the homeless amid crisis
Saccocio draws on faith for toughest time in his 31 years at nonprofit

Schenectady teacher, sixth-graders adapt to distance learning
Mont Pleasant educator determined to stay connected with students

Schenectady ARC shifts quickly to serve residents, community
Nonprofit supports people with intellectual, developmental disabilities 

Important work continues for Amsterdam-based immigration attorney
Fabrizia Rodriguez talks about what it’s been like to work with clients during the pandemic

Niskayuna school librarian becomes key resource for teachers grappling with online learning
Rosendale Elementary School’s Shannon Thompson talks about the change in responsibilities

Fulton County YMCA executive working to keep members fit at home
Facility still providing child care; building undergoing deep cleaning

Troy-based Dags Basketball keeps workouts, lessons coming during pandemic
Hoop dreams don’t have to be put on hold

Time on his hands, Shenendehowa track coach answers some ‘what-ifs?’
Keith Jordan creates a virtual track meet for Shen teams through the years

Those bringing people together while physically distanced

In time of isolation, Schenectady English teacher’s ‘Walk Poetry’ keeps people connected
Colleen Wygal’s creation began as classroom exercise

Niskayuna Read Aloud program links familiar faces to eager audiences
Each day, a different teacher takes a turn recording a video reading a children’s book

Many in Capital Region putting sewing skills to work on face masks
Organizations, businesses and residents change focus

Photos: Walk poetry in the Capital Region

Photos: Hunting for rainbows in the Capital Region

Photos: Rainbow colors light up Schenectady

Categories: Fulton Montgomery Schoharie, News, Rising to the Challenge, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Special Sections