Radio Chatskill

According to the CDC, the use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s.According to the Mid-Hudson Regional Community Health Needs Assessment, Sullivan County suffers from the highest rates of smoking in the Hudson Valley. The average age of a new smoker in New York State is 13 years old. Sullivan 180 is partnering with Catch My Breath, a youth vaping prevention program that takes a peer-led approach to empower students to make informed decisions about E-cigarettes and resist social pressures to vape.The program provides up-to-date information to teachers, parents, and health professionals to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about the use of e-cigarettes, including JUUL and disposable devices. Tim Bruno spoke to Amanda Langseder of Sullivan 180 about the training program.

Bart A. Charlow was born into the life of a Borscht Belt Catskills hotel family and his first book, A Catskill Carnival: My Borscht Belt Life Lived, Lost and Loved, is a memoir of his early years in a unique setting, coming to terms with it and cherishing its life lessons. He’ll be talking about it at a virtual book talk for The Time & the Valleys Museum Sunday, February 11. He spoke to Tim Bruno on Radio Chatskill.

The Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program (AWSMP) is hosting a film premiere of "Exploring the Upper Esopus Creek Watershed" at the Pine Hill Community Center on February 8. Following the screening, there will be a panel Q&A with the production team and watershed educators who created the film. Tim Bruno spoke to Tim Koch, Stream Education Leader for the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program at Cornell Cooperative Extension | Ulster County, and filmmaker Amanda Cabanillas, who is also the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts—the original site of the 1969 woodstock festival—has launched a brand new, state-of-the-art campground. Folks can now sleep among the hallowed festival grounds. Eric Frances, CEO of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts joined Patricio Robayo on Radio Chatskill to talk about all about the 2024 camping season.

Black bears exist throughout New York, and the majority (about 85%) of the black bear population can be found in the Adirondacks and here in the Catskills.The New York Department of Environmental Conservation will be at the Ellenville Public Library and Museum February 5 with a presentation on local bear species and what to do if you encounter one. Tim Bruno spoke to the DEC's Regional Bear Biologist Jonathan Russell.

The Center for Discovery is a major research and specialty center where individuals from around New York State and the world travel to receive highly advanced care and access to groundbreaking research and treatment for a myriad of disabilities and complex conditions. Each year, The Center serves more than 1,200 children, adults, and families.At the beginning of the year, Dr. Theresa Hamlin was named CEO of The Center for Discovery. The facility board chose her in October 2023 to succeed Patrick Dollard, now a senior advisor to the organization.Hamlin joined the center in 1983 and was named president in 2020.She spoke to Tim Bruno on Radio Chatskill.

The Liberty Central School District Music Department hosts the 26th Annual Liberty Jazz Festival Saturday, February 2.The festival features High School and Middle School jazz ensembles from the Liberty, Monticello, Tri-Valley, and Livingston Manor school districts.Tim Bruno spoke to Liberty Central School District Music Director Eric Aweh for a preview.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. A month dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, and teachers. The PRASAD Children’s Dental Health program provides accessible dental care and education to children through their mobile dental clinic, which travels to various schools in Ulster and Sullivan County. Their mission is to provide high-quality dental services through education, prevention, detection, and treatment.Radio Catskill reporter Marin Scotten is joined by Dr. Cecilia Escarra, dentist and administrator of PRASAD’s children’s dental health program.

Governor Kathy Hochul's controversial housing plan proposed last year would have mandated the construction of housing projects across New York, allowing the state, in some cases, to circumvent local zoning officials to get the job done. But the plan fell through in Albany, facing objections by rural and suburban lawmakers concerned about "home rule": the autonomy of local governments to lead their communities.Hochul's updated plan outlined in her budget this month now opts for incentives over mandates, but a new report by Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress argues New York can balance the two to combat its housing crisis – because states like New Jersey and Massachusetts are already doing it. Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress is a nonprofit organization that provides objective research, planning, and educational training throughout the region.From the New York Public News Network, Pattern President and CEO Adam Bosch ("Bosh") spoke with WAMC Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Jesse King.Image by kjpargeter</a> on Freepik

The Wayne County Arts Alliance Gallery on Main Street in Honesdale re-opens for 2024 on Friday, February 2. The first exhibition of the year is “Dream”, an exhibition of work created by young artists (kindergarten – 12th grade) from Wallenpaupack Area, Western Wayne, Wayne Highlands School Districts, and the Cooperage Project. Tim Bruno spoke Debby Pollak from the Wayne County Arts Alliance on Radio Chatskill.

Color Thread Cloth is upcoming group textile show at The Darby Hotel in Beach Lake, PA, just across the river from Narrowsburg. It opens Thursday, February 1, and Radio Catskill's Valerie Mansi spoke to Avi Kravitz, new owner of The Darby and Randall Lane and Judy Brown of Somewhere Co. about the group show.

Wade St. Germain and his husband, RJ Baker, are openly gay business owners of Cabernet Frank’s, the bar and music venue in Parksville, NY. For several years, they say they have been harassed by a neighbor for being gay, but that neighbor claims their dispute is not about sexual orientation.The Sullivan County District Attorney's Office confirms the couple has a restraining order against their neighbor, Joe Peters, and that there's a long list of pending criminal charges.But officials say there's no evidence to show that any of the incidents are hate crimes and that Peters' family says the incidents are part of a longtime dispute between both sets of neighbors over land and stray cats.In the latest development, St. Germain and Baker have been ordered to appear in Liberty Town Court Thursday, January 31, to potentially face misdemeanor charges. Wade St. Germain spoke to Tim Bruno on Radio Chatskill.

NY FOCUS is currently examining Governor Kathy Hochul's Executive Budget. Chris Gelardi from NY Focus is joining us to explore aspects of the budget, particularly focusing on New York's initiatives in public safety and criminal justice.

Recently, The American Red Cross announced that it is experiencing the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years, in what the organization says is an emergency shortage. Tim Bruno spoke to Elektra about the blood drive and her other community service on Radio Chatskill.

Last Year, The US Supreme Court Ruled That It’s Unconstitutional For Municipalities To Keep Surplus Funds From The Sale Of Foreclosed Homes At Public Auctions.What Does That Mean For Those Who Have Faced Foreclosure? Will Municipalities Now Have To Pay Back Funds From Past Foreclosures?Radio Catskill’s Jason Dole Spoke With Arabella Saunders, Economic Development Reporter For New York Focus.

Pennsylvania lawmakers are restructuring the utility law for the first time in the decade. It has implications on both consumers and utility owners. Why do lawmakers change the utility law? How will it impact consumers and utility owners?Radio Catskill’s Jason Dole spoke with Stephen Caruso, Capitol Reporter For Spotlight PA.

The American Lung Association’s 2024 “State of Tobacco Control” report, released today, reveals that New York earned a failing grade for Tobacco Prevention and Control Program Funding, and a D grade for failing to pass statewide legislation to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products in the state. The 22nd annual report evaluates state and federal policies on actions taken to eliminate tobacco use and recommends proven-effective tobacco control laws and policies to save lives.Tim Bruno spoke with Trevor Summerfield, Director of Advocacy for The American Lung Association in New York, on Radio Chatskill.

After a 15-month legal battle, Spotlight PA in 2022 won access to data showing the reasons why hundreds of thousands of patients qualify for the state’s medical marijuana program. We published a big investigation based on the records last year.And we’re not the only ones using the data to better understand the state’s medical marijuana program.In February 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Health shared the data that Spotlight PA won access to with academic researchers across the state, according to a department spokesperson.

The Party Farm, a boutique recording studio in the Catskills, is now accepting submissions for its second annual Songwriting Contest. The contest is free to enter, and the winner will be awarded a free recording session at the Party Farm to create a professional recording of their winning song.The contest winner and their song will also be featured on the Party Farm website and social media channels and on Radio Catskill. Tim Bruno has more.

Upstate New Yorkers are more likely to die from an opioid overdose than people living in the city…an analysis from New York Focus has found. They’re admitted to emergency departments for overdoses 31 percent more often per capita than people in the five boroughs, and they’re prescribed opioids more than twice as often.Although it’s one of the oldest, methadone remains often the best treatment option for patients with severe addictions — and it has become increasingly necessary as the drug supply has become both more addictive and more lethal. While the state’s plan lags, more and more New Yorkers have struggled to get one of the gold standards for opioid treatment.Jason Dole spoke with New York Focus reporter Spencer Norris.

“Side Effects May Vary” is a sci -fi/horror movie premiering Tuesday, January 30, at The Callicoon Theater for their "Twisted Tuesday" film series. A Q&A session with the filmmaker, screenwriter, and cast follows the screening. Tim Bruno spoke with one of the stars of the film, Catskills resident Sasha Graham, and the co-producer of "Twisted Tuesdays" at The Callicoon Theater, Heather Carlucci. Heather also hosts the podcast "Psychic Pool Party."

Morning Sunshine Market is a specialty grocer and breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant located in Ellenville, NY.Erin Scherer visited for her "Eating Upstate" series.

If it seems like everyone is sick – it might be the trifecta of viruses circulating the country.Health officials say RSV, flu, and a new strain of COVID are leading to an uptick in respiratory illnesses in most states. Tim Bruno spoke with Dr. Jodi Galaydick who is an Infectious Disease, Critical Care and Internal Medicine provider for Garnet Health Doctors, as well as Garnet Health’s Epidemiologist. We should note Garnet Health is a financial supporter of WJFF.

Did you know the average age of a Woodstock Festival attendee is over 75 years old? As the generation of peace & love continues to age, the clock is ticking on capturing their stories before they are lost forever. That's why Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is expanding its Woodstock Oral History Initiative from upstate New York to across the country. Tim Bruno spoke to Julia Fell, the Curator of Exhibits at The Museum at Bethel Woods, about the effort.The Museum is committed to gathering at least 4,500 oral histories–roughly one percent of the estimated attendees. For more information, email [email protected].

Max Roach, the Jazz Drummer, Composer, and Musical Innovator, Was Born 100 Years Ago on January 10—-last Wednesday— in 1924. Or Was He? Although Max's Birthday is Often Cited as January 10, He Was, in Fact, Born January 8, 1924. How Do We Know? Janus Adams of the Janus Adams Show Here on Radio Catskill Was His Wife and She Says His Mother Told Her So!⠀⠀Thane Peterson Spoke to Janus and Max's Youngest Son Raoul Roach Recently on His Radio Catskill Program Living Jazz. Here’s a Portion of That Conversation…

Join Tim Bruno on Radio Chatskill as he sits down with Rocky Pinciotti and Lourdesa Hunt from the Sullivan County Visitors Association to delve into the fascinating journey behind the creation of the county's newest poster map.In this exclusive interview, Rocky and Lourdesa share insights into the project's origins, revealing the inspiration that sparked the idea. They also provide a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, giving listeners a glimpse into the time and effort invested in bringing this unique poster map to life.For more, visit http://www.wjffradio.org

On Sunday, January 14, Catskill Art Space (CAS) features Paul D. Miller aka DJ Spooky and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth in a "transcontinental conversation" on art, music and experimentation. Moore will tune in on Zoom from London, while Miller will be present with the live audience at CAS.Thurston Moore is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter best known as a member of the rock band Sonic Youth. Paul D. Miller, aka DJ Spooky, lives and works in Roscoe and is a composer, multimedia artist, and writer whose work engages audiences in a blend of genres, global culture, and environmental and social issues. Jason Dole spoke to DJ Spooky about the event. Catskill Art Space: https://www.catskillartspace.org/DJ Spooky: https://djspooky.com/Thurston Moore: https://www.thurstonmoore.com/

The US Department of Agriculture is reminding farmers, ranchers and forest landowners that this Saturday, January 13, is the deadline to apply for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP). This program is made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, which provided $2.2 billion in funding. The USDA is holding informational sessions at the Ellenville Public Library on Thursday and at the E.B. Crawford Public Library in Monticello on Friday and Saturday.Tim Bruno spoke to Myles Caggins, the Chief of Media Relations at The Windsor Group, which was hired by the USDA to help run the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program.More about DFAP here.

Fanny Palmer was an unsung artist who worked for Currier & Ives, the 19th century NYC printing firm that made original art accessible to the everyday American. Now, local filmmaker Tina Spangler is working on a documentary about this lithographer who was relegated to the footnotes of history. Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOBD2CdH_EA

Lissa Harris is a freelance writer focusing on climate change on her blog "Empire of Dirt."Over the holidays, she published twelve newsletter posts on the blog about some of the climate-related presents we’ve all gotten recently as members of the public and as residents of New York State. Some of them are pretty shiny. Some might be lumps of coal. Jason Dole spoke to her about developments in the fight against climate change in 2023, and what lies ahead for this year.You can find her climate reporting at empireofdirt.wtf

Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop presents an old classic with a new, fresh, and inventive look. Adapted by Joe Landry with music by Kevin Connor, listeners will be transported back to the heyday of 1940s radio. Performed by Jean Eifert, Peter Nastasi, Alberto Santiago, Heather Strauss, Grace Summa and Harold Tighe.

In 2023, The New York State Senate and Assembly jointly approved 896 pieces of legislation during the legislative session.As part of our Year in Review, we spoke to the New York legislators representing our area.State Senator Peter Oberacker represents New York's 51st Senate District and he spoke with Jason Dole about his accomplishments in 2023 and goals for 2024.

In 2023, The New York State Senate and Assembly jointly approved 896 pieces of legislation during the legislative session.As part of our Year in Review, we spoke to the New York legislators representing our area. Assembly Member Aileen Gunther represents New York’s 100th District, and she spoke with Patricio Robayo about her accomplishments in 2023 and her goals for 2024.

In Pennsylvania, the state has canceled a planned upgrade to their system for managing voter rolls, leaving local county officials stuck for the foreseeable future with a process and technology they say is outdated and inefficient. Tim Bruno spoke with Votebeat PA's Carter Walker about why The Department of State ended its years-long contract with a tech vendor for the upgrade.This story is made possible through Spotlight PA’s collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting. Help us answer your questions about voting where you live by filling out our survey.

For some, the holidays can be a time for shopping and bonuses. But for others, it is a time of scarcity, especially for students who rely on schools for lunches and other meals. 1 out of every 10 households in New York faces food insecurity. Nationally and within New York State, households with children are more likely to experience food insecurity.With a rise in cold, flu, and COVID-19 cases in the winter, people may also face the cost of medical care and missed workdays. Add in the higher utility bills for keeping homes warm during the winter and the economic strain can become a heavy burden for many.In Sullivan County, the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless actively works each year to address and reduce this gap. Patricio Robayo spoke to Kathy Kreiter, the Director of the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless.

Sullivan County 2024 Budget Breakdown with Dan Hust Tim Bruno imparts an in-depth discussion with Dan Hust, Communications Director for Sullivan County government, about the 2024 adopted budget. They delve into details about the voting conducted, factors behind the decision to raise taxes, key budget allocations, and potential impacts on various sectors including health and housing. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:09 Discussion on Sullivan County's 2024 Budget00:29 Understanding the Tax Increase03:50 Legislators' Views on the Budget06:12 Budget Highlights: Road and Bridge Work08:07 Addressing the Housing Crisis10:08 Investment in Education: Sullivan Promise Scholarship Program12:09 Legislators' Pay Raise17:02 Demolition of Blighted Properties and Water Resource Study20:17 Investment in Public Safety and Health22:53 Unite Us One-Stop Assistance Form and Sage Chatbot28:13 Food Scrap Recycling Pilot Program

Respiratory illnesses are increasing across most areas of the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).15 states –plus New York City —are experiencing "high" or "very high" levels of respiratory illness activity, defined as people going to the doctor with symptoms from any respiratory disease including flu, COVID, RSV and the common cold.Tim Bruno spoke to Dr. James Cruse, The Chief Medical Officer at Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers about this seasonal surge in respiratory illness cases.

The Center for Discovery's (TCFD) Assisted Intervention and Education program has forged a partnership with Catskill Animal Rescue to enhance its Animal Assisted Therapy initiative. This joint effort aims to supply the program with rescued puppies and dogs, ultimately benefiting individuals at the center who are grappling with complex conditions, such as autism.Scout, who is believed to be a beagle/Jack Russell mix, came to TCFD after being adopted from Catskill Animal Rescue in Liberty, NY, on June 5, 2023 and is currently in training.Patricio Robayo reports on the program and how the animals are uniquely trained.

A new Chanukah Menorah will be lit on the first night of Chanukah at the Ted Strobel Building (Neighborhood Facility) Jefferson Street, Monticello, New York on December 7, at 5:15pm. The Landfield Avenue Synagogue Board of Directors commissioned two local artists, the father and son duo of Zac and Barry Zhavrick to sculpt the menorah. Jason Dole spoke to Lori James, a member of the Landfield Avenue Synagogue Board of Directors.

For nearly a century, observers watched the forests of New York State from more than 100 fire towers perched atop the highest peaks, searching for the dangerous signs of forest fires. There were 19 fire towers in the Catskill region and 52 in the Adirondacks.Over 40 years ago, The State of New York began to phase out the use of fire towers for spotting forest fires by 1990, the last 5 towers still in operation were closed. Across the state grassroots, volunteer-based initiatives were formed to try to save the towers. These initiatives recognized that the towers not only represent a piece of the history and heritage of New York State forest protection, but are an untapped resource with tremendous tourism potential. JTim Bruno spoke to Ann Roberti, President, Friends of Bramley Mountain Fire Tower, about efforts to restore the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower in Delaware County. Link: bramleymountainfiretower.org

HENRI KISIELEWSKI IS A FRENCH-BRITISH PHOTOGRAPHER BASED IN LONDON. HIS LATEST PROJECT FOCUSES ON “AG-LOE,” A LOCAL LITTLE TOWN THAT WAS COMPLETELY IMAGINARY, THEN IT WAS KIND OF REAL, AND NOW IT IS GONE AGAIN. IT WAS LOCATED JUST PAST ROSCOE NEW YORK, JUST OVER THE BORDER BETWEEN SULLIVAN AND DELAWARE COUNTIES.YOU SEE…“AG-LOE,”--- SPELLED “A-G-L-O-E” —STARTED OFF AS A FICTITIOUS DOT ON A MAP. IT WAS PUT THERE BY MAPMAKERS OTTO G. LINDBERG AND ERNEST ALPERS IN THE 1930S, WHO REARRANGED THEIR INITIALS TO MAKE THE NAME “AGLOE.” IT WAS AN ANTI-PIRACY MEASURE TO PREVENT OTHER MAP COMPANIES FORM COPYING THEIR ROAD MAP OF NEW YORK.SUCH MADE-UP TOWNS ON OLD MAPS ARE KNOWN AS “MAP TRAPS,” OR “PAPER TOWNS.” AG-LOE IS ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS EXAMPLES. THE 2008 JOHN GREEN NOVEL “PAPER TOWNS” THAT WAS TURNED INTO A 2015 MOVIE FEATURES A CHARACTER WHO HEADS OUT IN SEARCH OF AG-LOE. PHOTOGRAPHER HENRI KISILEWSKY HAS CROSSED THE ATLANTIC TO VISIT AG-LOE AS A WAY TO EXPLORE REALITY AND UNREALITY IN AMERICA.JASON DOLE SPOKE TO HIM ON SATURDAY HERE AT OUR LIBERTY STUDIOS…

A startup company is reportedly planning a massive carbon-capture project in the Marcellus and Utica shale formations in New York’s Southern Tier. The plan reportedly includes drilling in shale formations to inject (and store) carbon dioxide that circumvents New York’s current fracking drilling laws.Radio Chatskill‘s Tim Bruno spoke to Catskilll Mountainkeeper’s Senior Research Director Dr. Kathy Nolan about their concerns.

Jayla Edwards may have been singing “Somewhere over the Rainbow” this fall, buther goals go far above where any rainbow is found.The Liberty High School senior, who played Dorothy in the Liberty Performing Arts’ fallproduction of “The Wizard of Oz,” has taken part in two highly selective experiences that arehelping her pursue her career goal of being an aerospace engineer with NASA.Edwards was one of 95 students, of more than 2,000 applicants, chosen for the NASA’sScience Mission Directorate STEM Enhancement in Earth Science, or SEES, high schoolinternship program onsite at the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research.“It was great getting to meet a bunch of people from all around the country with similar intereststo mine,” she said.Her experience there led to an even more exclusive opportunity. She was one of 12 students, ofthe more than 200 total SEES interns, who were invited to the OSIRIS REx VIP reveal event atNASA Johnson Space Center in October. The selection of students was based on the programmentors’ recommendations as well as the students’ ability to be ambassadors for the SEESprogram, Edwards said.She spoke to Radio Chatskill's Tim Bruno.

PFAS are a class of thousands of chemicals that have been linked to a wide range of serious health effects including kidney and liver disease, immune system suppression, birth defects and even cancer.These forever chemicals have contaminated the drinking water for millions of people across the country. In many instances, the source of that contamination has been PFAS-laden firefighting foam – especially at civilian airports.Liam Mayo reports on PFAs at the Sullivan County International Airport.

A conversation with Gender Equality New York presenting a Sullivan County Town Hall with Sullivan Allies Leading Together (SALT) advocates and the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre (HPAC).Patricio Robayo reports.

Live, local conversations focused on arts, history, and current news.

Live, local conversations focused on arts, history, and current news.

Live, local conversations focused on arts, history, and current news.

Live, local conversations focused on arts, history, and current news.

Live, local conversations focused on arts, history, and current news.