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The Fair Hill Therapeutic Riding Center in Waymart, Pennsylvania, is helping people of all ages and abilities experience healing, growth, and learning through therapeutic riding and equine-assisted therapy.Founded in 2007 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Fair Hill offers evidence-based equine-assisted programs for individuals with disabilities, children in foster care, and youth who have experienced developmental trauma. The center provides services regardless of participants’ ability to pay, making therapeutic horsemanship accessible to all.Sally Wasylyk, President of Fair Hill, explained, “Horses are incredibly sensitive to human behavior. They bond with people only when they feel authenticity, and this makes them key partners in therapeutic programs.”Fair Hill’s programs go beyond pony rides. Participants engage in grooming, groundwork activities, and riding sessions designed to improve balance, coordination, strength, and cognitive skills, while fostering emotional growth. One participant, Caitlin, a 34-year-old adult who is blind and recovering from strokes, has seen dramatic improvements in her mobility, strength, and overall well-being through these sessions.Maintaining these programs requires significant funding. The center relies on donations, volunteer support, and fundraising events such as the upcoming Swing for the Hill Golf Tournament. Costs include horse care, veterinary services, and program staff.Community support is vital. People can volunteer, sponsor a rider or a horse, make donations, or help spread the word about Fair Hill’s mission. “Every contribution helps make equine-assisted therapy accessible to those who benefit most,” Wasylyk said.Learn more or get involved at fairhill.farm and follow Fair Hill on Facebook.

On Tuesday, September 16, medical professionals and cancer survivors from New York joined over 750 people across the county on Capitol Hill to send a clear message to Congress - fund cancer research! They’re with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and are working to remind elected officials about the importance of protecting grants on behalf of the National Institute of Health, the National Cancer Institute, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.These three organizations have been the main supporters of cancer research across the country. Now, in the face of drastic budget cuts, staff eliminations, and policy shifts under the Trump administration, funding that has helped drive cutting-edge cancer research could be in jeopardy. Last month, the Supreme Court allowed the National Institute of Health to withhold almost $2 Billion in grants to cancer research institutions, making the advocates’ mission timelier than ever.Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett spoke with two of these advocates - Diane Nathaniel, a stage III colorectal cancer survivor and Valerie Burger, an oncology nurse and medical leader, live on Capitol Hill that morning about the importance of early detection and how the work of these agencies have their saved lives.

This week on Science Stories with Joe Johnson, our resident science guy highlighted three fascinating developments—from NASA’s Mars rover discoveries, to evolving cheese molds, to a spectacular lineup in the night sky.NASA’s Perseverance Rover Finds Possible Biosignatures on MarsBig news came out of the September 10th issue of Nature and a NASA press conference this week. The Perseverance rover, which has been exploring Mars since 2021, has made intriguing findings in Jezero Crater—an area believed to have once been a lake about 28 miles across and up to 100 feet deep.The rover is now studying the Bright Angel Formation, a site of fine-grained, light-colored mudstone. Early analysis revealed organic carbon, the type that forms bonds typical in living systems. Using a powerful microscope, NASA scientists observed tiny nodules nicknamed “poppy seeds.”Tests with an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer showed these nodules contain iron, phosphorus, zinc, and phosphate minerals. On Earth, such structures can form either from high-temperature chemical reactions or as byproducts of microbial activity.“This is not proof of life,” Johnson emphasized, “but it’s a possible biosignature worth studying.” Samples collected by Perseverance may eventually be returned to Earth for deeper analysis. So far, the rover has secured about 30 samples with six collection tubes still empty.Cheese Mold Evolution in VermontCloser to home, scientists from Tufts University studied microbial changes at Jasper Hill Farm in Vermont, known for its Bailey Hazen Blue cheese.Originally, the cheese rind grew green mold from the Penicillium genus. But when researchers returned years later, the rind had turned white. DNA sequencing revealed that a mutation disrupted a key gene, ALB1, which normally drives melanin production.Without the pigment, the mold stopped expending energy on coloration—giving the white variant an advantage in dark cheese-aging caves. Interestingly, the green strain still outperforms the white in light.“This is evolution in action,” Johnson explained, comparing it to cave-dwelling creatures that lose pigmentation or eyesight when no longer needed. Beyond food science, the finding could offer insights into microbial adaptation and potential applications in biotechnology.A Parade of Planets in the SkyFinally, stargazers have a show to look forward to this week. Early risers will be able to see Venus low on the eastern horizon just before dawn, with Jupiter high above and the waning crescent moon moving between them. On September 19, the moon and Venus will appear in a close conjunction alongside the star Regulus.Meanwhile, Saturn reaches opposition on September 21, meaning it will shine at its brightest this year. Uniquely, Saturn’s rings will appear nearly invisible from Earth because they are edge-on—making this a rare chance to see the planet without its iconic bands.The weekend also brings the new moon on September 21, followed by the autumnal equinox on September 22, marking the official start of fall.“Don’t worry about telescopes or binoculars,” Johnson said. “These sights will be visible to the naked eye.”

Farm Arts Collective in Damascus, Pennsylvania, is bringing nationally recognized artists to the Upper Delaware Valley this weekend for its second annual Alone Together Solo Festival. The three-day event runs Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21, 2025, with performances each evening at 7 p.m.The festival showcases original solo works by guest artists from across the United States, expanding Farm Arts Collective’s mission of blending agriculture, art, and community.“We wanted to throw the net a little bit wider and invite colleagues and friends from the greater national community,” said artistic director Tannis Kowalchuk. “It’s a way to broaden our horizons and create intercultural exchange right here in our agricultural center.”Featured PerformancesFriday, Sept. 19 – Remember You Will Die by Maureen McGugan of Scranton, PA. McGugan, director of arts and culture for Lackawanna County, explores society’s avoidance of death.Saturday, Sept. 20 – Nine Pictures by Ashley Sparks of Los Angeles, CA. Sparks brings her background in civic engagement and ensemble theater to a personal, multimedia performance.Sunday, Sept. 21 – Cetacean (The Whale) by Deek Weaver & Company. This large-scale multimedia piece is part of Weaver’s ongoing series about extinct and endangered animals.Though billed as a solo festival, several artists incorporate musicians, projections, and collaborators, pushing the boundaries of solo performance.Post-Show ConversationsEach evening includes “Break the Ice” discussions with guest moderators. On Friday, writer Josh Liveright will lead the conversation following McGugan’s show. On Sunday, Brett Kaiser of NACL Theatre will respond to Weaver’s whale performance.Community ExchangeOn Monday, Sept. 22, festival artists will join Farm Arts Collective’s resident ensemble for a private work exchange—sharing creative methods and strengthening ties between local and national performers.“We don’t have to travel to see this work—it’s coming to us,” said company manager Jess Beveridge. “It enriches our community and creates lasting connections.”More festival details at farmartscollective.org

Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessing high-quality dental care is already difficult for low-income families. But in rural communities, the need is even greater, where limited public transportation and a shortage of dental providers make care even more challenging to find.Liberty-based dental hygiene nonprofit PRASAD saw a 40 percent increase in children patients from 2023 to 2024 after they expanded their mobile clinics in Sullivan County, says PRASAD’s Executive Director Dr. Cecilia Escarra. Still, she’s worried that a stigma around dental care and limited available providers serving low-income patients continues to stagnate access.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with PRASAD’s Executive Director Dr. Cecilia Escarra about their work.

Potentially the most extensive harmful algal bloom in the Hudson River in nearly 40 years was observed, according to local science advocacy nonprofit Riverkeeper.Radio Catskill's Kimberly Izar spoke with Riverkeeper's Science Director Dr. Shannon Roback about the harmful algal blooms and a new water quality tool that helps the public understand the latest algal bloom stretch.

The Town of Highland, NY, is asking residents to weigh in on whether to re-establish its constable department, three years after the positions were suspended over misconduct and training concerns.“There were some misconduct concerns with unnamed constables within that department, creating a poor atmosphere. Some of the constables didn’t have the required levels of training indicated in their personnel files that they should have had,” said Liam Mayo, news editor of The River Reporter.Since 2022, the Town of Highland has relied on the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, paying for additional patrol coverage beyond the standard county service. Constables, by contrast, are local peace officers whose duties include patrolling roads, investigating low-level crimes, and making arrests for misdemeanors or certain felonies if authorized.Town Supervisor John Pazzalotto said the referendum is non-binding but serves as a gauge of community support. “It’s kind of an indication on whether the citizens of the town want to have a constable service and can guide the town board in reestablishing it,” Mayo explained.Supporters argue constables provide a “friendly neighborhood” presence. “There are a lot of issues that you need to call law enforcement over that are not necessarily like someone’s getting murdered, like traffic violations or just neighborhood disputes,” Mayo said. “The idea behind having constables is helpful for the person who responds to that call to be kind of a friendly face who knows the community and can kind of smooth things over, potentially better than a sheriff’s officer.”At a recent town board meeting, Rochester Constable Rich Miller discussed potential costs and logistics. “He said that it doesn’t necessarily need to cost the Town of Highland a lot of money. There are grants available that could fund the process of reestablishing the constables department and make it so it doesn’t cost the town anything,” Mayo said.Public sentiment appears positive so far. “The public in attendance [at the town board meeting] seemed positive to the idea. The sense I’ve gotten is that there is support for having constables in Highland,” Mayo said.If voters approve the measure, the town would need to rebuild the department from scratch.For more coverage, visit [riverreporter.com](https://riverreporter.com).

Sullivan County officials warn that the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is anticipating the state’s HEAP funding to be flat for this year. Clean & Tune, Weatherization, and Home Energy Repair/Replace benefits may not be available this year. Only primary and emergency benefits would be available. Radio Catskill's Kimberly Izar reports.

When Chuck Henry was first hired for the New York State Historic Newspapers Project in 2013, he thought it would be a straightforward IT job.“I kind of came into this accidentally,” Henry recalls. “I’m an IT coordinator primarily, and so when the project began…I was hired to help support the servers and the like involved with the project.”But his role quickly grew beyond servers and software. Henry now manages the statewide digitization effort that has brought nearly 15 million pages of local newspapers online at nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Partnering with libraries, historical societies, and museums across New York, the project scans fragile originals and microfilm reels to preserve and share small-town papers with the world.At the heart of the work is a recognition that community newspapers are vital historical records. “In a lot of cases, a lot of these newspapers contain the written record of everything that was going on in that particular time period in that particular area,” Henry explains. Before syndication, most papers published intensely local news—everything from political debates to notices like ‘Mrs. So-and-so went to visit this other family for tea.’Digitization not only preserves these stories but makes them searchable. Henry demonstrates how easy it is: enter a name or keyword in the site’s search box, narrow results by decade or county, and uncover everything from birth and marriage announcements to property transfers. Genealogists, local historians, students, and casual browsers all find value in the collection.Still, the work is far from finished. The State Library once estimated that New York has had as many as 10,000 newspaper titles. Today, the project has digitized about 1,000. Henry says the next decade will be about expanding coverage, especially in counties where holdings remain thin.The challenges are significant. Old newsprint is fragile, microfilm images vary in quality, and optical character recognition doesn’t always render text perfectly. But Henry says the effort is worth it. “These newspapers were ultimately about their neighbors and their friends in that community. They’re so well written and so generous of the humanity of the people in that town. I think that’s amazing.”Henry will share more about the project in a public talk, First Drafts of History, on Saturday, September 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the Gilboa Museum and Nicholas J. Juried History Center in Gilboa, New York.For more information, visit nyshistoricnewspapers.org.

Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street? We can—right here in Sullivan County! The Homestead School in Glen Spey, NY, was the backdrop for a new short featuring real students and teachers, capturing a full day in the life of a schoolkid.The episode, featured in Season 55 titled “New School Scaries,” follows children navigating first-day jitters—from lockers to lunch to heading home—offering young viewers an authentic school experience.The project was written and directed by Narrowsburg-based filmmaker Tina Spangler, founder of the Big Eddy Film Festival, with her daughter Lulu providing voice-over work. Local filmmaker Oriel Danielsen shot and edited the short. Spangler said she wanted to showcase the school and community to a national audience.The short premiered on HBO on September 5 and will air on PBS later this fall. Sesame Street is also moving to Netflix soon, continuing its decades-long run.Read more at scdemocratonline.com

At just 23, Henry Furland is already turning heads with a guitar style that makes one instrument sound like a full band. Known for blending melody, rhythm, and percussion simultaneously, Furland draws inspiration from legends like Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel, and Duke Ellington—and infuses it with his own youthful energy.Furland’s musical journey began unexpectedly: he asked for a snowboard for Christmas at 13 and unwrapped a guitar instead. That twist of fate led him down the fingerstyle path after watching Tommy Emmanuel perform "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" online. Since then, he’s built a reputation for virtuosic playing, winning national competitions and captivating festival crowds.Last year, Furland faced a major setback when carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands forced him to take a year off from performing and school. With surgeries supported by the Musician Treatment Foundation, he returned with renewed focus and a deeper appreciation for his craft. “I definitely don’t take it for granted now,” he says. “I make sure to stretch, warm up, and take care of my hands—it’s changed how I approach my playing.”Fans can see him live Friday, September 12, at The Muse in Rosendale, with special guest Brad Jollie on banjo.

Our resident science guy Joe Johnson is back with three stories from space, nature, and medicine.Asteroid Bennu’s Building Blocks of Life NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission returned samples from asteroid Bennu in 2023, and scientists now confirm they contain amino acids, nucleobases, ammonia, and water-formed minerals. In short: Bennu is packed with the ingredients for life. Researchers say it may be a fragment of a long-lost “ocean world.”Meanwhile, interstellar visitor 3I Atlas—only the third object of its kind ever detected—is racing through our solar system at 130,000 mph. Its chemistry is unlike anything seen in local comets, with high carbon dioxide, almost no water, and nickel without iron.Spiders Turn Fireflies Into Lures New studies reveal spiders use fireflies as glowing bait. Sheet web spiders keep fireflies alive in their webs to attract more insects, while orb spiders use venom to force male fireflies to flash like females—tricking other males straight into the web.Hope for Spinal Cord Repair At the University of Minnesota, scientists have 3D-printed a tiny silicone scaffold filled with stem cells that helped rats with severed spinal cords regain function. It’s early research, but the breakthrough could open the door to treatments for hundreds of thousands living with paralysis.

Bar Veloce, an upscale bar in Narrowsburg, NY, has been ordered closed by the Town of Tusten following allegations that a fraudulent engineering report was submitted as part of its application for retroactive approval of a rooftop deck. Liam Mayo, news editor for the River Reporter, has been covering the situation.“There is a need for Bar Veloce to get retroactive approval for its rooftop bar. This goes back two around four years ago when Bar Veloce was looking to come into Narrowsburg. They got approval from the planning board to retrofit the first floor of the Narrowsburg Motors car dealership and auto repair shop into like this upscale bar. However, they did not get planning board approval for the roof.”Despite lacking approval, the rooftop bar was constructed. “It was the planning board's understanding back then, and it's still the understanding now, that if anyone is to like go up there, if they are to open the rooftop bar for business, they would need to go back to the planning board for a permit. So that's what they've been doing this year, looking to get that for that rooftop bar,” Mayo said.As part of the approval process, Bar Veloce submitted an engineering report claiming the rooftop was structurally sound. According to Mayo, the report “is allegedly…from a professional engineer named James Anderson. In this report, this…‘James Anderson’ is saying that ‘I, as a professional engineer, verify that this rooftop bar is structurally sound.’”However, questions arose after a neighboring business, the Narrowsburg Union, scrutinized the report and noticed errors. “One of the details they pointed out was the report cites the New York State building code of 2022 when there isn't a 2022 building code. There's a 2020 and a 2024, but not a 22,” Mayo said. When contacted, the engineer named in the report denied involvement, writing in an email to the town:“By copy of this email I am writing to tell all parties that the letter / report reportedly authored by me is in fact fraudulent and not authored by me. I'm writing to inform you that I…take no responsibility for the determination of adequacy of the structure whatsoever. And then whoever produced this letter / report using my name and license number did so without my permission or knowledge.”Following these revelations, the Town of Tusten acted quickly. Mayo explained, “The town…received [the engineer’s statement] on Tuesday, August 26th. The following day, they held an emergency town board meeting…[and] the town's code enforcement officer revoked the business’s certificate of occupancy, essentially closing it until it gets its violations redressed.”Mayo also highlighted ongoing tensions in Narrowsburg related to parking. “The Narrowsburg Union has questioned…whether there is enough parking in town and whether the town needs to do a parking survey to identify its needs. Over the past couple of years, there has been a lot of formerly disused businesses kind of springing back into life,” he said.The legal and regulatory proceedings are still developing. Mayo noted, “We know…town supervisor Ben Johnson has said that the Narrowsburg Union filed an Article 78 challenge against the town in this case, which led to the emergency town board meeting…Aside from that, the town supervisor as well as parties on both sides have declined opportunities to comment.”For more coverage, visit RiverReporter.com.

Pike County remains the only county in the state of Pennsylvania without a hospital or urgent care facility. That could soon change. The Pike Medical Foundation was recently awarded a $500,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services for equipment to build the first-ever planned community hospital in the county.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Pike County Commissioner Ronald Schmalzle about the state of healthcare in the county and what residents can expect.

Art lovers have a rare chance this weekend to explore the studio of the late Dorothy Gillespie, the trailblazing artist known for her bold, swirling metal sculptures. The Dorothy M. Gillespie Foundation is hosting an Open House Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 8181 Route 52, Narrowsburg.Gary Israel of the foundation shared what visitors can expect: “Well, when they come into the studio, of course, they'll see all the art, but they'll start with a 12-minute video that I edited from previous documentaries, and it will give you a opportunity, the visitor to see my mother, hear my mother talk about her art and the process, and then they'll be given a tour of the studio starting with her early college art days in the 30s, then when she moved to New York City in 1943 and started her career.”Israel emphasized the impact of seeing Gillespie’s work in person. “Seeing the studio, the three-dimensional art in a book or on TV, or on the internet, on the email, photos, is not the same as when you walk in and you're surrounded by the three-dimensional.”Gillespie was also a tireless advocate for women artists, and the foundation continues that legacy by supporting women’s organizations, arts programs, and public art projects nationwide. Israel explained that the foundation actively donates artworks to universities and public spaces to ensure wider appreciation of Gillespie’s work.The studio itself remains a working space, with ongoing preparations for exhibitions across the country. For the open house, special arrangements have been made to display sculptures, including pieces that will later travel to shows in Florida and Virginia.“The studio is active. It's alive when you walk in,” Israel said. More information is available at dorothygillespie.com.

Saturday September 6. 2025, Ulster County is shining a spotlight on its young people with the very first One Life Only Youth Event at Dietz Stadium in Kingston. It’s a free, county-wide celebration filled with music, sports clinics, art, games, food, and even pony rides—all designed to spark positivity, creativity, and community connection. The event is organized by the Ulster County Youth Bureau and the District Attorney’s Office.Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo speaks with Sugely Melenciano-Weed

Joe Johnson’s latest Science Stories dives into three fascinating discoveries: a never-before-seen supernova, a genetic bottleneck in human ancestors, and a centuries-old shipwreck at the bottom of the sea.A Supernova Like No OtherAstronomers observed a unique explosion, SN 2021 YFJ, first detected in 2021 and reported in Nature. Unlike typical supernovas, this star had lost almost all of its outer layers, leaving only silicon, sulfur, and argon. When it exploded, it lit up this rare chemical cloud, giving scientists a firsthand look at a star stripped down to its core.“The explosion lit up material we’ve only theorized about before,” Johnson said. Scientists are still unsure why the star shed its layers — a companion star, a black hole, or some unknown process could be responsible.Our Ancestors Nearly Didn’t Make ItAround 900,000 years ago, the ancestors of modern humans, Neanderthals, and Denisovans came close to extinction. DNA analysis of over 3,000 people worldwide revealed the breeding population dropped from 100,000 to just 1,300 individuals.This genetic bottleneck lasted roughly 100,000 years during the Ice Ages. “It’s amazing they survived with so few,” Johnson noted. Without this tiny population, humans as we know them might not exist.16th-Century Shipwreck Found in French WatersDeep off Saint-Tropez, French archaeologists discovered a 16th-century trading ship 8,500 feet underwater. While the wooden hull decayed, cargo including 200 ceramic jugs and 100 large platters remains remarkably intact. Many are decorated with Christian symbols and geometric patterns, a vivid glimpse of centuries-old trade.Johnson called it “a time capsule at the ocean floor,” noting the team will return next year for mapping and possible excavation.

Get ready to ‘Rock the Roof’ off on Saturday, September 6, at the Cochecton Pump House in Cochecton, N.Y. Tracy City, We Were Werewolves, and Basic Bitches is the trio of all queer, all rock bands gearing up for a free music show this Saturday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Tif Wolf and Terry LaFrazia from We Were Werewolves about what attendees can expect and the inspiration behind their latest EP, The Red Hook Demos.

This Saturday, One Grand Books marks its 10th anniversary with a special salon featuring award-winning journalist and author Laurie Gwen Shapiro. Shapiro will discuss her latest book, The Aviator and the Showman, which explores the pioneering partnership between aviator Amelia Earhart and publishing impresario George Putnam.In her new biography, Shapiro examines how Earhart’s collaboration with Putnam—who was both her husband and her promoter—helped shape her into one of the most enduring cultural icons of the 20th century. Through extensive archival research, including previously unheard recordings and private family collections, Shapiro uncovers the complex dynamics behind Earhart’s rise to fame and the media machine that crafted her public image."I always thought she's a hero—and I want to say up front that after I finished five years of working on this book, I still think she's a hero," Shapiro told Radio Catskill. "But I think that the truth of how she rose to fame is very complicated, and you do not get a million-dollar reputation without George Palmer Putnam, who was her lover and then her husband who shaped her career, and perhaps together they were responsible for her death."Shapiro highlighted Putnam’s role in promoting Earhart as a national and international figure, noting that much of her early fame was orchestrated through media coverage, public appearances, and strategic publicity campaigns. She also discussed how the enduring myth of Earhart was influenced by societal expectations of women and the celebrity culture of the 1920s and 1930s."She was a national hit and then an international hit before she even landed across the Atlantic. I mean, the promotion machine was ginormous. It was the era of hullabaloo," Shapiro said. The salon takes place at 4 p.m. Saturday, September 6, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, Narrowsburg, New York. Admission is free.More information about about Laurie Gwen Shapiro and her work can be found at [lorigwenshapiro.com](https://www.lorigwenshapiro.com).

Incarceration is not an experience felt only by the incarcerated individual themselves. It is an experience that also confines their loved ones. Especially after the correctional officers strike from February this year, families have cited both structural barriers to maintaining connections with incarcerated family members and being subject to the same culture of humiliation and powerlessness that their loved ones face behind bars while visiting.Radio Catskill’s Julia Kim had the chance to speak with Candace Miller, the mother of a son currently incarcerated in Fishkill Correctional Facility, alongside other loved ones on the challenge of navigating this country’s carceral system and the lack of support provided by DOCCS. In addition, Kim spoke to Tanya Krupat, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the criminal justice reform non-profit Osborne Association and Soffiyah Elijah, founder of the Alliance of Families for Justice, an organization dedicated to empowering families of incarcerated individuals.

Attention book lovers: the Livingston Manor Library is hosting a unique program this week on how to preserve and protect your personal library. On Thursday, September 4 at 6:00 p.m., professional book conservator Cara Schlesinger will lead a hands-on presentation about book conservation and care.“Book conservation is the field that encompasses the care and preservation of books so that people can continue using them after they leave our hands and they move on to the next generations and into the future,” Schlesinger explained. “Conservators are concerned with everything from the environmental conditions where books are stored, so temperature and humidity, to pest management.”Schlesinger, who has been practicing conservation for more than 20 years, will guide participants through both preventive care and simple at-home repairs. “These are books that we use, that we handle, that we interact with. And so there are ways to keep those books safe even as we’re interacting with them,” she said.Tips, Demonstrations, and Starch PasteThe evening will include demonstrations on how to handle torn pages, loose bindings, and protective wrapping methods. Schlesinger will also introduce attendees to starch paste, a traditional material used in bookbinding and paper repair.“Starch paste has actually been used since the first century AD, where there is a record of it being used to make papyrus,” she said. “In the West and also in the East, we traditionally use wheat starch… but you can also use corn starch from the store. It works just as well and I’ll demonstrate how to do that.”The Craftsmanship of ConservationSchlesinger noted that book conservation requires both historical knowledge and technical skill. “You need to know so much about the history of books so that when a book is broken, you know the appropriate way to address it… I listen to the books. I let them tell me what they need and then I work with them to give them the best that I can,” she said.One of her most memorable projects was restoring an early Princeton yearbook made entirely of original photographs. “It was like doing detective work to look at what was left of the book to figure out what the original marbled paper looked like and how the book needed to go back together,” Schlesinger recalled.More information is available at livingstonmanorlibrary.org. More information about Schlesinger is at carabooks.com

Since July, families in Sullivan County have faced uncertainty after officials announced a pause on enrollment and recertification for New York State’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) due to a funding shortfall. Parents and providers are now questioning how long the pause will last and what it means for working families who rely on affordable child care.“It provides funding for low-income families to help pay for child care,” explained Isabel Braverman, editor of the Sullivan County Democrat. “That means either a daycare or other certified provider. The funding helps to pay for either a partial cost or the total cost of daycare for these families.”Why CCAP Enrollment Stopped in Sullivan CountyThe state funds CCAP but recently expanded eligibility, leading to a surge in applications. “A lot more people enrolled in the program and the funding ran out. It couldn’t keep up with the demands,” Braverman said.Sullivan County Health and Human Services Commissioner John Liddle told the Democrat that while the expansion has helped families and daycares, it also far exceeded expectations. “Their predicted numbers for the amount of children who would be eligible for this funding exceeded their predictions by a lot,” Braverman recounted.Local and State ResponseThe New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) praised Governor Kathy Hochul’s expansion of CCAP, which allowed about 170,000 children statewide to benefit. To help cover rising costs, OCFS released an additional $250,000 to Sullivan County, but Commissioner Liddle said the funds are expected to run out before the end of September.Because of the funding gap, counties cannot accept new applicants or re-certify families already in the program.Enrollment Numbers Double in a YearThe demand is clear: according to the Sullivan County Child Care Council, 583 children were enrolled in CCAP in June 2023. By June 2024, enrollment had jumped to 1,344 — more than doubling in just one year.Impact on Families and ProvidersWith funding on hold, some families are being forced to make difficult choices. “They said it was a few families who have decided to pull their children out of daycare and to leave their jobs to care for their children at home,” Braverman reported.Daycare owners are also sounding the alarm. Jessica Dean, who owns Jessica’s Daycare in Monticello, described the ripple effect:“There is a widespread ripple. All of this affects our community as a whole — if people leave their jobs, less people in the workforce, less tax dollars. It’s affecting child care programs. I know one provider who lost 10 kids in two weeks in Orange County.”Dean added that disruptions in care hit children especially hard, particularly those with special needs.Calls for ActionDean has been pressing state and local officials, including Assembly Member Paula Kay and Congressman Josh Riley, to restore CCAP funding. “She is hopeful that they can get something going to resolve this issue,” Braverman said.But for now, there’s no clear timeline. “From what I’ve heard, both from Jessica and John Liddle, it’s going to be a while — at least a few months,” Braverman noted.Looking AheadAs Sullivan County waits for relief, working parents face mounting stress over child care costs. Local officials and providers continue to advocate for more sustainable funding to keep the program open.For more updates, visit the Sullivan County Democrat at scdemocratonline.com.

The Love Our Land Parade is a peaceful protest scheduled for Sunday, September 21, aimed at drawing attention to overdevelopment and environmental concerns in the Town of Fallsburg. The event, organized by Brett Budde of Majestic Farm in Mountdale, will feature a community marching band, live performances, and a dog costume contest."We've been working to help move the town of Fallsburg to take our overdevelopment issues seriously. Having a large group of people show up lets the town know that citizens care and expect action," Budde told Radio Catskill.Budde highlighted the ongoing water shortages and infrastructure challenges affecting Fallsburg residents:"We have over 71 miles of water mains, many installed in the 1940s. They can't handle more than two fire trucks without collapsing. Three weeks ago, we had a water main break during our busiest weekend, and one tank was down to one foot of water."He stressed that high-density development in areas like Rec 1 could worsen the situation:"When 100 acres get developed with 200 units, the town seems to think we don't have a water issue, but we know that's not true."The parade also serves as a call for community participation, including volunteers for crowd management and local musicians for the marching band. Budde encouraged families and residents from surrounding towns to attend:"We want this to be an exciting and fun event while highlighting the serious issues affecting our town."For more information about the Love Our Land Parade, follow Brett Budde on Instagram and Facebook, or email [email protected]. Details about Fallsburg town meetings and planning are available at townoffallsburg.com.

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti has officially launched her campaign for Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, challenging Republican Rep. Rob Bresnahan in what’s expected to be one of the most closely watched elections in Northeastern Pennsylvania.Cognetti, who first won office in 2019 as an independent before switching to the Democratic Party, said her campaign will focus on corruption, health care, and transparency. “As Scranton Mayor, one of the main things I ran on was fighting corruption,” Cognetti said in her announcement. “Now I’m bringing that fight to Congress.”Cognetti’s record in ScrantonCognetti rose to prominence in Lackawanna County when she ran as an independent against Scranton’s Democratic machine in 2019, branding her campaign as “Paige Against the Machine.” Since then, she has governed as a Democrat, but often at odds with local party insiders.“Someone who has run not necessarily as a staunch establishment Democrat coming into this race for Congress makes it super interesting,” said Liam Mayo, news editor of the River Reporter, which covers Pike and Wayne counties. “That gives her a certain background that a lot of people wouldn’t necessarily have.”Cognetti enters the race with the backing of former U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, who represented PA-8 until losing to Bresnahan in 2024. Cartwright praised Cognetti’s “proven leadership in Scranton, commitment to transparency, and innovative policies” in his endorsement.Bresnahan under fire in Northeastern PennsylvaniaBresnahan, a Republican businessman from Luzerne County, defeated Cartwright in 2024 with 50.94% of the vote—just over 7,000 votes separating the two candidates.Cognetti is already targeting Bresnahan over congressional stock trading and health care votes. While campaigning in 2024, Bresnahan pledged to ban stock trading by members of Congress. Since then, he has drawn criticism for continuing to make high-profile trades.“He has continued to do a lot of high-profile trading in ways that he has caught a lot of flak for,” Mayo explained. In a comment to WVIA, Bresnahan defended his decision, saying: “What would I do with my money? Just leave it in all the accounts and just leave it there and lose money and go broke.”Cognetti also blasted Bresnahan for supporting a health care bill that restricted access to Medicare and Medicaid.A tight race shaping upThe Bresnahan campaign dismissed Cognetti’s announcement, calling her run a “vanity campaign.” In a statement, they said: “Paige Cognetti launching a vanity campaign for Congress while still running for a new term as Scranton Mayor tells you everything you need to know about her priorities.”But early polling suggests a competitive race. A recent survey from Public Policy Polling showed Cognetti leading Bresnahan 45% to 43%, with 13% undecided. Nearly half of voters polled (47%) said they were still unfamiliar with Cognetti.“With stock trading controversies and healthcare votes dogging Bresnahan, it’s entirely possible the seat is in play for 2026,” Mayo said.Bresnahan’s role on the farm billWhile the campaign heats up, Bresnahan is also shaping national policy as a member of the House Agriculture Committee. He has been working alongside Chairman Glenn Thompson on the upcoming farm bill, highlighting the importance of family farms in Northeastern Pennsylvania.“The average farm in our district is 179 acres with over 95% of them being family farms,” Bresnahan said.The bill is expected to include provisions strengthening SNAP benefits and supporting local food distribution. Farmers in Wayne and Pike counties have expressed support for Bresnahan’s Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act, which would connect local growers with food assistance programs.Still, critics point to the congressman’s past vote for cuts to food assistance programs as a contradiction.What’s next for PA-8 voters.The 2026 race for Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, which includes Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, and Wayne counties, is already shaping up as a competitive matchup between two candidates with outsider reputations.“In a way, you could see the upcoming election as a newer more outside Republican candidate versus a newer more outside Democratic candidate,” Mayo said.

Labor Day is behind us—and flu season is already ahead. After last year’s record-breaking spike in cases, doctors say now is the time to get protected.“Last year in New York State was actually a record high number of cases—about 55,000 in a single week,” said Dr. Michael Traub, primary care physician with Crystal Run Healthcare. “We are definitely preparing.”Why Get the Flu Shot?Protect yourself: Each year’s vaccine targets the strains most likely to spread.Protect others: Getting vaccinated helps stop the virus from reaching vulnerable neighbors.Who’s Most at Risk?Adults 65+People with asthma, COPD, diabetes, or heart diseasePregnant womenNursing home or group home residentsFlu or COVID? How to TellBoth bring fever, cough, and congestion. Key differences:Flu: Vomiting or diarrhea is more common.COVID-19: Loss of taste or smell may show up. 👉 Best bet: Get tested within 2–3 days of symptoms.Other Healthy HabitsWash your handsStay home if you’re sickConsider masking in crowded spacesKeep chronic conditions under controlCan You Get Flu, COVID, and RSV Shots Together?Yes. All three can be given in the same visit—though you may want to space them out if you’d rather not have two sore arms at once.The Bottom Line“Just remember to get your shot,” Dr. Traub said. “I usually recommend patients do it by Halloween.”More info at crystalrunhealthcare.com.

Singer-songwriter Brad Cole and his band Bossa Blue are bringing James Taylor: Reimagined back to the Towne Crier Café on Friday, offering a fresh take on Taylor’s beloved catalog with a blend of Bossa Nova, Samba, Jazz, Rock, Soul, and Blues.Now in its third year, the performance has become a local tradition at the iconic Beacon venue.Cole says the idea started as a simple cover project.“Seven or eight years ago, I was touring as a singer-songwriter doing all my stuff,” Cole explained. “I ended up putting together just a basic cover project so I could just play covers and have fun with them as kind of a different show. And because I’m such a bossophile, that’s kind of how the name came in… That’s how the Bossa Blue thing came around.”Why James Taylor?The choice to focus on James Taylor came not from Cole himself, but from a fan suggestion.“A fan said, ‘Why don’t you pick one artist and go to town on that,’” Cole recalled. “Of course, I thought about that for a long time. I had a lot of familiarity with James Taylor’s music from when I was little—my sister brought home Sweet Baby James from her freshman year at college. I was listening to that as a little kid, and it was just something different about it.”Cole describes Taylor’s catalog as “a treasure chest of melody and storytelling,” noting that his reinterpretations don’t attempt to copy the originals.“The idea was not to do what he does, because I can’t top that,” he said. “But I heard things differently. I started to match different arrangements and grooves to his songs, and that was the whole blueprint behind Bossa Blue.”Reimagining the SongsAudiences can expect surprises throughout the setlist. For example, Cole’s band transformed the upbeat “Mexico” into a minor blues.“It’s a little more spooky,” Cole said. “To me it resonates some of the sadness that’s there behind the lyric. James Taylor doesn’t always lay his stories out in black and white—sometimes he leaves the listener guessing, which I love.”Even with new arrangements, Cole says the heart of Taylor’s music remains intact.“One reason this show resonates with so many people is because we really stick to the melody,” he said. “We definitely give these songs a different groove, but when the lights are on in the house, I can see everybody singing along. And I don’t really want to mess with that.”The Band Behind the SoundBossa Blue brings together accomplished musicians from across genres.Aaron Johnston, drummer, plays with the band Brazilian Girls.Peter Calo, guitarist, was music director for Carly Simon.Mark Dann, bassist, is Cole’s longtime producer.Eric Nice, pianist, brings what Cole calls “our very own Bill Evans” to the group.“It’s just a crazy group of guys who have really communed on this concept and on these tunes,” Cole said.Keeping the Tradition AliveFor Cole, the show is both a tribute and a reinvention.“James Taylor’s still touring—you can go see him,” he said. “This is our way to preserve things about James Taylor’s music in a jazz tradition, even though it’s not a jazz show. We want to keep these songs going with some fresh energy.”The third annual James Taylor: Reimagined concert with Brad Cole and Bossa Blue takes place Friday at the Towne Crier Café in Beacon. Tickets and details are available at towncrier.com and more about Cole’s music at bradcolemusic.com.

The start of a new school year always brings lots of planning, excitement, and maybe a few nerves. For Rockland Central School District students, families, and staff, this year marks an even bigger fresh start after Livingston Manor and Roscoe Central school districts merged into one unified school district in 2024.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Superintendent John Evans of Rockland Central School District about what students and families should know about the upcoming school year.

Festus, presented by the interdisciplinary ensemble Strike Anywhere Performance Ensemble, invites participants to play games, solve puzzles, and share stories—all of which are transformed into live music, movement, and theater in real time.Strike Anywhere’s Leece Walker and Ralph Sturm spoke with Radio Catskill about what audiences can expect. “We’re going to invite folks to join us in some art making,” said Walker. “We’ll be playing games, doing writing, drawing, cutting paper, and possibly even making shadow puppets. Anything that the audience creates becomes fodder for us to sound paint with during the show.”Sound painting, explained Walker, is a universal sign language for live composition. “I’ll be signing to performers—dancers, musicians, and actors—who respond in improvisation according to the signs. I can pump up the volume, ask an actor to improvise as a newscaster, or go quietly, and the performers react immediately.”Sturm, who will be among the performers responding to these live instructions, described the process as “magical.” He said, “You have to be in the moment, eyes and ears open, because you don’t know what the sound painter will sign next or how others will respond. It’s very direct and improvisational, but not necessarily comedic—it can be abstract or poignant.”Festus is a departure from Strike Anywhere’s previous community-based projects, Walker explained. “In the past, we’ve spent weeks engaging communities to gather content for shows. This is fast-paced—a flash content gathering style where audience contributions are woven directly into the performance on the spot. This is development in action, happening here for the first time at NACL.”Audience members will have the opportunity to create shadow puppets in response to prompts, which will immediately be incorporated into the live performance.Strike Anywhere, founded in 1997, has evolved from director-driven productions to deeply community-focused work. “About 10 or 12 years in, we started working directly with communities, deriving the content of the show from their experiences rather than from the director’s brain,” Walker said. Past projects have tackled topical issues like fracking, engaging local residents in the creative process and taking the resulting performances to other communities and even international venues.Sturm emphasized the ongoing importance of community engagement. “Wherever we go, we conduct new interviews to understand what’s happening in that community. The performance is tailored, timely, and can spark dialogue and action even after the show ends.”Festus will be performed at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday at NACL. For more information on the ensemble and the event, visit strikeanywhere.info and nacl.org.

The Village of Liberty approved a local law on Aug. 21 to prohibit camping or sleeping in Village parks, sideways, and other public areas. The local ordinance came with mixed input from community members. Some residents said the law was necessary for tighter public safety regulations, while others said the law criminalized homeless residents.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar was at the public hearing held right before the full Village Board passed the local law and brings us this report.

Environmental advocates and farmers in New York state are preparing to organize to stop the construction of the Constitution Pipeline that would bring fracked gas from Central Pennsylvania into New York and parts of New England.They’ve been here before, winning a long fought legal battle in the 2010s. But with the Trump administration’s forceful intervention in state's energy sources, the Hochul administration may be willing to concede to the construction of the pipeline.Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett spoke with Anne Marie Garti, attorney and environmental activist about the suspicious ways this pipeline is being moved to construction and the widespread rejection to the pipeline among land owners in Upstate New York.

Pennsylvania lawmakers blew past the state’s June 30 deadline to pass a budget, and as the impasse stretches into late August, local leaders in Northeast Pennsylvania are bracing for possible impacts.“The Pennsylvania state budget has a legal deadline of end of June, early July,” said Liam Mayo, news editor of The River Reporter. “And given that it’s almost September now, that budget or that deadline has very clearly come and gone and Pennsylvania does not yet have a finalized budget.”Without a budget, state payments to local agencies are on hold. “The budget is what authorizes the state to sort of spend the money that it has. And without a budget agreement in place, the state can’t send out any of that money,” Mayo explained.The major sticking point is transit funding. “Both Republicans and Democrats want to increase the amount of funding that goes to public transit in Pennsylvania, but there’s sort of disagreements on where that funding could come from,” Mayo said. “Either way you cut it, that’s leaving a hole in the budget somewhere, and there’s still this disagreement on where that hole should be.”So far, impacts in Wayne and Pike have been limited. “In general, the people we talked to said that they either haven’t sort of felt these missed payments yet or they have enough money in reserve to weather a couple of missed payments or both,” Mayo reported.Pike County Commissioner Matt Osterberg told The River Reporter there had been concern that the Carbon Monroe Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission could be unable to provide services, but opioid settlement funds have been used to bridge the gap. Still, Osterberg said, “This is basically politics and I think it’s a shame that political disagreements can cause such havoc on the local level. This is always disruptive to an entire community when they do this.”Wallenpaupack Area School District Superintendent Keith Ganassi told The River Reporter the district “has not been negatively affected at this time,” noting that local property tax revenues will see the district through the delay.Michelle Young, director of the Wayne County Family Center, told The River Reporter her agency has weathered past budget stalemates without shutting down. “Regardless, I’ll rest easier when the budget is passed and funding is released for all the schools and vital programs that need this money,” she added.County officials are watching closely. “Everybody is preparing to potentially make some changes in services or preparing to shift some money around to make sure that services are not disrupted,” Mayo said. “But as of right now, they’re still looking at, okay, we may need to do this in a couple of weeks — not we are needing to do this on a large scale at this moment in time.”Wayne County Clerk Andrew Seder told The River Reporter department heads have been put on notice about the budget delay but have not yet been asked to cut services. “If the budget impasse goes on a couple more weeks, the county will have to talk about what steps it could take to weather the storm,” Seder said.At the state level, Sen. Lisa Baker, who represents Wayne and Pike counties, defended the Senate Republican proposal to prioritize roadwork. In a recent statement, she said the plan “recognizes the need for mass transit funding, but not at the expense of the rest of the Commonwealth. The plan turns a necessary corner in the right direction by prioritizing equity in funding, ensuring small communities in rural areas also receive resources.”Mayo said the uncertainty itself is weighing on local communities: “Even though people might not be feeling direct immediate impacts, just the idea that this is something people need to prepare for is something that’s weighing on people’s minds in a way that it wouldn’t necessarily need to if politicians at the state level could find more easy agreement.”You can read Liam Mayo’s full reporting on the state budget impasse at riverreporter.com.

When Phoebe Legere describes her art, she doesn’t talk only about notes, instruments, or performance. She talks about floating pianos, recycled costumes dredged from Venetian canals, and children’s sneakers that make music with every step.The visionary singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist — who's been compared to everyone from Beethoven to Edith Piaf — has always blurred the lines between music, theater, and activism. On August 31, she brings it all together with the premiere of her new film The Gender Symphony at the Phoenicia Playhouse.“I was the director of the film. I’m in the film. I designed all of the costumes from junk that I found floating in the canals of Venice,” Legere said. “I also did the animation for the film. It’s called The Gender Symphony and it is about a man and a woman suddenly magically switching places.”The project reflects her lifelong fascination with the differences — and striking similarities — between men and women. “It is the basis of almost all of art and music. And of course, it is the engine for love, the greatest of human activities,” she said.Legere describes her style as eco-magic — art that reuses and reinvents, turning the discarded into something visionary. That philosophy flows through the film’s theme song, Two Pianos, released as a single last week. Inspired by the sinking of the Titanic, where two grand pianos were seen floating among icebergs and wreckage, Legere transformed the image into a metaphor for art’s survival in the face of tragedy.“Art persists in the greatest tragedy, in the greatest confusion. Art does not die,” she said.Her work is never just about performance. As executive director of the Foundation for New American Art, Legere helps bring free music and art education to children in low-income communities across New York City and Poughkeepsie. That work even inspired one of her inventions: the “Sneakers of Samothraki,” musical shoes that create rhythm through tiny movements of the foot. Originally designed to encourage children with disabilities to walk again, the sneakers now feature in her compositions — including Two Pianos.The film is already making waves abroad, winning 19 international festival prizes. Meanwhile, the single is gaining traction on Spotify playlists in France, Haiti, Belgium, and Quebec. But Legere is quick to connect her success to a bigger purpose.“We are living in an extraordinary political moment,” she said. “But I don’t believe in despair. What I believe in is creativity, and I believe that we can sing our way forward together.”Her message is simple, but radical: “Creativity and kindness are the most radical form of power.”The Gender Symphony premieres Sunday, August 31, at the Phoenicia Playhouse.

The Delaware River Watershed is under threat. Delaware Riverkeeper Network released a press statement on July 16 that vowed a Pledge of Resistance and Protection against increasing efforts by pro-fracking interests working with both local and federal governmental officials to overturn the Delaware River Basin Commission’s (DRBC) fracking ban in the watershed alongside other attacks against the DRBC. Radio Catskill’s Julia Kim spoke with Delaware Riverkeeper Network Deputy Director Tracy Carluccio and Catskill Mountainkeeper Environmental Justice Coordinator Taylor Jaffe on the risks that fracking poses to the environment, the environmental burdens that marginalized communities have disproportionately faced and what local organizations are doing to challenge the political shift towards fracking.

Since the correctional officers strike ended in late February, NYS prisons have yet to fully recover. During the three weeks of the unsanctioned strike, inmates found themselves confined to their cells for almost the entire day, and virtually all programs — from visitation and recreation to religious services and educational classes — were canceled. And now six months post-strike, prisons remain severely unsteady, with many of these programs still canceled or only just beginning to restart amid staffing shortages. Radio Catskill’s Julia Kim had the chance to speak with Thomas Gant of the decarceration nonprofit Center for Community Alternatives; Melanie Bishop, a public school teacher and the mother of an incarcerated son in New York; and Max Kenner, Executive Director for the in-prison college program Bard Prison Initiative on what new challenges incarcerated individuals and their loved ones are facing on-the-ground and how post-strike conditions have come to expose preexisting issues inside NYS prisons.

The NYSERDA is cutting over ⅔ of the budget for EmPower+ — the state program that has helped low- and moderate-income households install energy efficiency upgrades to their homes that lower electric bills and use cleaner energy. Currently, over a million families in New York cannot afford to pay their energy bills, and participation in EmPower+ had only been growing every year when the NYSERDA chose to scale the program back. Radio Catskill’s Julia Kim had the chance to speak with Eric Walker, Energy Justice Senior Policy Manager for WE ACT for Environmental Justice, on what these steep cuts will look like on-the-ground and how they will exacerbate existing racial and class disparities in clean energy access and affordability. WE ACT is a community-based organization that was founded in Harlem back in 1988 with the specific aim of advocating for low-income communities and communities of color in the creation of environmental policy. Here’s Eric…

New Hope Community is proud to introduce their newly appointed CEO Karen Russell! After being apart of New Hope Community for 30 years, Russell is stepping into her new leadership role with a deep love for the organization and community while remaining clear eyed about the challenges ahead with cuts to medical services and hospitals.Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett spoke to Karen Russell about her history with New Hope Community, her goals for her time as CEO, and how our culture needs to reframe it’s views around people with disabilities

One year ago, a handful of performers took the stage in Narrowsburg not knowing whether their bold blend of burlesque, circus-inspired acts, and campy cabaret would land. Today, Flirty Riot is celebrating its first anniversary with a devoted following, sold-out shows, and a growing ensemble. “It’s actually pretty remarkable to be sitting here today,” said co-founder Susan Mendoza. “We never really thought it would come to this. Last year when we sat here, we hadn’t even done the show yet — and when we performed our first show, it was received so well from the community. Every show since that first night has been absolutely sold out.”That overwhelming response, Mendoza says, has shaped the troupe into more than a performance outfit. “The incredible amount of support and love and just genuine appreciation from the community has been absolutely remarkable and uplifting.”For John Vega, one of the original cast members, the experience has been just as transformative for the performers as it has been for audiences. “I never thought that we would have such a wild ride,” he said. “I’m one of their vocalists, I do silk dance and a little acting. It’s helped evolve me as a performer. And the love from the community, the way they’ve embraced us, has been amazing.”Veronica Fern describes the creative process as joyful chaos. “It’s all a collaborative process. Everyone kind of throws different ideas out there,” she said. “We’re just lighting each other up and bringing out the best in each other’s performances.”That ensemble-driven approach is central to the group’s identity. “It’s not about one particular star, it’s the ensemble that’s the star,” Mendoza said. “Everybody really takes the time to buoy each other up and cheer each other on. That’s what makes this so extra special.”The troupe also welcomed Lacey Keane over the summer, who now hosts as her stage persona, Dixie Hollywood. “It’s been a dream,” Keane said. “What I love is the ensemble — everyone buoying each other up, cheering each other on. That’s what makes it so extra special.” Dixie Hollywood, she promises, brings “sass, fun, and stupid humor, which is one of my favorite things in the universe.”Looking back, Mendoza says her favorite memories aren’t tied to one show or one role, but to what the group has built together. “We’ve collectively created this really safe space for expression. Watching all of the cast members bring their talents, their ideas, their creativity to the table — that’s what fills my soul.”As Flirty Riot steps into its second year, the troupe plans to keep the energy high while staying true to its roots. “Come with an open heart and open mind,” Mendoza said. “And get ready to party.”Flirty Riot marks its anniversary with a brand-new Wild West burlesque and cabaret show on Friday and Saturday at the Darby Barn at the Darby Hotel, 21 and over. On Saturday night, the party continues with a free anniversary bash at The Parlor at 9 p.m., featuring DJ Catsilk.More information: @flirtyriotny on Instagram.

Garnet Health Medical Center is teaming up with the New York Blood Center for a community blood drive on Tuesday, August 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at its Middletown campus. The drive comes as hospitals across the region face urgent blood shortages.Blood donations often decline in the summer months when schools are closed and many people are traveling. At the same time, hospitals tend to see more trauma cases and accidents, particularly during busy travel weeks.“Blood shortages are critical, especially for August,” said Susan Cannock, Emergency Department Nurse Manager at Garnet Health Medical Center. “We use a lot of blood during the summertime. If anybody has ever driven 17, which I’m sure everybody has, you see all the traffic, constant accidents.”Cannock stressed that the need extends beyond trauma cases. “We have actually not only just cancer and cancer treatments, childbirth, surgeries — blood is constantly needed for all of those people,” she said. “One donation can save two lives. So that’s why we’re asking everybody to be a hero.”The hospital is encouraging donors of all backgrounds to participate, noting that blood types are inherited and diverse donations improve outcomes for patients with complex needs, such as those with sickle cell disease.Eligibility requirements include being at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weighing a minimum of 110 pounds, and being in good health. Temporary restrictions may apply for recent tattoos, piercings, or illnesses. Updated eligibility guidelines are available at nybc.org or by calling 1-800-933-2566.The blood drive will be held at Garnet Health’s Conference Center, located at 707 East Main Street in Middletown. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments can be scheduled in advance at donate.nybc.org.Cannock added, “It always feels good to give. Come and be a hero tomorrow. Join the hero club of the emergency room and trauma team.”

Alice Howe and Freebo: A Musical Partnership Spanning GenerationsFor nearly a decade, singer-songwriter Alice Howe and legendary bassist Freebo have been crafting a sound that feels timeless. Blending Howe’s soulful vocals and acoustic guitar with Freebo’s signature fretless bass, the duo effortlessly moves through Americana, folk, blues, and roots music. Their collaboration is a meeting of generations—Howe bringing fresh perspectives and Freebo decades of experience—yet their shared love of authentic, heartfelt music unites them seamlessly.“We both grew up in different eras, but we gravitate toward the same soulful, timeless music,” Howe said. “It’s blues, folk, Americana—the kind of songs that come from the heart.” Freebo adds with a laugh, “We go back and forth. Sometimes I’m on bass while Alice sings harmonies, sometimes it’s the other way around. We just found a way to make it work naturally.”Their latest album, Alice Howe & Freebo Live, captures the essence of their partnership. Recorded in one take before a small studio audience with no overdubs, the album reflects their raw, unfiltered approach. Howe recalls the spontaneous nature of the recording session: “A friend invited us to the studio after a gig. We had twenty people in the room, and we just played. What you hear is exactly what we did—no filters, no technical tricks.” Freebo emphasizes the importance of that authenticity: “In a world of auto-tune and digital fixes, this is real music, played from the heart.”Audiences can experience their dynamic live this Saturday, August 23, at the Cochecton Pump House from 6 to 8 p.m. The performance promises a mix of originals and covers, delivered with the warmth, humor, and storytelling that have become hallmarks of their shows. “We don’t really try to entertain—it just happens,” Howe says. “There’s music, conversation, camaraderie, and hopefully, something people take with them after the night ends.”For more on their music, visit alicehowe.com and freebomusic.com.

Hollywood icon Bill Murray and NFL star Jason Kelce will be among the special guests helping to celebrate a major milestone in Sullivan County this summer. The Sullivan County Golf Club is marking its 100th anniversary with two days of festivities on August 27 and 28, featuring live music, a long drive competition, art, and a community-wide celebration of one of the Catskills’ oldest golf courses.The centennial comes after a period of major revitalization for the club. In 2023, golf writer Tom Coyne partnered with others to take over operations, renovating the course and clubhouse while also introducing new amenities such as a putting course, driving range, and the opening of Otto's, a new on-site restaurant.Coyne, who is also the author of several acclaimed golf books including A Course Called America, described his involvement as “an accidental journey” after being approached by superintendent Sean Smith, who feared the nearly century-old course might not survive to its centennial. Instead, a new ownership group formed, invested in improvements, and stabilized the club’s future.“It was one of those things where we realized this place deserved to keep existing,” Coyne said. “Sullivan County Golf Club has been part of the community for generations, and reaching 100 years means a lot not just for golf but for local history.”The anniversary celebration will include a kickoff party on Wednesday, August 27, with grilling stations, oysters, live music, and guest appearances. On Thursday, August 28, golf events will take center stage, along with a conversation hosted by Coyne and actor Bill Murray, who is a partner in the club. Other special guests include Mike Madden, son of legendary football coach John Madden, and NFL star Jason Kelce, another recent partner.“The public is absolutely invited,” Coyne said. “Every dollar we bring in goes right back into the club and into supporting rural community golf. We’d love to celebrate this milestone with the people who care about this place.”As for the future, Coyne says the focus will remain on serving both visitors and local members while continuing improvements at the course. “It’s about building something that brings people together and honors the history of golf in Sullivan County,” he said. More information at: sullivancountygolf.club.

If you know anything about punk rock and new wave music of the 1970s and 80s, you’ll know all about CBGB in the East Village and the many bands that got their start performing there, including The Ramones, Blondie, and Talking Heads.If you’ve never heard of the eclectic music scene of this legendary night club, you’ll have the chance to experience it through never before seen video.The Common Good in Ellenville, NY is hosting “Talking Heads: Never Seen. Never Heard. The Metropolis Recordings” on Friday, August 22. John Hazard, a filmmaker with Metropolis Video, will present footage of Talking Heads that he recorded in some of their earliest performances at CBGB.Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett spoke with John Hazard of Metropolis Video. They talked about public access to music, the unique theatricality of The Talking Heads, and the importance of collaboration between burgeoning artists.

What do railroad conductors, clams, and modern-day music have in common? In Livingston Manor, the answer is the Catskills Conductor’s Clambake, a community celebration with roots stretching back more than a century. The event returns for its fifth year on Sunday, September 7, hosted by The Smoke Joint in Livingston Manor.The tradition dates back to the late 1800s, when the Ontario & Western Railway (O&W) helped connect the Catskills’ agricultural communities to New York City markets. Conductors would thank the towns along the line by hosting massive annual clam bakes—festivals that once drew thousands of people to Sherwood Island in Livingston Manor.“We wanted to reinvigorate that tradition and give back to our community,” said organizer Jennifer Grossman, co-owner of The Smoke Joint. “This is about celebrating our roots while showcasing the culture, cuisine, and music that make the Catskills so vibrant today.”Battle of the BandsThis year’s clambake adds a new twist: a Battle of the Bands, organized in partnership with Tom Semrad of Killer Trout Productions. Local soloists, duos, and groups will compete for two $850 cash prizes, awarded as the Brass Hat Award and the Iron Horse Award—railroad-inspired titles.Performers will have 20 minutes to showcase original songs or covers before a live audience. “It’s not really a battle—it’s about giving artists a chance to shine,” Grossman said. “We’ve seen incredible local talent at our Riverside Sessions over the years, and this is a way to support them with recognition and real prizes.”Applications for the contest are open now at catskillsclambake.com.Food, Music, and MoreTrue to its name, the clambake will feature a traditional clam and shrimp boil with corn and potatoes, along with The Smoke Joint’s signature barbecue—ribs, brisket, chicken, and wings. Vegetarian and vegan sides will be available, alongside local beer, cocktails, and desserts.Craft vendors and community partners will also be on hand. A 50/50 raffle will benefit Radio Catskill, highlighting the event’s focus on supporting local culture and media.A Community GatheringFor Grossman, the most rewarding part of the clambake is seeing neighbors and families connect. “I love watching kids dance to the music, people enjoying food by the river, and everyone coming together,” she said. “It’s really become a community gathering after the summer rush—a thank you to the people who live here year-round.”For more information or to apply for the Battle of the Bands, visit www.catskillsclambake.com or email [email protected].

Local law enforcement and community partners teamed up earlier this summer to curb the illegal sale of vape and tobacco products to minors, part of an ongoing initiative called the Coalition for a Vape-Free Sullivan. The coalition includes organizations such as Sullivan 180 and brings together school leaders, law enforcement, and community agencies to address rising teen vaping rates.Amanda Langseder, senior director of prevention programs at Sullivan 180, highlighted the group’s prevention-focused approach. “We started the Catch My Breath program in schools from grades 5 through 12 to educate students before they ever try vaping,” she said. “Every time a student is caught with a vape, it takes hours of administrative time. Prevention is key.”The coalition also coordinated with local law enforcement on an enforcement initiative led by Liberty Police Chief Di Agata, which included compliance checks at gas stations and convenience stores. These “compassionate compliance checks” involved outreach and education rather than punishment, with coalition members sharing personal stories and encouraging businesses to verify IDs before selling vaping products.Langseder noted that most local retailers were receptive to the effort. “They got the message. Many are parents themselves and want to protect kids,” she said.Vaping products often appeal to youth through flavors like candy or fruit and by disguising themselves as everyday items such as video games, lanyards, or drink containers. Langseder stressed the importance of educating both students and parents about the health risks. “Nicotine significantly impacts developing brains, and these products can lead to other addictions and mental health issues,” she said.Looking ahead, Sullivan 180 will host a Parents Against Vaping E-Cigarettes (PAVE) event on November 5 to provide guidance for parents and school leaders on alternatives to suspension and support for students struggling with nicotine addiction. The Catch My Breath program also continues to offer school-based education throughout the county.Langseder’s key message to the community: “Vaping may seem harmless at first, but it’s addictive and can lead to serious health risks. Let’s be smarter than Big Tobacco and give our young people the healthiest start possible.”For more information on the coalition and prevention programs, visit Sullivan180.org.

The Town of Highland has released its final audit of the clerk’s office, finding nearly $5.4 million in deposits without proper documentation between 2022 and 2024. The findings build on a preliminary report released in May, which flagged a $4.5 million discrepancy over a two-year period. “There isn’t an allegation that money is missing,” said Liam Mayo, news editor of The River Reporter. “But when deposits exceed recorded receipts by millions of dollars, there’s no way to confirm where that money came from — or if anything is missing.”The audit also flagged late bank deposits, overdue revenue filings, and a lack of financial procedures. It recommends the town reconcile missing records and tighten oversight.Town Clerk Sue Hoffman has stayed quiet, but her attorney blasted the process as political. “This board has taken on the personality of a vigilante rogue mob by creating the illusion of public corruption,” attorney Michael McGuire said during public comment at an August 12 meeting of the Highland Town Board.The report recommends the town reconcile several years of records and adopt stricter financial procedures. Already, the board has voted to require a secondary signer on all town bank accounts. Additional changes could be discussed at the board’s September 2 workshop meeting, with possible action at its September 9 regular meeting.Read more at riverreporter.com.

Michael Martelon is the new CEO of the Sullivan County Visitors Association, bringing more than 30 years of tourism experience from Telluride, Colorado, and Santa Cruz, California. He joins the region with a mission to blend innovation, culture, and community-focused tourism.Learning Leadership from the Ground Up Martelon began his career as a receptionist in Boston, where he learned that “true leadership is about commitment to the team. I work for the team, not the other way around.” This philosophy continues to guide his approach in Sullivan Catskills.Protecting Place, Connecting People Drawing on lessons from past roles, Martelon emphasizes the importance of preserving local character while sharing authentic experiences. “Our brand is the people and the place,” he said. “Tourism touches everything in the community, and when managed well, it can lift the entire area.”Data Meets Storytelling Martelon is building a tech-driven, data-informed foundation to better connect with visitors. “Visitor information helps us aim our stories at the right audiences and measure tourism’s impact,” he explained, while making clear that the heart of tourism storytelling comes from the region’s culture and history.Looking Ahead Plans include a redesigned website, seasonal visitor guides, and a $750,000 collaborative grant program supporting local events, culture, and business growth. Martelon hopes visitors and residents alike will see “commitment, innovation, and inclusion—and say, ‘We can’t wait for the next five years.’”For updates on Sullivan County tourism initiatives, visit sullivancatskills.com.

For more than 45 years, the Catskill Exotic Bird Club has brought together bird lovers across the Catskills. But as more bird species face the threat of extinction in recent decades, the club’s mission has evolved.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke to Richie Chiger, President of the Catskill Exotic Bird Club, about the organization and brings us this audio postcard.

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy is inviting the community to learn more about pollinators and their crucial role in the ecosystem at its upcoming event, Pollinator Pathway: Bee On It, on Saturday, August 23, at the Van Scott Nature Reserve in Beach Lake, PA.Rachel Morrow, education and volunteer coordinator for the Conservancy, explained her role and the organization’s mission:“My role as the education and volunteer coordinator, I create and put out education events, and I also bring in speakers that are professionals on that topic, to help educate not only landowners, which is our main focus, but also the general public. So, families, kids, middle school age, high school age.”The Conservancy serves four counties across the Upper Delaware River region: Delaware and Sullivan in New York, and Pike and Wayne in Pennsylvania. “In those four counties and a couple outliers but mostly those four counties we have helped conserve over 19,000 acres of land,” Morrow noted.Featured Speaker on PollinatorsThe August 23 event will feature Louise Washer, a Conservancy board member and founding member of the Pollinator Pathway initiative.“She helped found it in 2017 and it’s now a network of over 350 communities across 19 states and Canada,” Morrow said. “She serves as a facilitator of the pollinator pathway advocacy and pesticide committee, which has helped work to pass the Bees and Birds Protection Act in New York in 2023.”The event will begin with a lecture on pollinator decline and species such as bees and butterflies, followed by a guided walk through the Conservancy’s meadowlands. Participants will search for monarch butterfly caterpillars on the milkweed plants at the Van Scott Nature Reserve.Why Pollinators MatterPollinators are essential to both natural ecosystems and agriculture, Morrow emphasized.“Pollinators in general are really anything that helps pollinate flowers and plants. It’s a big component to agriculture—helping not only wildflowers thrive and keep alive but in agriculture we need those plants to be pollinated as well,” she said. “Pollinators can range from bees to butterflies, but it ranges out to other things that people don’t think about like birds, beetles, and grasshoppers.”She described pollinators as a “keystone species,” meaning their loss would cause ripple effects across the food chain.“If they start to diminish or we lose a lot of them, we’re going to see less success in our flowers and in our agricultural crops. Agricultural crops going down means less yield of food for not only us, but animals that we feed… then the whole meat industry could go down. It’s a whole tumbling block effect.”Why Van Scott Nature Reserve?The event will take place at the Conservancy’s 144-acre Van Scott Nature Reserve, which was donated by the Van Scott family in 2020.“It has multiple different types of habitats. There’s two ponds on the property, there’s some wood lot, but then there’s a whole bunch of meadow, rolling hills and meadow,” Morrow said. “In that meadow is a bunch of milkweed… a great space to see pollinators and to find specifically monarchs.”Event DetailsThe Pollinator Pathway: Bee On It program begins at the Conservancy’s main office at the Van Scott Nature Reserve on August 23. Registration is available online at delawarehighlands.org.Morrow offered this advice for attendees:“If you do plan on coming, make sure that you’re ready for walking on a little bit of hills, because our reserve definitely isn’t flat. So make sure you have some water with you and some sneakers on your feet, and you should be good to go.”

MONTICELLO, NY – August 18, 2025 — Sullivan County will mark International Overdose Awareness Day with its fifth annual vigil on Tuesday, August 26, at 6 p.m. on the courthouse lawn in Monticello. The event will honor lives lost, support grieving families, and connect the community with recovery resources.“We want to remember, honor those people, give hope to those still struggling, give support to the families… and get the education out there for anybody that does need help.” — Camille O’BrienMore Resources Than Ever“This year there are 31 tabling organizations, all having to do with recovery, support for those affected by substance use as well as their families,” said Camille O’Brien, Crisis Services Coordinator for the Sullivan County Department of Community Services and a member of the International Overdose Awareness Committee. “It’s more tabling organizations than we’ve ever had.”The evening will include:Bagpipes and candlelight vigilPurple lights illuminating the courthouseRibbons tied around a tree for those lost, struggling, or in recoveryA live interactive mural by Joshua Noah, who will also share his story of recovery“It’s a bit more interactive than past years. We still want it to be a beautiful honorarium.” — O’BrienFighting StigmaO’Brien said one of the most important roles of the event is reducing stigma.“Five years ago, there was much more stigma in our county. That assumption that everybody that got into drugs chose to do drugs… Once somebody’s addicted, it’s not a choice every time. It actually becomes the only choice.”She added that lowering stigma has helped more people seek help. “If people hear that others actually care about them, they sometimes will start to care about themselves and want a better life for themselves,” she said.A Personal MissionFor O’Brien, who is herself in recovery, the day is deeply personal.“For me personally it means a lot… Sometimes people wait until they hit rock bottom to go into recovery. I wasn’t happy and I knew it was affecting me.”She also noted the importance of remembering those who didn’t survive. “I’ve heard this said in the rooms before: I’m lucky to have this seat here because somebody else didn’t make it. We need to remember that.”Event DetailsThe vigil will run from 6–9 p.m. on the Sullivan County Courthouse lawn in Monticello. Resource tables will be open from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a ceremony at dusk featuring speakers, music, and candle lighting.“If anybody has pictures of loved ones lost, we’re going to have a place to put pictures, to really put a face on this.”For more information, contact Sullivan County Community Services or visit sullivan180.org.

As we approach the middle of August, pretty soon the Northeastern region of the United States will be feeling the layover effects of hurricane season. We’ve already had major rains this summer and while it may feel hot now, the rains will increase the likelihood of flooding in downstate New York.Local officials, fire safety, and water rescue are already working to prepare for these heavy rains. Do you know what to do when you get that alert on your phone or social media?Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett listened in to the Sullivan County Legislative Meeting last month and spoke with John Hauschild Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety and Fire Coordinator for Sullivan County and Chief Nate Routledge of the Roscoe Rockland Fire Department about how alerts are actually given out, understanding the environmental causes of floods, and how we can all be better educated on how to handle them.