Radio Chatskill

The 2025 Wayne County Ag Day will take place on Monday, February 17, from 10 am to 3 pm. at Honesdale High School, offering a day of agricultural education, product showcases, and networking opportunities for local farmers and enthusiasts.Chelsea Hill, Livestock & 4-H Animal Science Educator for Penn State Extension- Wayne County, appeared on Radio Chatskill about the event, which will feature educational sessions, including presentations on soil management, newborn beef calf care, and large-scale solar energy. Zachary Curtis, a Penn State Extension Agronomy Educator, will present on soil testing and management. Other sessions include a talk by Taylor Zahn on giving newborn beef calves the best start, and a discussion on solar energy with Joseph C. Conklin and the Penn State Extension Energy Team.This year also introduces a live home food preservation demonstration by MaryAnn Curtis, Penn State Extension Master Preserver Volunteer.The event will host exhibitors in the gymnasium and outdoor machinery displays, with opportunities to meet experts on topics such as agronomy, food preservation, beekeeping, animal health, and more. Attendees can also sample local dairy products, meats, and ice cream, thanks to area agribusinesses like Creamworks Creamery and Calkins Creamery.Health screenings will be offered by Wayne Memorial Hospital, and a lunch prepared by The Red Schoolhouse will be served, sponsored by event exhibitors. Though registration by February 12 is requested for lunch, walk-ins are welcome.For more information or to register, visit https://extension.psu.edu/wayne-county-ag-day or call 1-877-345-0691.

Fair Hill Therapeutic Riding Center in Waymart, PA, specializes in therapeutic and adaptive riding, and the center is dedicated to providing a platform where participants can experience the unique benefits of connecting with horses in a judgment-free, supportive environment.Vera Remes, Board Member at Fair Hill, is an Equine-Assisted Learning Facilitator, Equine Specialist, and NJ Certified Teacher of the Handicapped and Learning Disabilities Specialist. Nancy VanWyk is a Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Mentor, and faculty member at the Fair Hill Therapeutic Riding Center. They appeared on Radio Chatskill.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, you may be planning a romantic dinner at home, complete with candles and a home-cooked meal.. However, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is urging folks to keep fire safety in mind while celebrating this holiday of love.According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries year-round. Unattended cooking is a factor in over one-quarter (29 percent) of reported home cooking fires and half of the associated deaths. Susan McKelvey from NYFPA shared some safety tips on Radio Chatskill.

Nearly 30 lawmakers and hundreds of advocates from across New York State rallied in Albany last week to urge the Assembly to pass the New York Home Energy Affordable Transition (NY HEAT) Act. The legislation, designed to address the state’s escalating energy affordability and climate crises, promises to lower energy bills for struggling households and accelerate the state’s shift to clean energy.The NY HEAT Act has garnered broad support from environmental advocates, community leaders, and lawmakers, many of whom have been calling for its passage for months. Michael Hernandez of Rewiring America is one of those advocates and he appeared on Radio Chatskill.

Our resident Science Guy Joe Johnson is back with the science stories that caught his eye recently, including ancient tattoo patterns revealed on mummies in Peru using lasers; how your ear muscles "wiggle" when you struggle to listen; and that asteroid that could hit Earth in December 2032.

In a live episode of Kaatscast, recorded at the Emerson Resort & Spa on November 8, 2024, host Brett Barry engages in a detailed discussion with Elinor Levy, Folk Arts Program Manager at Arts Mid Hudson, about the life and legacy of Clayton 'Peg Leg' Bates.The show explores Bates' inspiring journey from losing a leg in a cotton gin accident at the age of 12 to becoming one of the most celebrated tap dancers, performing on Broadway and appearing on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' at least 21 times.

Acting Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck has sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing significant concerns over the Department of State’s recent decision to suspend the processing of passport applications that include an 'X' gender marker for non binary individuals. In the letter, Bruck calls the policy change a "step backward in terms of inclusivity and equality," urging the department to reconsider its decision and reinstate the 'X' option. Bruck says that this move is a deviation from established procedures for verifying identity and citizenship in passport applications, and it undermines the dignity of non binary individuals. The introduction of the 'X' gender marker in U.S. passports in 2021 was heralded as a breakthrough for nonbinary, transgender, and intersex individuals, providing an official document that more accurately reflects their identities. The suspension of the 'X' marker last month has sparked outrage from LGBTQ+ rights organizations and individuals alike. Legal groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have long argued that access to accurate identity documents is essential for transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people to navigate society without discrimination. In his letter, Bruck said that the passport application process itself does not require an assessment of gender. According to the Passport Agent Reference Guide, acceptance agents are only responsible for verifying identity and U.S. citizenship, without the need to address an applicant's gender. Bruck pointed out that introducing restrictions based on gender markers, such as the 'X' designation, places an unnecessary and discriminatory burden on passport agents, diverting attention away from their primary duties. According to research from the Williams Institute, the absence of appropriate gender markers on identification documents increases the risks of discrimination and mental distress for transgender and nonbinary people. Bruck said that removing the 'X' marker would exacerbate these risks, contradicting the Department of State’s commitment to fairness and equality. Bruck urged Secretary Rubio to reconsider the policy change, framing the decision as inconsistent with the values of inclusivity and justice upon which the U.S. was built. “The suspension of the 'X' gender marker on passports is a misguided policy that undermines the rights and dignity of nonbinary individuals," the letter states. "It places undue burdens on passport agents and introduces unnecessary barriers for applicants.” The Department of State has yet to publicly respond to Bruck's letter.

Fallsburg resident Brett Budde, owner of Majestic Farm in Mountaindale, New York, says his well ran dry last summer, and he believes the ongoing development in the Town of Fallsburg is to blame. With the town’s population tripling in the summer months, he says the strain on water and sewer systems is only getting worse. Now, Fallsburg is considering zoning changes that would allow for greater housing density in agricultural areas. The move comes after a legal notice warned that the town’s current zoning laws may not comply with federal protections for religious land use. Budde appeared on Radio Chatskill to discuss what these changes could mean for his farm, the community, and the future of Fallsburg’s development.Note: Majestic Farm is a financial supporter of Radio Catskill.

Wayne County is set to receive a major boost in mental health crisis care with the upcoming launch of a new 24/7 Walk-In Crisis Center and Crisis Residential Program at 100 Park Street in Honesdale. The project is being made possible thanks to a $5.9 million crisis grant.John Nebzydoski, Behavioral Health Director for Wayne County, says the new facility will offer a critical alternative to traditional emergency department visits, providing individuals in mental health crises with immediate access to care in a more suitable, urgent care-like setting. The center will offer short-term services such as medication management, therapy, and discharge planning/referral services, ensuring that those in crisis receive appropriate care and support.The facility, located in the former Women’s Health building, is currently undergoing renovations to transform the space into a modern, welcoming environment for crisis intervention. In addition to the crisis center, the site will house a crisis residential program, offering individuals a safe, supportive place to stay for a short period while they stabilize and receive ongoing care.With the project underway, the community can expect the new center to open by mid-to-late 2025. In addition to the crisis grant, Wayne County has secured additional state and federal funding, along with grant dollars, to support both the renovations and ongoing operations of the facility.This new initiative is expected to significantly improve mental health care access for the region, providing a much-needed resource for individuals facing mental health crises in Wayne County and surrounding areas.

Sullivan County native Edward Jacob Lang was one of the roughly 1,600 people, granted a full, complete and unconditional pardon by President Donald Trump to those convicted of offenses related to the January 6, 2021, riot at the US Capitol and directed all pending indictments to be dismissed.Lang was accused of fighting for nearly two and a half hours with law enforcement defending the Capitol’s entrance and had been awaiting trial after seeking multiple delays in his case.Lang justifies his actions on January 6. “We stood up against a stolen election. We will be vindicated in the pages of history as patriots and freedom fighters,” Lang said in a video taken moments after his release. There has been no evidence that election fraud determined the outcome of the 2020 election.Lang told The River Reporter he plans to return to Sullivan County and he may run in New York's 19th Congressional District, which Democratic Rep. Josh Riley won in November.

Terri Thal was a vital presence in the 1960s Greenwich Village folk music world, where she played a pivotal role as Bob Dylan’s first manager at just 21 years old. Thal helped guide his early career, securing performances and promoting his work. She also managed other influential artists, including musician Dave Van Ronk (whom she later married), the Roche sisters, Paul Geremia, and The Holy Modal Rounders.Terri Thal will be speaking about her book – My Greenwich Village, Dave, Bob and Me –upstairs at the Jeffersonville Bake Shop on Sunday at noon.She appeared on Radio Chatskill with Angela Page of Folk Plus.

A group of residents in the Ellenville/Wawarsing area recently completed a 10-week Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program (FVRx), gaining valuable nutrition education and access to fresh produce. The program, offered through SNAP-Ed New York and supported by Ellenville Regional Hospital’s Rural Health Network, provided participants with up to $120 in vouchers to purchase fresh produce at Peter’s Market, a local, family-owned grocery store that has taken initiative in supporting the area following the closure of a major food retailer. SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator Mary Brimmer and Meghan Young, SNAP-Ed Nutritionist with the SNAP-Ed NY Hudson Valley team based out of Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County discussed the program on Radio Chatskill.The program aimed to address food insecurity and promote healthy eating habits in the community. Participants, who were either residents of the area or patients of the hospital's Rural Health Network, attended weekly sessions led by SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator Mary Brimmer. These sessions covered a range of topics, including budgeting for healthy meals, managing food resources, cooking skills, label reading, and staying active. Classes explored how food connects to personal health, the environment, social and spiritual well-being, history, culture, and experiences of joy and celebration.In addition to the educational component, the program culminated in a "grocery store tour" at Peter's Market, where participants applied their learning in a real-world setting. The program fostered a sense of community among the participants, who shared recipes and tips throughout the sessions. "This class has been super helpful for me," shared a participant. "I talk about you [the program] all the time! I share the information with my daughter, and she’s been enjoying making the recipes!”The FVRx program is a growing initiative in the Hudson Valley, with partnerships between SNAP-Ed NY, healthcare providers, and local retailers. In Ulster County, the program is supported by Ellenville Regional Hospital’s Rural Health Network, Peter’s Market, and Ulster Savings Bank. A new cohort of the FVRx program is scheduled to begin in February 2025. Patients of Ellenville Regional Hospital interested in learning more about the program can contact Nutritionist Courtney Jollie at [email protected] or (845) 647-6400, extension 205.

On Saturday, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance opens its 2025 Season with multiple artistic collaborations across a dizzying array of mediums, curated by DVAA Gallery & Grants Manager Tanner Simon.Featuring local and regional artists, DVAA’s 2025 roster of exhibitions run the gamut from painting to printmaking, sculpture to performance art, and everything in-between.Simon and artist Maria Bacha Qamara spoke about the opening exhibit on Radio Chatskill.

Firefighting is one of the most physically and emotionally challenging professions, with responders placing themselves at risk every time they answer a call. The Firefighter Cancer Support Network reports that just the sound of the emergency tones causes a firefighter’s heart rate to increase by 47 beats per minute, highlighting the immediate stress their bodies endure even before reaching the scene.Concerns like high blood pressure, heart disease, and mental health challenges have long been linked to the profession. Sullivan 180’s Healthiest Fire Department Challenge is designed to address these issues, encouraging fire departments to prioritize wellness and resilience both on and off the job.Sullivan 180 Outreach Program Manager Lindsay Wheat, and Jill Holand, a Healthiest Fire Department Challenge Captain, firefighter with the Kauneonga Lake Fire Department, appeared on Radio Chatskill to discuss the program.

Donald Trump kicked off his second presidential term with dozens of executive orders, many of which focus on hot-button culture war issues, from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to abortion and transgender rights. Local LGBTQ rights advocate John Steven Hellman has voiced grave concerns over the escalating political attacks targeting the LGBTQ community, particularly transgender individuals, under the Trump administration. Hellman says these executive orders aimed at stifling LGBTQ rights signals a broader and more dangerous trend, one that is not just a matter of policy, but a deep-rooted attack on the very existence of the community.Hellman is also President of the Zimmerman-Peirce Democrats, a Democratic Club focused on honoring and defending the rights and lives of LGBTQ people in Pike County and throughout Pennsylvania.

The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) is calling on both amateur and professional artists to participate in a design contest for the 2025 Upper Delaware Litter Sweep commemorative t-shirt. The theme for this year’s design is “Don’t Be Trashy!”—a slogan that aims to raise awareness about litter prevention and promote environmental responsibility in the communities surrounding the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.For the first time, the UDC is holding an artwork contest to emphasize litter prevention in an effort to educate against improper disposal of garbage before it becomes a blight on the river valley landscape and migrates into the waterways.The winning design will be featured on bright safety-colored t-shirts with the “Don’t Be Trashy!” slogan. Both amateur and professional artists are welcome to compete for bragging rights, a free shirt, and publicity.Stephanie Driscoll, Program Director for the UDC, appeared on Radio Chatskill to discuss the artwork contest.Artwork specifications for screen-printing optimization are as follows:Hand-drawn designs must be submitted on a white 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper with crisp, clean, and smooth lines, and no shading, Computer based designs must be drawn in high-resolution (at least 300 dpi) or vector file with all images embedded and fonts outlined. For both styles, incorporate the slogan text and there is a limit of using four colors per overall image.Submit entries by 4 p.m. on Feb. 14 to [email protected]. Include the artist’s name, complete contact information, and social media handle. Call (845) 252-3022 with any questions.The 5th Annual Upper Delaware Litter Sweep will take place for the entire Earth Day month of April to provide flexibility for the New York and Pennsylvania communities surrounding the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River to schedule their land-based, volunteer-powered trash pick-ups.Image: UDC 2024 Chairperson Ginny Dudko has volunteered for every year of the Upper Delaware Litter Sweep, shown here in 2022 with trash collected near the Mongaup Fishing Access in the Town of Deerpark. (Credit: Upper Delaware Council)

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem participated in a raid alongside Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents last week, targeting three locations in New York City—two in the Bronx and one in Manhattan.At the same time, the Trump administration attempted to impose a funding freeze on various federal grants and loans. However, a federal judge intervened, blocking the measure.Jason Dole spoke with Jasmine Gripper, co-director of the New York Working Families Party, to discuss the implications of Trump’s policies and to reflect on his early days in office.

Students across New York State could soon be required to put their cellphones away during school hours under a new proposal announced by Governor Kathy Hochul. The plan, which is still subject to legislative approval, aims to limit smartphone usage in the classroom, during lunch, and even in school hallways, starting as early as this fall. Hochul argues that limiting smartphone access will help students stay focused in class and improve their mental health.The initiative has already sparked a wave of reactions from educators and school administrators across the state. Patricio Robayo speaks with Liberty Central School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan to gauge the local response to the plan.

President Donald Trump has signed a slew of executive orders aimed at immigration policy. This week, there were several reports of ice raids and arrests in major cities across the country - including New York City. In The Catskills, ICE detained two individuals in a worksite operation in Greene County, New York.To understand the impact of the executive orders, the legal challenges ahead and the state’s role in protecting immigrants, Shantel Destra, of the New York Public News Network, sat down with Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition.

Amy Barkley is a livestock specialist with the Southwest New York Dairy Livestock and Field Crops program and an expert for the avian influenza outbreak for Cornell. She also has her own poultry farm and said she worries about the recent spread of avian flu."Honestly any farm that has poultry, whether you're large scale commercial, small scale commercial like me, or backyard, if you have poultry, you are susceptible, and if those birds have access to the outdoors, they're even more susceptible," she said.Barkley said this is a high-risk time of year as we head into migration season, so she advises anyone who comes into contact with birds to practice biosecurity."What we can control is transmitting the disease from one farm to another, from one homestead to another, and so we can take steps like changing our footwear in between visiting different facilities,” she said. “We can even restrict ourselves from visiting different facilities."She also recommends keeping birds away from fields where wild geese may migrate and frequent.For average consumers, Barkley said keep in mind the food supply is safe. And she said beyond that, there’s not much they can do."I would just say if you have friends that have chickens, just don't go into the pens with them. Just do your part to help stop tracking things in, and that's really all we can do as general consumers."Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) issued an alert directing New York agencies to continue taking proactive prevention measures. She said avian flu was found in poultry on a farm in Suffolk County and in several wild and domestic birds at a learning center in Putnam County. Avian flu (H5N1) was found in about 50 chickens and ducks on a farm in Ulster County this week. The Ulster County Department of Health confirmed the outbreak, and the Farm owners and a visiting vet are being monitored for symptoms over the next 10 days.Hochul said the risk to humans remains low. However, she encourages everyone who comes into contact with birds to look at the USDA’s “Defend the Flock” website for more information and advice.

The Trump administration has ramped up arrests of undocumented migrants in major cities around the country, detaining thousands of people including criminals and those without criminal histories alike.Since the president took office 10 days ago, there have been raids in cities including Chicago, Denver , Los Angeles and New York. Reports of ICE agents in tactical gear making arrests have spread quickly, raising concerns about deportations.In some communities, the arrests have prompted some migrants to skip work or keep their children home from school.Rural & Migrant Ministry, an organization advocating for farmworkers and rural workers in New York, has been on the front lines. For over 40 years, RMM has worked with churches, unions, and community groups to fight for fair labor conditions.Rev. Richard Witt, Executive Director of Rural & Migrant Ministry, shared what he's hearing on the ground and how his organization is responding to these enforcement actions.

The American Lung Association’s annual “State of Tobacco Control” report gives New York a failing grade for funding tobacco prevention programs. Year to year New York traditionally receives mixed grades in the report, but for several hasn't been able to rise above Grade F in funding tobacco prevention and "quit smoking" programs.Michael Seilback serves as Assistant Vice President for nationwide advocacy for the American Lung Association and he says it’s imperative New York state bolster its Tobacco Control Program.

Joe Johnson is our resident science guy and he brought us some science stories that caught his eye recently, including: why the magnetic North pole is on the move; an update on the parade of planets; the ‘artificial sun’ that just smashed its own nuclear fusion record; and NASA’s discovery of ancient wave ripples on Mars and what that means for the possibility of of life on the Red Planet.

Does it feel like everyone around you is sick right now?Right now, the U.S. is grappling with not one, not two, but four major viral surges. As of mid-January, healthcare facilities across the country are facing an overwhelming demand for care, as cases of the flu, COVID-19, RSV, and Norovirus continue to rise. Dr. Jodi Galaydick, an infectious disease specialist at Garnet Health, is keeping a close watch on the situation. She’s appeared on Radio Chatskill to share insights on the current state of winter illnesses and offer advice on how you can protect yourself.Garnet Health is a financial supporter of Radio Catskill.

Justin Kolb⁠ is an accomplished pianist who began playing at the age of four. Now 82, Justin continues to practice almost daily and performs intimate house concerts at his home in Delaware County, NY, called "From the Bench," showcasing music "by living American composers as well as music that lives in undeserved obscurity.” Brett Barry profiles Justin Kolb in the latest episode of Kaastacast: The Catskills Podcast. Kaatscast is a biweekly series featuring Catskills culture, history, sustainability, local interviews, literature, and the arts. Shows are hosted by Brett Barry and produced by Silver Hollow Audio, in the heart of the Catskills. The podcast has been voted “Best Regional Podcast” the last three years in a row.

Every year, January 27th marks a solemn day of remembrance for the millions of lives lost in the Holocaust. In 2005, the European Union unanimously designated this day as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day to honor the victims of Adolf Hitler’s genocidal campaign against the Jewish people and other minority groups during World War II. Dr. Peter Chester, the President of The Board of Directors at Langfield Avenue Synagogue in Monticello, NY, and the son of Holocaust survivors, holds this day in particularly deep regard. The son of Leo Chester, a survivor who was tattooed with the number “A 133497” at Auschwitz, Dr. Chester is intimately connected to the history of this tragic period. His father, along with his older brother Randolph, endured the infamous “Death March” from Auschwitz to Gross Rosen and Buchenwald in January of 1945. Tragically, 25,000 fellow prisoners did not survive the journey, succumbing to exhaustion or murder at the hands of Nazi soldiers.Dr. Chester’s father survived to tell his story, and today, his son continues to ensure that such stories are never forgotten. He stresses that the significance of January 27th extends beyond reflection—it is a call to action, particularly for Jews, to reaffirm their commitment to their faith and communities.

Joe Johnson is our resident science guy and he’s bringing us a few stories that caught his eye this week, including a landmark 20-year archaeological dig in Northern Scotland has come to an end, yet discoveries continue to show its significance; scientists drilled an ice core two miles down in Antarctica, extracting 1.2 million years of the earth’s climate record; and a “planet parade,” in which six planets — Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn — will align in the sky. Four of these planets (Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn) will be easily visible to the naked eye.

In a heartfelt recollection of his childhood and his family’s legacy in the entertainment world, Jimmy Givens recently shares fond memories of growing up in show business, particularly the summer days spent in the Catskills, in his book "Memories of The Kentucky Club." His parents, Givens and Sweetie, were renowned Borscht Belt entertainers who graced stages across the Borscht Belt and beyond. For Givens, the Catskills hold a special place in his heart. He shared some of his memories on Radio Chatskill.

As part of her Executive Budget released this week , New York Governor Kathy Hochul did not include a promised cap-and-invest program or the NY HEAT Act, which the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) says would reduce greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions, limit potential costs for New Yorkers, and invest in programs that drive emission reductions and improve energy affordability, especially for disadvantaged communities. In 2024 alone, ten extreme weather events cost New Yorkers more than a billion dollars, and the Executive Budget fails to take this into consideration, according to NRDC. Richard Schrader, Director, New York Government Affairs at NRDC appeared on Radio Chatskill to discuss the lack of climate initiatives in the budget proposal.

Local author Lily Barrish Levner is set to kick off the first book in her new mystery series, Catskills Capers, with a special book talk at the Sullivan County Museum in Hurleyville on Saturday. The event marks the launch of "Banquets & Bootleg Bounty," a novel set at The Concord Hotel in the vibrant, nostalgic world of the Catskills in the summer of 1944.

Wayne-Pike Workforce Alliance, in partnership with The Pardon Project, has launched a new YouTube video series, "The PA Pardon Process – How to Series," designed to educate individuals on the steps involved in seeking a pardon in Pennsylvania. This comprehensive series, created to be an accessible resource for individuals with non-violent criminal convictions, will break down the complexities of the pardon process and provide guidance for those seeking a fresh start.Attorney Tobey Oxholm founded The Pardon Project with the goal of helping members of the communitywho have turned their lives around but still face barriers due to past criminal convictions. The projectfocuses on individuals who have completed their sentences and want the opportunity to clear their recordsto unlock better job opportunities, housing options, and the chance for personal and professional growth.Tobey Oxholm and Cassie Miller from Workforce Alliance appeared on Radio Chatskill to discuss the series and how it is crafted to equip individuals in Wayne County and beyond with the essential knowledge and resources to take a crucial step toward a more promising future.

Laura Nordstrom has recently been appointed as the first-ever Director of Housing and Homelessness in Ulster County's Department of Social Services. Laura previously served as the Director of Research and Operational Programs in the County Executive’s office. In that role, Laura led efforts to help constituents navigate emergency housing and related support services. Now, she steps into this new position to oversee initiatives like the Family Centered Services program and to coordinate with agencies and community partners to improve housing stability and inclusivity across the county. Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo had a chance to speak to Laura to find out more on how she will help Housing and Homelessness in Ulster County.

Navigating perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause can be challenging. Yet, for many women, it’s a journey often taken in silence due to lack of support and understanding. To help women embrace this transformative life stage with empowerment and knowledge, The Chi Hive and The Field Office in Narrowsburg have partnered to offer "Empowered Menopause," a six-week program designed to provide wisdom, education, and community support.The program, starting February 6, is designed to demystify the physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes women experience as they transition through menopause. Facilitator Natascha Demner, The Chi Hive’s Susan Mendoza and Shaylan Bennett from The Field Office appeared on Radio Chatskill to discuss the program.

Founded by two passionate food lovers with diverse backgrounds, Harana Market is a reflection of a shared love for Filipino cuisine and the connections food creates.In her segment Eating Upstate, Erin Scherer spoke to the folks behind Harana Market and the deeply personal and culturally rich dining experience they've brought to Accord, NY.

Gov. Kathy Hochul released her $252 billion state budget proposal for the next fiscal year with tax cuts for the middle class and increases for the state’s mammoth Medicaid program.The price tag on this year’s budget for New York is up about four percent compared to last year.But if there’s one thing Gov. Hochul wants you to know, it’s that she thinks the state is in pretty good shape. Jeongyoon Han from the New York Public News Network has the report.

Joe Johnson is our resident science guy and he's bringing us a few stories that caught his eye this week, including a landmark 20-year archaeological dig in Northern Scotland has come to an end, yet discoveries continue to show its significance; scientists drilled an ice core two miles down in Antarctica, extracting 1.2 million years of the earth's climate record; and a "planet parade," in which six planets — Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn — will align in the sky. Four of these planets (Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn) will be easily visible to the naked eye.

Who has the Best Burger in The Catskills? That’s what Michael Kaufman of The Catskills Crew Newsletter is trying to find out. Kaufman appeared on Radio Chatskill to discuss his quest. <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/delicious-cheeseburger-with-fresh-toppings_269415773.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=0&uuid=10be4336-7c2d-4757-87f2-89146c97c0f7&new_detail=true&query=burger">Image by wahyu_t on Freepik</a>

Sullivan County legislators are expressing strong opposition to a proposed Ulster County landfill that could potentially impact the region. The proposal, put forth by the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (UCRRA), calls for the establishment of a countywide landfill at one of two locations in the Town of Wawarsing, which includes Ellenville. The proximity of these sites, particularly one near the Sullivan County border and another in a sensitive watershed area, has sparked significant concern among Sullivan County lawmakers.Dan Hust, Communications Director for Sullivan County Government, appeared on Radio Chatskill to discuss the situation with host Jason Dole.

Updated property taxes went into effect January 1 across Northeast and Central Pennsylvania and our NPR colleagues at WVIA are reporting that residents in 11 countries will see higher property taxes in 2025.For example, Monroe County property owners face a 37% tax increase — the highest jump in the region. Taxpayers in eight counties avoided any increases into the new year, but some at the cost of county departments and services.Several commissioners told WVIA they stretched their county's cash flow by cutting jobs in the new year and taking on a more fiscally conservative budget.Isabela Weiss is the Rural Government Reporter at WVIA in NEPA. She reported on the tax hikes and she appeared on Radio Chatskill to talk about the reasons behind them and the potential impact on residents and county governments.

"Personal Space" is a collection of author Bizzy Coy's 20 favorite short humor pieces as previously published in The New Yorker, McSweeney's and beyond. Coy will be read from her book at Chesters Creative in Barryville, NY, on Sunday, January 19, for a special event called "Coverstory" celebrating the fusion of literature and art In addition the reading, attendees will experience live art by the book's cover artist, Catherine Chesters, and the illustrator, Lia Strasser. Bizzy Coy appeared on Radio Chatskill to talk about the book, the event, and her next project.

As the world grapples with an ever-increasing wave of cyberattacks, identity theft, and data breaches, experts are sounding the alarm: It’s no longer just companies or governments that need to worry about protecting their data — individuals must also take responsibility. With the threat landscape constantly evolving, the need for personal cyber defense has never been more urgent.Enter Rivka Tadjer and Roberto Gottardello, co-founders of Zero Hack, who are offering a unique solution to help individuals safeguard their personal data and protect their identities in the digital age at the Rosendale Theatre on January 22 as part of their “Today I Learned Talk Series."Appearing on Radio Chatskill, Tadjer said, " You need new life skills. It’s the dawn of 2025. If you don’t understand modern criminal and therefore victim behavior, you will become the latter. It’s just a matter of time. There is no containing breached data—your bank account numbers, passwords, social security number, etc.— once it’s out there. You cannot put the toothpaste back in the tube."

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul presented her agenda for the year in her annual State of the State address in Albany on Tuesday, touting middle-class tax cuts and rebates in the form of direct checks, while pledging to assign police to patrol subway cars overnight in New York City.Hochul’s address came after a tough election year for the Democratic Party across the country and an unusually strong showing for President-elect Donald Trump throughout the state, though Democrats managed to flip some congressional seats in New York. Republican inroads seemed largely tied to one thing: the economy. Governor Hochul has insisted that election results are not influencing her agenda, but she is focusing on cost-of-living concerns as the central theme of her 2025 plan. From the New York Public News Network, WAMC News Director Ian Pickus breaks down the speech with Radio Catskill's Jason Dole.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed a tax cut, larger subsidies for child care, and a new grant to certain families after the births of their children — part of a plan to put more money in the pockets of working and middle-class New Yorkers. The Democratic governor outlined the ideas in her State of the State message Tuesday. Radio Catskill's Jason Dole spoke to State Senator Peter Oberacker of the 51st District for his reaction to the proposals.

Nearly 50 residents turned out on Thursday to hear Roscoe/Manor School Superintendent John Evans address concerns and questions of residents of the newly formed school district – which faces a number of upcoming significant decisions that will be made by the future school board. Radio Catskill's Jason Dole was there and spoke to the Superintendent of both districts, John Evans; Sullivan BOCES Superintendent Dr. Robert Dufour; Roscoe Central Schools Board Member Gary Dahlman; and current Livingston Manor Central Schools Board President James Buck.The school board election will be held on Thursday, February 13, from Noon until 8 p.m. at the Livingston Manor school.

On the latest episode of Kaatscast, Brett Barry interviews Silda Wall Spitzer, the former First Lady of New York, about her new endeavor: a gourmet jam business. Spitzer shares memories of how her jam-making journey began, her experiences as the former First Lady of New York, and her ongoing passion for sustainability and community service. Kaatscast is a biweekly series featuring Catskills culture, history, sustainability, local interviews, literature, and the arts. Shows are hosted by Brett Barry and produced by Silver Hollow Audio, in the heart of the Catskills, and has been voted “Best Regional Podcast” three years in a row.

As Los Angeles endures devastating wildfires, many are left grappling with the harsh reality of a climate crisis that seems to be worsening by the day. Amidst the destruction, one local creative voice is calling for action—not just to respond to the disaster, but to provoke thought and spark change through the power of art and storytelling.Tannis Kowalchuk of Farm Arts Collective is hosting a presentation about their 2025 Dream on The Farm project which aims to tell stories about how we are interacting with earth and each other and the need for humanity's reckoning and responsibility for climate change.

Fitness challenges—those 30-day programs that promise quick results—have often been met with skepticism in the health and wellness world. Maggi FItzpatrick is the Health and Wellness columnist for The Sullivan County Democrat and a fitness coach focused who has shied away from endorsing them. She says, "The challenge-driven approach can feel fleeting, and once the clock runs out, the habits we’ve built often disappear. But over the years, my perspective has shifted. I now see that fitness challenges can serve a valuable role in a person’s long-term health journey when used thoughtfully."We spoke to her about how fitness challenges can challenges can act as a catalyst to reignite motivation and create momentum, especially for those feeling stuck in their fitness routines.

As we step into the new year, prioritizing brain health and emotional well-being is more important than ever. Experts are continuously uncovering how various lifestyle changes can significantly enhance cognitive function, manage stress, and improve overall mental health. We spoke to Tara McDonald, Commissioner of the Ulster County Department of Mental Health, about focusing on strategies that promote long-term well-being, from physical activity to sleep, and from confronting anxiety to challenging your brain.

After five years as deputy director, Kristen Bowman Kavanagh stepped into her new role as executive director of the Delaware River Basin Commission on December 1, 2024.Kavanagh describes the DRBC as the hub of a wheel, with Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and the federal government forming its spokes.

As she prepares for her fourth State of the State address, Governor Kathy Hochul has been promoting what she calls an “affordability agenda.” Three components of that agenda involve child care. From the New York Public News Network, WAMC's Capital Region Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.Previewing the address, Hochul revealed plans to push for the establishment of a $110 million Child Care Construction Fund to build new child care facilities and repair existing sites.Meredith Chimento is Executive Director of the Early Care & Learning Council, a state network of 35 child care resource and referral agencies that work directly with child care programs throughout New York State. She says the governor's proposal is commendable.“ECLC applauds the efforts of the governor, moving child care assistance from 200% of the federal poverty level to the federal cap of 85% of state median income, meaning that a family of four earning $108,000 can be eligible for child care assistance," Chimento said. "We encourage families to use the new online portal, which is making applying for this child care assistance even more accessible for families, or to reach out to a child care resource and referral agency throughout the state for assistance."Hochul says the plan only helps if there's a place to go. "If you're in a child care desert, doesn't matter. So let's build more. Let's have the ambition to build more facilities and to populate them with more nurturing teachers and teams to support them," said Hochul. The Democrat’s proposal includes launching a New York Coalition for Child Care to bring together business leaders, labor unions, service providers and tax experts to identify a sustainable path forward for achieving universal child care.Business Council of New York State President & CEO Heather Mulligan says the average cost per child is $15,000 a year."There's only 4,200 licensed child care centers in the state. We are very supportive of investing child care facilities, and also the governor's support for expanding access to care with a goal towards making it universally available," Mulligan said. KT Korngold is the director of the Montessori Children's Center, a full time childcare center in West Harrison, NY. "There certainly is a need for us to be able to expand child care, not just in the deserts, but in places like where I am located, and if I could open a second center tomorrow, I would fill it tomorrow with children. The challenge we face, though, is not so much about facilities, it's about staffing, and this investment doesn't do anything to help us solve the problem of increased funding for the child care workforce, which is something that the child care workforce has been clamoring for," said Korngold. Mulligan hails Hochul's proposal to establish a “substitute pool” to expand the child care workforce, helping providers find trusted, vetted professionals to quickly step in and keep classrooms open."This is something that's very important, because in New York there are minimum staffing ratios for safety reasons for children, and as a result, child care centers, right now, without access to a substitute school, have to overstaff, and this is one of the things that can drive up the cost of operating a child care center. So we think this is a very thoughtful proposal, and we're very supportive of it," said Mulligan. Hochul also is proposing free breakfasts and lunches for the more than 2.7 million students in schools throughout New York.The State of the State is Tuesday at 1 and will be carried live on Radio Catskill.