Hometown Heroes

Villa Italia in Schenectady specializes in Italian pastries, gelato, soups, sandwiches, and of course, their scrumptious cakes, many of which are adorned with some of the most incredible decorations and displays you've ever laid eyes on. They are a tight-knit, family-owned bakery that has been around for over 50 years, achieving what some (including myself) would call "legendary status,"

If you're a parent with a pool, this has to be your worst nightmare.  It only takes a split second for an adult to lose track of a kid, only to realize there's a chance they may have slipped into the pool. That's what happened recently in Warren County, but thankfully, a fast acting Sergeant with the New York State Police was quick to the respond during this harrowing moment when every precious se

We have been searching for the good samaritan that sprang into action to unselfishly help put out a fire that started on my mom's porch. The story is even more amazing when you hear Rob Rivers explain what made him do what he did to become a hero to my whole family.

Time was of the essence and if not for the exemplary efforts of two quick thinking deputies who responded accordingly, this story could have been a tragic one. Two Saratoga County Sheriff Deputies were honored on Wednesday for their recent life-saving efforts when they found two people completely passed out inside their home.  It turns out that both individuals - in their 60's - had suffered from

There are some deals that carry throughout the month of November and others that are good for Veterans Day only. Our veterans put their lives on the line to protect us and fight for the freedoms that we all continue to enjoy.

On off-duty New York State Trooper and his ER nurse wife, helped save a man's life at their New York home last month.  The story, shared over a thousand times on the New York State Trooper's Facebook page has become somewhat viral, and for good reason.  It's just another example of how our first responders and medical professionals never take off their superhero capes, even when they're off the cl

Maureen White-Schock of Ballston Spa is not only on the front lines at Albany Medical Center dealing with the high stress, high demand job of the health care world during the pandemic, but continues her job when she gets home.  While she certainly is grateful to be blessed with a wonderful husband and two children, she assumes the responsibility of caregiver to her mother-in-law, who unfortunately

The coronavirus pandemic has put a strain on everyone and especially our first responders. There are a few Capital Region fire departments that will be getting some much needed financial help from federal funding.

Shoutout to Albany's finest here doing the kind of work that people don't often see police officers do. Rain from the Tuesday afternoon storm was so heavy, it caused massive flooding along Central Avenue in Albany, stranding multiple cars...

We were able to track down Joanna Finkle while she was hard at work at the Crisp Cannoli. Joanna makes up 1/2 of the dynamic duo that operate the popular bakery/cafe in Castleton where she and her brother, Jason, not only feed hungry customers but give back as well. One of their best customers, a woman by the name of Karen, emailed GNA to nominate the brother/sister team because as someone who fre

Beau Dushane from Catskill is July's Hometown Hero. He holds down not one or two, but three different jobs for ambulance companies down in the Catskills!

Laurie Barrett and her son 17-year-old son Brandon from Mechanicville are GNA's June 2020 Hometown Heroes.