Radio Chatskill

An Afghan refugee and Bard College student who fled the Taliban and resettled in Ulster County is now facing deportation after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, sparking outrage and community support across the Hudson Valley.Ali Faqirzada, who came to the U.S. in 2022 with his family, was arrested by ICE on Long Island last week following what officials described as a “credible fear” interview—a standard step in the asylum process designed to determine whether an applicant faces persecution or torture if returned home.Phillip Pantuso, Hudson Valley managing editor of the Times Union, told Radio Catskill, “Ali had done everything right. He had work authorization, was working as a security guard at Kingston Hospital, and was a full-time student at Bard College.”According to Pantuso, Faqirzada’s family—eight in total—are all Shia Muslims who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover. Several had worked with or alongside U.S. agencies helping to rebuild the country. His sister, for example, was involved in a women’s entrepreneurship program. All of the family members successfully completed the asylum process—except for Ali.“When he first arrived in California in early 2022, he was detained by Customs and Border Patrol, then released on parole pending an asylum interview,” Pantuso said. “That case had just been pending ever since.”But recently, Faqirzada’s case appears to have shifted from a standard asylum track to what’s known as expedited removal, a process that allows for rapid deportation without a hearing before an immigration judge.“For some reason, Ali was moved into expedited removal,” Pantuso explained. “That means he could be deported even though he has a hearing scheduled for November 13.”ICE confirmed that Faqirzada was arrested under an administrative I-200 warrant, a civil—not criminal—violation. He is charged under Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act for entering the U.S. without valid documentation.“His attorneys aren’t disputing that,” Pantuso said. “What they’re saying is that he entered the U.S. and declared himself a refugee, which is the legal process to apply for asylum. Every indication was that things were proceeding normally.”Faqirzada remains detained at an ICE facility in New Jersey. His attorneys from Human Rights First, a nonprofit that provides pro bono legal aid, have filed two petitions in federal court: one for habeas corpus to block his deportation, and another seeking his release on parole.“They’re arguing that he was already released on parole when he arrived three and a half years ago and that he’s done nothing wrong since,” Pantuso said. “He’s followed all the rules and has every incentive to continue doing so.”While the courts await a federal response, community members are mobilizing. A vigil Monday night on Bard’s campus drew several hundred attendees, including family members and friends. One friend who visited Faqirzada in detention said he’s aware of the outpouring of support and that it’s “helping him keep his spirits up.”A GoFundMe campaign launched this week to assist with family expenses has already raised more than $38,000. “He was the main breadwinner for his family,” Pantuso noted. “His attorneys are working pro bono, but this helps with other costs.”Elected officials have also weighed in. Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said she was “deeply concerned” about the case, while Congressman Pat Ryan sharply criticized ICE’s handling and said his office “has been in constant communication with the family” to push for Faqirzada’s release.

From 40,000-year-old microbes thawed from Arctic permafrost to distant “dark matter” stars billions of light-years away, Radio Catskill’s resident science expert Joe Johnson shares a snapshot of the latest discoveries reshaping our understanding of Earth and the universe.Microbes Thaw After 40,000 Years A recent study in the Journal of Geophysical Research shows that microbes—bacteria and fungi—from the late Pleistocene can survive tens of thousands of years in Arctic permafrost and spring back to life.“These microbes started reproducing very slowly at first,” Johnson explained. “But after six months, they really took off—they’re now thriving like modern organisms.”The research has major implications for climate change. As these ancient microbes metabolize organic matter, they release carbon dioxide and methane, potent greenhouse gases. “If this permafrost melts, it could create a feedback loop,” Johnson said. “Greenhouse gases warm the atmosphere, which melts more permafrost, which releases more gases. The permafrost actually contains more organic carbon than what’s already in the atmosphere.”Dark Matter Stars Illuminate the Early Universe On a cosmic scale, scientists are studying “supermassive dark stars”—hypothetical first-generation stars powered by dark matter. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers discovered four ultra-luminous objects whose light started traveling toward Earth more than 13 billion years ago.“These stars are about a million times the mass of the sun and a billion times as luminous,” Johnson said. “They’re bright, diffuse, and puffy—the first stars in the universe. Discovering them helps explain very old galaxies and may show how supermassive black holes formed.”While promising, Johnson cautioned, “We still don’t know exactly what dark matter is. This doesn’t solve the ultimate mystery, but it’s a step forward.”Comets Lighting Up the Sky Closer to home, two comets are visible this fall. Comet C/2025 A6 Lemmon, discovered in January, appears in the northwest sky and will be brightest between October 21 and November 8. Comet C/2025 R2 Swan, spotted in SOHO spacecraft data, is visible in the south-southwest sky but is dimmer and requires binoculars.“Pick a dark spot with a clear horizon, let your eyes adjust, and use stars or a sky app to find them,” Johnson advised. “The best viewing is shortly after sunset. Wait too long and they’ll already be gone.”Whether it’s microbes that survived the ice age or stars that challenge our understanding of the cosmos, Johnson says science is about wonder. “Always cool stuff. Always cool science. That’s what science is.”

The Decrepit Ghouls are taking Halloween to strange new waters this weekend.The hit immersive experience is back for its third year, this time with “The Decrepit Ghouls in a Cursed Catskills Cruise,” transforming a Parksville warehouse into a haunted ocean liner packed with live music, comedy, art, and total spooky chaos.“You buy a ticket, go through a gangplank, and there are portholes,” laughed co-creator Todd Perlmutter. “The ghouls have taken over a cruise ship — and there’s going to be yacht rock. That’s the hook.”Weird, Wild, and Wonderfully LocalEach fall, the Decrepit Ghouls turn a quiet Catskills town into a creative carnival — part concert, part performance art, all community-built.“Every year, there are more creative people involved,” said Marcus Brooks, one of the Decrepit Ghouls’ ringmasters. “It’s become this big group of artists and performers donating their time and energy. The whole warehouse gets activated — you walk through rooms built by local artists, see sculptures, hear singers, dancers, everything. It’s part performance, part art piece.”This year’s theme came together thanks to a stroke of luck — and a little nostalgia.“I’d been trying to get Peter Moore from Boston since the first show,” Perlmutter said. “He and Adrian [Brooks] were both singers on the Blue Man Group Megastar tour. They also play in yacht rock bands, so it just clicked — we had to do a haunted cruise.”Big Talent, Bigger BandExpect a stacked lineup this year, including a few more Blue Man Group veterans.“We’ve got Pete Simpson, Randall, and Michael Rayhall — who hosts Absinthe in Vegas — coming back,” said Perlmutter. “So yeah, this is a heavy Blue Man year.”The live band is expanding, too. “We’ve got horn players, mandolin, piano — it’s a massive band,” Brooks said. “Everybody’s a total pro.”Local creatives like Zach Max, Mike Baker, and Catherine are adding fresh flair, including a mysterious nautical sculpture. “We haven’t even seen it yet,” Brooks said. “She just told us it’s ocean-themed and we said, ‘Perfect.’”Come Weird, Stay WeirdAudience participation is part of the fun — and this year, it’s bigger than ever.“It’s not like a parade where you just watch,” Brooks said. “Come in costume, get weird, be ready to be amazed. It’s a party. Totally interactive.”“There’s even a part of the show that depends on the audience to make it happen,” Perlmutter added. “That’s all I can say — but come ready to get involved.”The production is supported by the Sullivan County Arts & Heritage Grant, the DVA, and local volunteers who keep Parksville “delightfully weird.”And that’s exactly how the Ghouls like it.“The first time I saw video of people smiling — all ages, all types — just having a blast, I knew we were doing the right thing,” Perlmutter said. “Every year, it gets bigger, weirder, and more fun.”Shows run Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. (doors at 6) and Sunday at 4 p.m. (doors at 3), with tickets at decrepitghouls.com. Sunday’s show is a more kid-friendly version, but Perlmutter says, “All the shows are fun for everyone.”

There are more than 930 towns across New York state. Many big and small towns have important elections coming up this Election Day, including in Sullivan, Orange, and Ulster counties. But what exactly do town supervisors do, and why does that matter to residents? Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Chris Koetzle, Executive Director of New York Association of Towns, about how local elections can make a big impact in the community.

Catskill Art Space (CAS) in Livingston Manor is offering new opportunities for adults to explore their creativity this fall, with six-week art classes in Drawing Foundations and Ceramics beginning October 28.Executive Director Sally Wright says the new courses meet participants at any skill level, whether they’re first-time students or experienced artists looking to deepen their practice.“This is a six-week introductory course that meets people at a variety of skill levels,” Wright said. “It’s designed to improve both technical skills and creative confidence.”The Drawing Foundations class, led by instructor Christine Denman, runs Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. October 28 through December 2. Participants will explore line, shape, observation, light, shadow, and composition using materials like pencil, chalk, and pastel — progressing from still life to expressive and abstract works.“This will be the first time we’re offering this class in a number of years, and we’re eager to increase enrollment,” Wright said.The Ceramics Program features two tracks — Wheel-Thrown Pottery with Jenny Gill (currently at capacity) and Hand Building with Brian Cronk, which still has openings. Students will explore techniques like pinch pots, coiling, and soft slab construction.“Ceramics is a tremendously skilled craft that takes time, practice, and expert instruction,” Wright said. “It’s an open space for people to explore the medium in new ways.”Wright emphasized that CAS’ classes are designed to welcome all experience levels.“Art galleries shouldn’t just be spaces for artwork to sit on a wall,” she said. “CAS is a living, breathing place where artwork is created — a space to incubate new artists.”In addition to adult classes, CAS offers free CAS Kids art and theater programs on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., giving children and families more access to hands-on arts education.Meanwhile, visitors can catch the final weekend of the current exhibition featuring artists Jeff Christensen, Bonnie Richlack, and Heidi Schlatter, on view through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A new exhibition featuring Mia Brownell, Kat Chamberlin, and Lexa Walsh opens November 1, with an artist talk from 3–4 p.m. and an opening reception from 4–5 p.m.More information about classes, exhibitions, and registration is available at catskillartspace.org.

More than seven million people participated in No Kings rallies on Oct. 18 across the country, according to national organizers. Thousands took to the streets in the Catskills and northeast Pennsylvania – including Honesdale, Monticello, Middletown, Goshen, and Newburgh – to push back against the Trump administration.Radio Catskill’s Rosie Starr and Kimberly spoke to attendees at some of the rallies and sent us this audio postcard.

NYSEG filed rate proposals in June to increase delivery rates by more than 30 percent for some customers. If approved, NYSEG customers would see new rates take effect in May 2026.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar sat down with Assemblymember Paula Elaine Kay at her office in Monticello, who shared more about the NYSEG rate case and how residents can make their voices heard.

The New York State Department of Transportation has hit pause on its $1.4 billion plans to expand Route 17 from exits 113 in Wurtsboro to 131 in Monroe after significant community pushback. So what does this mean for the future of the highway?The ReThink Route 17 Alliance is a coalition pushing the state to invest in more accessible and environmentally sustainable transit alternatives, not more highway lanes. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Taylor Jaffe, Program Manager at Catskill Mountainkeeper, about what the delay means and how residents can get involved.

Sullivan County is facing a significant sales tax shortfall that could force a property tax increase next year, county officials say.$5 Million Gap in Sales Tax Revenue County Treasurer Nancy Buck told the legislature Thursday the county is already $4 million behind last year’s sales tax revenue and could end the year $5 million below projections. The county had originally projected $80 million in sales tax revenue by the end of the year, according to Buck.Budget Impact and Possible Tax Increase Dan Hust, Communications Director for Sullivan County Government, said the shortfall will affect the tentative 2026 budget. “What that means is that we are not going to have what we thought we were going to have, and it's going to have a direct impact on the about-to-be-proposed 2026 tentative budget. The county manager, my boss Josh Potosek, is going to be proposing that probably at the end of this month,” Hust said.Hust said a property tax increase above the standard 2% cap is a possibility. “I'm not yet able to say exactly what that's going to be, but we're preparing documents right now so that the public is fully aware of what might be coming on their county tax bill in 2026,” he said.Why Sales Tax is Falling Officials attribute the decline to shifting shopping habits rather than an economic slowdown. “We've seen consumer spending continue to rise. What it is is over the past few years, starting in the pandemic, people have been doing a lot more online shopping. But that has sort of balanced out back to what I might call a historic norm,” Hust said.Hust explained that when residents shop outside Sullivan County, the local government loses that tax revenue. “If you go to a bricks-and-mortar store in, say, Orange County like in Middletown, New York State still gets its cut of the sales tax, but Orange County now gets that sales tax. Sullivan County doesn't get anything,” he said.Positive Economic Signs Despite the shortfall, Hust said other parts of the local economy remain strong. “Our tourism continues to be very healthy. Our downtowns, many of our downtowns have never looked better. People are here and spending money, but how and when and where they spend the money, that's what's changed,” he said.Looking Ahead to 2026 Budget Hust stressed the importance of the revenue gap. “I believe...if I remember the number Josh told me, it's around $700,000 [representing] 1% tax increase in the county. So think about that: we're projecting to be $5 million down, plus expenses continue to rise. Our most valuable asset, our labor expenses, continue to rise and there are new contracts being negotiated for that.”Officials plan to release more details on the 2026 budget in the coming weeks, with public hearings allowing residents to weigh in.

Millions are expected at the nationwide “No Kings” protests this Saturday, including a gathering in Monticello organized by grassroots group We Are One Sullivan. The coalition advocates for civic engagement and accountability in government and encourages residents to speak out against threats to democracy, public institutions, and the rule of law.“We Are One Sullivan is our local chapter of Indivisible… We started in 2016 when the first Trump administration came into being,” said Ken Wampler, a founding member of the group. “After the last election, we reconstituted. On Saturday, we are joining the rest of the nation to say we don’t have kings. We have a rule of law in the United States. We got rid of a king and we don’t want one back.”Local Issues Drive ActionHealthcare and nutrition programs are top concerns for local activists. Another member, Janet Davis said, “Rural hospitals and medical facilities are struggling to create budgets for the coming year and may have to close… Add to that the cuts to SNAP funding and so many of our local children who rely on it.”Community and Civic EngagementAli Azios described her start with the group: “We hosted the Good Trouble event at our space, New Memories. It was a great community bonding experience, and I signed up for We Are One Sullivan right then and there.”Addressing critics who see the protest as partisan, Wampler said, “We stand up for our country because we love our country… We are passionate about our institutions and want to protect them in a peaceful, community-oriented way.”Monticello Rally DetailsThe local protest will be stationary, not a march. Wampler said, “We will gather on the sidewalks of Monticello between 1:00 and 2:30. Bring cowbells, pom-poms, signs, flags, friends, and family… It’s a chance to strengthen one another and see that there are enormous numbers across the country who want to revive our democracy.”A pre-event gathering and sign-making party will be held Friday at New Memories. “Bring your kids, poster boards, markers… DJ Jamie Smith will be spinning, and it’s a fun way to feel part of the community,” Azios said.Finding Hope in CommunityAzios said, “Everyone’s part of a greater community and everyone’s important.”Davis noted growing local support: “Every Saturday in downtown Monticello, people drive by and honk or wave, realizing they are not alone.”Wampler added, “On Saturday, I’ll be with hundreds of people. Throughout the week, I have a community that reminds me I’m not alone, and we will rise and fix our country.”For more information about the Monticello event or We Are One Sullivan, visit their Facebook page or sign up via Mobilize. Nationwide events are listed at nokings.org.

As the government shutdown enters the start of its third week, it seems that as a country we are more divided than ever before. However, a new study from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows that Americans share more common ground than not.The New Jersey-based non-profit conducted a recent study across all ages, income levels and political affiliations. According to their findings, Americans overwhelmingly place access to healthcare, affordable housing, and clean water as top priorities.Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett spoke with Lauren Smith M.D., Vice President of Strategic Portfolios at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation about the findings of this study and what candidates in local election races in Sullivan County and in next year’s midterm elections should be prioritizing in their platforms.

Texts exchanged among members of New York’s Young Republicans have revealed offensive messages, including jokes about gas chambers, praise for Hitler and the Nazis, and hundreds of racial and homophobic slurs, according to documents obtained by Politico.The nearly 3,000 pages of Telegram messages, spanning January through mid-August, show some messages led by Peter Junta, chief of staff for Staten Island Assemblyman Mike Riley and former president of the New York State Young Republicans Club.In one thread, Junta wrote, “Everyone that votes no is going to the gas chamber.” Joe Maligno, another member with ties to the state Young Republicans, responded, “Gas chambers don’t fit the Hitler aesthetic.” Annie K. Katie, New York’s Young Republican National Committee member, added, “I’m ready to watch people burn now.”Katie declined to comment to Politico, and Maligno did not respond to requests for comment. Bobby Walker, vice chair of the state Young Republicans at the time and now leader of the group, used the homophobic slur repeatedly in chats. Junta and Walker have since apologized for the remarks.Both Junta and Walker have ties to North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. Stefanik endorsed Junta for a national leadership position earlier this year and accepted an award from him and Walker in August, calling them “the backbone of our party” at the time.In a statement to Politico, Stefanik’s senior advisor Alex De Grassa said the congresswoman was “absolutely appalled by the alleged comments,” which he described as “heinous, anti-Semitic, racist, and unacceptable.”Stefanik and New York State Republican Senator Robert Orr have called for the chat participants to resign.

“It was tiny and there was absolutely no money. I mean everything, everything was donated and everyone volunteered,” said Mira Blaustein, co-founder and executive director of the Woodstock Film Festival, reflecting on its 2000 debut. “It was held only in Woodstock and it was beautiful. It was magical but it was small.”The following year, the festival faced a somber backdrop. “In 2001 it was held nine days after September 11. So that was a harrowing experience in its own right, but also magical and wonderful at the same time and very healing for everybody.”From those modest beginnings, Woodstock grew quickly. By 2002, the festival earned its first spread in Variety, drew audiences from near and far, and started attracting some financial support. Today, it’s an Academy Award-qualifying festival in three categories and a must-stop for filmmakers seeking Oscar attention.“While we are still catering, of course, to the independent filmmaking community, our baseline has not changed. We're still seriously independent,” Blaustein said. “But we are also an important stop for filmmakers, for studios, for film distributors who are promoting their films to be nominated [for an Academy Award].”This year’s lineup features heavyweights like Noah Baumbach, Richard Linklater, Chloe Zhao, and Gus Van Sant. Blaustein sees the mix of established and emerging talent as mutually beneficial.“We have about 90 shorts, 90 short films in all categories, animation, documentary and narrative,” she said. “Having that balance between the ‘gas one’ and ‘the ones you haven't heard of yet’… when you have the high visibility films and they get some attention, it helps to shed light on those that deserve the high visibility but don't have it yet.”Panels and live conversations remain a cornerstone of the festival. Highlights include intimate discussions with Mariska Hargitay, Brad Dourif, and a special session with legendary composer David Amram, who will celebrate his 95th birthday with a live performance.The festival has also had a profound impact on filmmaking in the Hudson Valley. Blaustein paid tribute to the late Laurent Rejto, co-founder of the festival and Hudson Valley Film Commission. “His legacy is immeasurable,” she said. “We are actually launching a new award in his name… the 'Laurent Rejto Made in the Hudson Valley Award,' and we’ll present it for the first time at our awards ceremony Saturday.”Looking ahead, Blaustein said, “I’m always hoping to be able to raise more money. People think we have a large budget, but actually we have a tiny budget. It takes a lot of creativity and hard work to do what we do. I all I want the festival to continue and become more… get better and better for those who work with us and for us to… see artists develop. It should be very inspiring. It should be enjoyable, but it should be very inspiring and educational and fun at the same time.”The 26th Woodstock Film Festival runs through Oct. 19 across venues in Woodstock, Rosendale, Kingston, and Saugerties.

This past summer, the Department of Homeland Security eliminated the temporary protected status, or TPS, program for Afghan refugees looking to resettle in the United States. Still, that hasn’t stopped community members in Ulster County from supporting their neighbors.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Robert Sabuda, founder of nonprofit organization Plutarch for Refugees, about the growing need to support recently arrived Afghan refugees in the Hudson Valley and their upcoming fundraiser in Highland.

Science has been making headlines, from Nobel Prizes to moons that could harbor life—and even birds that collect human artifacts. Our resident science expert Joe Johnson breaks it down.Nobel Week: Immune System, Quantum Tunneling, and MOFsLast week, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the 2025 Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine, Physics, and Chemistry—each to three pioneering scientists.Physiology and Medicine: Mary Bronkhouw, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi uncovered how the immune system is regulated. “They identified what the committee calls the security guards of the immune system, which are regulatory T cells that can actually stop the immune system from attacking normal cells,” Johnson explained. Their discovery could revolutionize treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer.Physics: John Clark, Michael Devaray, and John Martinez were recognized for characterizing macroscopic quantum tunneling in supercooled superconductors. Johnson summed it up: “Quantum tunneling…was previously thought to happen only at a really small scale, but these scientists prove that it can happen at a scale that makes it useful in electronics. This is directly linked to quantum computing.”Chemistry: Richard Robinson, Susumu Kida, and Omar Yagi invented metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Johnson described them as “self-assembling…2 grams of one of these MOFs has the same amount of surface area as a football field.” Applications include carbon capture, precise drug delivery, environmental cleanup, and electronics.The Nobel Prizes, created by dynamite inventor Alfred Nobel, were meant to leave a legacy beyond destruction. Johnson noted, “He woke up one morning and read his own obituary…They called him ‘the merchant of death.’ He wanted his memory to be more than that.”Enceladus: Saturn’s Life-Friendly MoonNASA’s Cassini mission continues to yield clues about Saturn’s icy moon, Enceladus. At 300 miles wide, the moon has a salty ocean beneath an icy shell. Tidal forces heat its interior, causing water geysers to erupt into space.Johnson said, “They found a whole host of compounds…basically life soup. Life-friendly, yes. Not direct evidence of life, but a lot of the ingredients are there.” Cassini’s 2015 flyby sampled a plume 30 miles away, revealing methane, ammonia, aromatic compounds, and other organic molecules—conditions similar to those that may have helped life arise on Earth.Bearded Vultures: Nature’s ArchaeologistsIn southern Spain, bearded vultures have been creating centuries-old archives inside cliffside nests. Researchers found bones, eggshells, and nearly 200 human-made objects dating back 150 to 675 years.Johnson marveled at the discovery: “These birds are curating what’s happening around them. It’s like a living archive of human history alongside natural history.” Among the finds: leather scraps, woven cloth, a medieval crossbow bolt, and even a 650-year-old sandal. The vultures appear to incorporate objects from their environment much like modern birds incorporate string or foil into nests.

New York is home to more than 680,000 veterans, more than half of whom are over the age of 65. But local VA agencies say the rollout of the Dole Act, a federal law that expanded healthcare and benefits for veterans, has stalled. Radio Catskill's Kimberly Izar reports.

Singer-songwriter Eli Lev, a former middle school teacher from Silver Spring, Maryland, will perform Thursday at The Common Good in Ellenville, blending folk, spiritual, and globally inspired music.“I taught on the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona for a few years and I picked up some pretty amazing culture, and ideas, and knowledge, one of which was the four directions,” Lev said. “Fast forward 15 years later, I decided to follow my dreams and pursue music as a full-time occupation. And the four directions is actually the first project of my music project.”His first project, Four Directions, explores Navajo concepts of balance and place, with EPs titled All Roads East, Way Out West, Deep South, and True North. “All together they create a 20-song project and each EP came out about a year away from each other,” Lev said.After nearly a decade teaching internationally, Lev returned to the U.S. and began performing locally. “I went back home… I started doing shows. And my first show was my parents came and two friends was in the corner of a coffee shop. And they were like, ‘When’s your next one?’ I was like, ‘I don’t know.’… Here I am, eight years later, Tim, and music has been the guiding force of my life ever since.”His latest Three Worlds project includes the EPs Present Journey and Past Lives. “Past Lives was recorded in Peekskill. Its spiritual home is actually in the Hudson Valley in New York area… I figured out a way to play my ancestors’ voices live during the show,” Lev said.Lev’s music mixes diverse instruments and influences: “The native flute from the nation from the Novo Nation… harmonica, and the Lynn, piano, acoustic guitar… different tunings as well, open tunings from the Middle East. I have some songs in Spanish.”On creativity, Lev encourages others to follow their passions. “As teachers we’re always telling folks to follow their dreams. And there’s no reason why we can’t also do that… I do feel like there is a place for creativity in all of our lives.”More information at thecommongoodny.com, and more about Lev and his music is at eli-lev.com.

One of two fracked gas transmissions is continuing to make its way through regulatory bodies in New York. The Northeast Supply Enhancement Project, which would be built through New Jersey and New York Bay, has been accepted by New York’s Public Service Commission. Problem is, this pipeline project has been rejected by the state twice before over the last decade due to water quality concerns.Now, in the face of the Trump administration’s hawkish policy around state’s energy sources, opponents of the pipeline fear the Governor Hochul will play ball with the new project, all while allowing rate payers on Long Island to pick up the cost.Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett spoke with Christopher Casey of the Natural Resources Defense Council about the true cost of this pipeline for New Yorkers and why it is moving through faster than ever before.

Residents from across New York's 19th Congressional District, from Sullivan to Chenango counties, attended Rep. Josh Riley’s Monday town hall on rural healthcare at SUNY Sullivan. Riley said he has long opposed Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, which could cut coverage for 1.5 million New Yorkers.But some attendees came – and left – feeling skeptical. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar reports.

Callicoon ArtWalk this Saturday, Oct. 11, will feature a showcase of short films at the Callicoon Theater, highlighting local and international creativity.“I started this, I think at least six, seven years ago, and I’ve been doing it every year with Krissy Smith at the Callicoon Theater who was totally super supportive,” said organizer Elizabeth Ennis. “I try to keep it all short and really represent how insanely creative it is up here.”The program mixes new works with rarely seen films, including an 1980s hand-drawn animation by Lisa Crafts. Audience feedback will be encouraged at the 12 p.m. showing.Local filmmakers Ali Azios and Marcus Brooks will also be featured. “It’s a short film of our son telling a joke except for his joke is completely unintelligible. But it’s hilarious.” they said.The day continues with the Too Short to Suck Film Festival at , featuring ultra-short films under two minutes from filmmakers of all ages. “Anyone can submit a film. It can be shot on your phone. Some children made films that were incredible,” Ennis said.The full schedule and more information are at visitcalicoon.com.

State Senator Peter Oberacker, who represents New York’s 51st District, officially threw his hat in the ring for New York’s 19th Congressional District Tuesday at Holiday Mountain in Bridgeville.Surrounded by local Republican leaders, including Sullivan County GOP Chair Rob Dougherty, Congressman Mark Lawler of the 17th District, and Assemblyman Chris Tagg of the 102nd District, Oberacker called the 19th “one of the most important districts in the state.”Family, Freedom, and OpportunityOberacker tied his campaign to personal values and future generations. “The greatest title I'll ever hold isn't senator and it ain't congressman. It's pop pop. And that's why I'm running,” he said.“Because I want my grandkids and yours to have the same opportunities that I had. To grow up in safe communities, to live in the country that protects our freedoms, and to stay here in upstate New York to build their lives. Instead of feeling forced like they have to leave. They have the opportunity to live and achieve the true American dream. That's the fight, that's the mission, and that's why I'm asking for your support, for your faith, and for your vote.”“Because soil is our… And together, rooted in that same soil, we can build a stronger New York and a stronger America,” he added.Riley Campaign RespondsThe 19th District seat is currently held by Democrat Josh Riley, who defeated Republican Mark Molinaro in 2024. Earlier Tuesday, Riley’s campaign manager criticized Oberacker as an Albany insider with close ties to corporate interests, promising a head-to-head comparison if Oberacker wins the Republican nomination.Oberacker brushed off the statement. “Well, uh I mean you know I haven't seen him around so I'm not really too worried about that. They can say whatever they want. In reality, I think my record stands for itself, you know, in here. Work work the district, people know me and I think people will vote for me in that capacity. So not worried about what anybody says.”

What started as a federal grant has blossomed into a countywide movement connecting Sullivan County farms with school cafeterias — and reshaping how students experience lunch.The School Nutrition Action Coalition, supported by partners including Sullivan 180, Cornell Cooperative Extension and local school districts, formed when Sullivan 180 received a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant last year aimed at strengthening ties between local farms and schools.“The USDA grant was really what brought everyone to the table,” said Denise Frangipane, executive director of Sullivan 180. “The goal was to build a collaboration around getting a better connection between our local regional farms and our school cafeterias.”The coalition now includes every school district in Sullivan County, along with food service directors, staff, and community organizations. Together, they’re working toward a shared vision: providing two free, healthy, locally sourced meals each day to every student — and making the cafeteria a place where food is celebrated.A New Kind of LunchroomWhen the coalition began, universal free meals were still a dream. But that vision is now reality. New York State last year passed universal free school meals for all students — a change that helps make the coalition’s work more impactful.“Our goal is to really enhance the lunch experience,” Frangipane said. “It’s not just about what’s on the plate, but about making the lunchroom a happy, educational space — a place where students want to be.”That means introducing students to fresh, local foods — and helping them understand where those foods come from and why they matter.“For some of our students, this may be the only meal they get in a day,” Frangipane said. “So it’s our best shot at giving them something healthy and nourishing.”From Chicken Nuggets to CarnitasFor Dara Williams, food service director at Sullivan West Central School District, the shift toward scratch cooking and local sourcing has been both a challenge and a dream fulfilled.“This has been something I’ve dreamed of since I became a school lunch manager,” Williams said. “The idea that local farms could supply products we could prepare and serve — it’s really exciting.”The change, however, means more work in the kitchen. Gone are the days of heat-and-serve frozen meals. Now, staff spend their days washing, peeling, slicing, dicing, and cooking from scratch.“It takes a whole team, every day, to make it happen,” Williams said. “But it’s worth it. We love doing it.”Williams said the district works closely with local farmers to source fresh meat and produce — often on a first-name basis.“I’ll call up Tony Campanelli and say, ‘Hey Tony, how you doing? Can I get some chicken?’” she said with a laugh. “And he says, ‘No problem, Dara. Whatever you need.’ It’s great to have that relationship.”Stretching Every DollarDespite the enthusiasm, challenges remain — especially around cost.School meal programs rely primarily on USDA reimbursements, which Williams said hover around $4.75 per lunch. That has to cover everything from food to labor to supplies.“We have to be creative and frugal,” she said. “There are procurement rules, bidding processes, and documentation. It’s not easy. But we’ve come a long way.”Teaching Through TasteFor Joy Leon, nutrition and physical activity educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County, connecting food, learning, and community is at the heart of the effort.“When Sullivan 180 received the farm-to-school grant, the goal was to connect the cafeteria, the classroom, and the community,” Leon said. “That involves almost everyone in Sullivan County.”Leon and her team help schools organize taste tests, where students sample new menu items and vote on what they like using sticker boards.“It’s a fun way for students to engage,” she said. “Given the opportunity, kids will try new things.”One recent hit at Sullivan West: a turkey carnita rice bowl, which nearly sold out. Next on the menu — a chicken and vegetable lo mein bowl.Crunching Into CommunityThis fall, the coalition is marking the Big Apple Crunch, a statewide celebration of New York-grown apples. Each student will bite into a local apple around the same time in October — a simple, shared act that highlights the bounty of local agriculture.Other upcoming events include farm-to-school days, classroom nutrition lessons, and school gardens.At Sullivan West Elementary, a Farm to School Fair on October 16 will feature local farmers, food vendors, and even farm animals for students to meet.“It’s one of our favorite days of the year,” Williams said. “The students love it.”Feeding the FutureBeyond the events and the meals, Frangipane said the coalition is building something bigger — a sustainable, community-based food culture that supports both students and local farmers.“We’re holding Sullivan County up as a model for other communities,” she said. “If we can accomplish this here, I think you can accomplish it anywhe

The federal government remains closed today amid a bitter impasse on Capitol Hill over competing congressional spending bills—one backed by each party. The stalemate is already raising concerns here at home.In Sullivan County, local officials are monitoring the situation closely. John Liddle, commissioner of Health and Family Services, says while there’s been little immediate impact so far, a prolonged shutdown could have serious consequences for public health and social services.“Our eyes are more on how long this is going to last,” Liddle said. “If we get through the end of October without a resolution, then the impacts can become pretty significant.”Liddle oversees the county’s public health, social services, and mental health divisions. He said programs most vulnerable to funding interruptions include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). SNAP benefits are funded through the end of October, but November payments remain uncertain. Meanwhile, HEAP—which typically starts November 1—has no authorized funding until Congress passes a spending bill.“That’s the one that really concerns me most as we start to head into winter weather,” Liddle said.While many county services rely primarily on state and local funding and will remain open, Liddle warned that low-income residents could feel the effects first if federal benefits lapse.“Unfortunately, the poorest people are going to be the ones who suffer the strongest impact first,” he said.To fill potential gaps, Sullivan County is coordinating with local charities and service providers through a collaborative effort called the United Sullivan Project, connecting residents with resources from groups like Catholic Charities, Action Toward Independence, and the Federation for the Homeless.Still, Liddle acknowledged that those nonprofits face their own financial pressures. “It’s a stressful and unstable time to say the least for funding,” he said.Looking ahead, Liddle emphasized the importance of volunteerism and community support to strengthen local safety nets. “Anything folks can do to support their local food pantries—whether it’s volunteering, donating time, food, or cash—will help if federal money doesn’t come our way,” he said.As uncertainty continues in Washington, Liddle’s advice for residents is simple: stay connected.“We don’t want to see anybody who’s entitled to benefits lose access because of a lack of information,” he said. “Follow the county government on social media, listen to local radio, read local newspapers, and stay in touch with us.”

This Friday, October 3rd, Homegrown Hurleyville singer songwriter Mekayla Rayne will be playing a one night only set at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre.After captivating audiences all around the country, Mekayla is returning back home to make her headlining debut of her very first full length concert.Radio Catskill's Genevieve Hartnett spoke with Mekayla ahead of the event about finding her love for music in the Catskills and revealing a new side of her artistry to her hometown.

Our resident science guy Joe Johnson has more on three recent discoveries — one from deep human history, another from cutting-edge agricultural science, and the third from the night sky — are offering new insights into our past, our future, and the universe around us.A 30,000-Year-Old Toolkit in the Czech RepublicA study in the August issue of the Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology details the discovery of a Paleolithic toolkit at Milovice 4, an archaeological site in the Czech Republic first uncovered in 2009 during road construction.Radiocarbon dating of charcoal found at the site places the layer at roughly 30,000 years ago, during the Upper Paleolithic. Archaeologists associate the site with the Gravettian culture, hunter-gatherers known for their Venus figurines.In 2021, researchers found a toolkit consisting of 29 blades and bladelets grouped together as if once wrapped in animal skin. The collection included spear points, scrapers, drills, and blanks for making additional tools. Some had been sharpened or repaired, and the materials — including flint, chert, and even one piece of opal — came from as far as 50 to 80 miles away.“Normally when they find tools, they’re scattered — one here, one there,” said Johnson, Radio Catskill’s resident science contributor. “These were all together in a group, like somebody set down their kit and never picked it back up.”For archaeologists, the find offers more than cultural context; it offers a glimpse of one individual’s life 30 millennia ago. “The fact that these things were found together and likely from one person connects us to an individual,” Johnson said. “That gives us some insight into what life may have been like 30,000 years ago.”New Hydrogel May Boost FarmingA second story, published in June in the American Chemical Society’s Agricultural Science and Technology Journal, highlights a new hydrogel developed at the Italian Institute of Technology in Genoa.Hydrogels are water-absorbing polymers already used in products from diapers to contact lenses. The new version is made from carrageenan, a natural compound from red algae, and is fully biodegradable.Researchers report that the hydrogel not only retains water but also promotes plant growth as a “biostimulant,” reducing the need for fertilizers. In tests with Italian watercress, it supported healthy growth in hydroponic systems while using significantly less water.“This stuff could also be added to soil to help it retain water,” Johnson explained. “It’s 100% biodegradable, it’s sustainable, and future versions may even have sensors built in that change color to show plant health.”Beyond water conservation, the technology may one day support farming in space. “If we ever try to grow food on Mars, the soil there is basically poisonous,” Johnson said. “Something like this hydrogel might be a way forward.”Comet C/2025 A6 Lemmon BrightensFinally, astronomers are tracking comet C/2025 A6 Lemmon, first observed in January by the Mount Lemmon Observatory in Arizona.Initially expected to remain faint, the comet emerged from behind the sun in July brighter than predicted. Currently visible only with binoculars or a small telescope, it could become visible to the naked eye by late October.On October 20, the comet will pass 55 million miles from Earth, coinciding with a new moon and dark skies. It will reach its closest point to the sun on November 8.“Comets never do what they’re predicted to do,” Johnson noted. “This one came out from behind the sun a lot brighter than we thought it would, and that’s a promising sign.”Observers hoping to spot the comet should look northwest about an hour after sunset in a location with a clear horizon. Johnson recommends patience and preparation: “Take about 20 minutes to let your eyes adjust, and remember your phone camera is often more sensitive than your eyes. You might see the comet on your screen before you spot it in the sky.”

Communities across the country are figuring out how to close their incinerators, but Sullivan County is considering building a new one. Earlier this summer, the county issued a draft RFP for a waste-to-energy facility as part of its broader plans to prepare for the region’s anticipated growth of trash over the next decade.On Monday evening, a coalition of activists organized an emergency town hall in Monticello to push back against the proposal. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar reports.

The Catskills were once the heart of the Borscht Belt, where towns like Parksville and Livingston Manor buzzed with resorts, entertainers, and families seeking a summer escape. This weekend, the Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project unveils its 14th marker in Parksville, with another following later this month in Livingston Manor. More than commemorating the past, these markers bring history alive through art, music, food, and film.Photographer, historian, and curator Marisa Scheinfeld, along with photographer Isaac Jeffreys, are helping capture and share the story of the Catskills and the Borscht Belt through this ongoing project.“Parksville, just like so many other towns, had an immense Borscht Belt history,” Scheinfeld explained. “It had the Young’s Gap Hotel—the first all-inclusive, year-round resort. It offered unbelievable amenities. There was an iconic film screen there in 1950. It hosted amazing entertainers, and you know, just had everything. I think we have like 28 hotels in Parksville as our count.”The Young’s Gap Hotel, a pioneer in the all-inclusive model and featured in the film Catskill Honeymoon, holds a special legacy. “Yeah, all-inclusive—Marissa really nailed it,” Jeffreys said. “They had their own radio show, part of WVOS. We have a photo of it from the 1940s where they were hosting, I believe, the Mac Schwartz Company, talking about brochures for the season. So, they really had their own sort of compound going on there.”Even smaller resorts like the New Brighton Hotel and the Grand Hotel contributed to the town’s vibrant culture, but Young’s Gap was “one of the big anchor resorts in the county,” Jeffreys added. “It could go up there with the Laurels and Grossingers and the Nevele. It just kind of dropped off in the late ’60s, so it doesn’t get remembered as much. But it’s really one of the big ones.”The Parksville marker also highlights Sunset Acres, an African-American resort, acknowledging a broader, more inclusive history. “About less than 10—about a handful of African-American hotels in the area—and Sunset Acres actually, I have to give Isaac all the credit for discovering that,” Scheinfeld said.Jeffreys shared the story of uncovering Sunset Acres: “I heard about this hotel once before, probably four or five years ago, seeing an eBay listing for a brochure. One day I veered off onto Benton Hollow Road in Parksville, which is now basically covered by Route 17. The property looked like a Borscht Belt hotel, but I couldn’t find much information. Then, at Town and Country Antiques in Liberty, I found a stack of unposted postcards from Sunset Acres. Only one image was shown—a poolside photo with the main building in the background—but finding a full-color 1960s postcard from this place, so close to where it was, was really special. I think we kind of brought it out of obscurity, which is fun.”The Parksville dedication this weekend will be a full celebration, with music, food, and a film screening. Scheinfeld shared details: “John Conway will be speaking at the ceremony. We have some hotel descendants there. At 2:00, it’s at the intersection of Parksville Road and Short Avenue, then we’ll move down the street to New Memories, Conflux Gallery, Art Collective, and Double Up. We’re partnering with the Parksville Art Center for ‘Meet Me in Parksville.’ There will be live music, wine and cider, food from Double Up, and a special screening of Catskill Honeymoon, filmed at the Young’s Gap. It’s a real-time capsule period piece with classic Catskills scenes—golf, tennis, calisthenics, sunbathing—and we’re really thrilled.”Scheinfeld emphasized the project’s dual purpose: “In some ways, it’s almost like a eulogy for the hotels that existed once but no longer exist. But it’s not just about what once was. Parksville is a vibrant place today, and this event celebrates both past and present.”Later this month, the project moves north to Livingston Manor, which hosted at least 40 hotels. “Livingston Manor was really unique in offering resorts for young people—specifically singles and couples,” Scheinfeld said. “Two hotels, White Row and The Waldemere, are being honored. There were 41 hotels, 12 bungalow colonies. It’s a tremendous history.”The markers also recognize entertainers known as “Tumlers,” performers who shaped American comedy. Jeffreys explained: “Tumblers were everywhere—nightclubs, but really by the pool during the day. They created a thriving, fun atmosphere. Many were comedians starting out, testing material, seeing how people responded. It’s a special era, and people who come to the dedications talk about it with pure joy. We’re happy to honor that.”The upcoming dedications are:Parksville: Sunday, 2:00 p.m., intersection of Parksville Road and Short Avenue.Livingston Manor: October 18, 2:00 p.m., intersection of Main and Pearl, with an “Illy Talk” at 3:30 p.m. at Caskey Art Space, followed by an after-party at Sunshine Great Colony.More information is available at www.maytheborschtbewith

From sweet and mild to spicy and hot, the first annual Pepperfest kicks off in Damascus, Pennsylvania this Saturday, October 4th. It’s a new festival celebrating the love of peppers in the Upper Delaware River Valley.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar headed down to Tyler Hill, Pennsylvania to talk to the Pepperfest planning committee to learn what folks can expect and brings us this report.

Jazz trombonist Ryan Keberle is bringing the infectious rhythms of Brazil to Honesdale tomorrow with a live performance at the Cooperage Project. His new album, Choro das Águas, created in collaboration with Collectiv do Brasil, blends traditional Brazilian choro rhythms with modern jazz in a fresh, compelling way.“We hope people get up and dance—or at least feel like getting up and dancing,” Keberle says. “The grooves are infectious, especially played by this band straight from Brazil.”Keberle, a New York-based trombonist who now calls the Catskills home, says the album is inspired not only by Brazil’s rich folk traditions but also by one of the country’s great living songwriters, Ivan Lins. “All of our arrangements try to bring an American jazz sensibility to these compositions while staying true to their Brazilian roots,” he explains.For Keberle, mastering Brazilian music has been a labor of love. “Working as a freelance musician, you have to become fluent in many musical languages. Brazilian music just connected with me deeply—especially the folk traditions where trombone plays a central role,” he says. Over the past decade, he’s studied these styles closely, reimagining classic songs with his own compositions and arrangements.Keberle likens the live concert experience to attending a public lecture delivered by experts: “Music is a form of communication. When we’re on stage, we’re telling stories, sharing these rich traditions, and hoping the audience feels it in their bodies.”Keberle and Collectiv do Brasil perform tomorrow at the Cooperage Project in Honesdale. For ticket information, visit cooperageproject.org.

What does “cage-free,” “pasture-raised,” or “organic” really mean when you’re shopping for groceries? Even farmers say the labels can be confusing.“That’s why we’re doing this workshop,” said Iris Gillingham of Gail Roots Farm, who will lead the Understanding Food Labels Workshop this Sunday at Farm Arts Collective. “Last year I was at a farming conference and a bunch of farmers were talking about how confusing it is to navigate these food labels, even for them. So many of them are unregulated.”Gillingham says shoppers are surrounded by what’s known as greenwashing. “When you’re in the grocery store and you see something that says USDA Organic next to a box that says ‘all natural’ or ‘non-GMO,’ you’re really confused,” she said. “Some of the words and terminology have no backbone to them.”Beyond the labels, farming practices affect soil health, climate change, and small farmers’ livelihoods. “The biggest thing to do around food is to try and get to know your farmer and know their practices,” Gillingham said. “There are a lot of farmers that aren’t certified because it’s a big cost, but they still follow those practices.”Sunday’s workshop will break down common terms, explain certification processes, and even touch on gardening and fertilizer labels. Lunch from Willow Wisp Organic Farm is included.The Understanding Food Labels Workshop happens Sunday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Farm Arts Collective in Damascus. It’s pay-what-you-can at the door—no reservations required.“We want people to be educated consumers,” Gillingham said. “Food is so expensive right now. We want people to know what they’re putting their dollar behind.”More info at farmartscollective.org.

Over the last decade, the number of short-term rentals in Ulster County has jumped by 220 percent. That’s according to a new report released on Monday from Ulster County Comptroller March Gallagher about the rapid growth of short-term rentals and their increasing pressure on the county’s housing market.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Ulster County Comptroller Gallagher who shared the latest from the report.

Sullivan County is considering building a waste-to-energy facility that some critics say is a ‘public relations term’ for an incinerator. Local residents are pushing back.A coalition of environmental and racial justice groups including Sustainable Sullivan, Sullivan County NAACP, The Black Library, and Energy Justice Network will host an emergency town hall on Sept. 29 to discuss the proposed facility in Monticello.Radio Catskill's Kimberly Izar spoke with Mike Ewall, founder and director of the environmental advocacy nonprofit Energy Justice Network about the upcoming town hall.

This weekend, the Big Eddy Film Festival returns to Narrowsburg, bringing a vibrant mix of storytelling, creativity, and community spirit to the Delaware River region. Radio Catskill, a proud media partner, sat down with three filmmakers whose work highlights the festival’s focus on local voices and innovative storytelling.Moh Azima: Blending Community and AI in “Be Like a Tree”Moh Azima’s video installation, Be Like a Tree, will be featured in the festival’s digital gallery. The piece is a meditative exploration of community, impermanence, and identity, blending local participants’ voices with AI-generated imagery.“The idea of community felt crucial,” Azima explained. “I wanted to bring people together from my community to speak with one voice. Then I used AI to merge all their faces together gradually over five hours. It creates this idea that we’re all parts of the same tree — like leaves on the same tree, constantly changing but rooted together.”Azima said the community’s response to participating was overwhelmingly positive. “Everyone was really enthusiastic. Many were familiar with Rumi’s poetry, which ties directly into the work’s meditation on accepting change and transformation.”Alex Spotts: Bowling, Band, and Local Charm in “No Crying in Baseball”Alex Spotts’ short, No Crying in Baseball, brings playful energy to the festival’s Rural Shorts program. Filmed in Port Jervis, the video stars local residents, including young girls’ bowling teams and longtime community members, alongside the regionally celebrated Riot Grrrl band Basic Bitches.“It was really fun to bring everyone together,” Spotts said. “The girls versus the older men, their playful taunts, and the energy of the community made the video incredible. I hope audiences just have fun watching it.”The short emphasizes connection, playfulness, and local culture, capturing the spirit of collaboration that thrives in small-town filmmaking.Mariah Dunker-Kramer: A Family Legacy in “Shirley”Mariah Dunker-Kramer’s Shirley, part of the Family Ties program, tells the poignant story of a young mother facing kidney failure in the early 1960s. Inspired by Dunker-Kramer’s maternal grandmother, the film examines loss, legacy, and resilience through a deeply personal lens.“Growing up in a rural area with a large, close-knit family shaped my storytelling,” Dunker-Kramer said. “This film is a glimpse into my grandmother’s life and how her legacy continues through generations. My hope is that audiences leave with a sense of how grief, love, and legacy intertwine.”Celebrating Community Through FilmAll three filmmakers emphasized the festival’s role as a creative hub for the region. “It brings us together, gives local creators an outlet, and fosters collaboration,” Azima said. Spotts echoed that sentiment: “Being a creative can feel lonely. Festivals like Big Eddy let you connect with people who share your ideas.” Dunker-Kramer added, “It’s a resource in a rural area that supports artists and celebrates creativity.”The full lineup is available at bigeddyfilmfest.com.

The Scranton Fringe Festival is back, kicking off Wednesday, Sept. 25, and running through Oct. 5 with more than 200 performances across the city.Now in its 11th year, the festival has become one of Northeast Pennsylvania’s biggest arts events, packing theaters, galleries, storefronts and even coffee shops with theater, music, comedy, storytelling and more.“Scranton Fringe in a nutshell is simply a celebration of culture, creativity and community,” said co-founder and executive director Connor Kelly O’Brien. “There’s everything from theater to music to film, amateur to professional, everything from all ages to more so for adults.”The festival opens with a free launch party Wednesday at Marywood University from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring preview performances and the unveiling of a 3D projection-mapping installation. Other highlights include Ulysses of Scranton, a James Joyce-inspired production that will later travel to Ireland.Tickets are priced at $15 or less, with free options through the “Fringe for the People” program, plus outdoor and family events downtown. All venues are ADA accessible.Full schedules and ticket information are available at scrantonfringe.org

New York State is moving forward with plans to invest $1.4 billion to upgrade Route 17 between Exit 113 in Wurtsboro and Exit 131 in Monroe, continuing the decades-long effort to convert the highway into Interstate 86. While much of western New York already has the interstate treatment, the Hudson Valley segment is now at the center of a heated debate.State and business leaders say the expansion, including a possible third lane, is needed to handle growing traffic and support local economic development. “There’s already significant development along Route 17,” Mark Baez of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development told the Sullivan County Legislature recently. “That’s why we need a third lane to address issues that exist today.”But environmental and community groups are pushing back. The Rethink Route 17 Alliance argues that the $1.4 billion could be better spent on public transit, pedestrian projects, and repairing existing roads. Liam Mayo, news editor at The River Reporter, said, “The Rethink Route 17 Alliance is advocating against adding that [third] lane, suggesting instead that money be redirected toward local transit, pedestrian infrastructure, and road repairs.”Their recent report, Invest in Our Communities Not a Wider Highway, recommends doubling bus routes in Sullivan County, building a 15-mile continuous rail trail in Orange County, and adding a pedestrian bridge in Ellenville—all while still addressing current Route 17 safety and maintenance issues.Jessica Landsdale of the Lake Communities Alliance said the expansion could worsen runoff, air pollution, and push industrial development into the corridor. “The more accessible the highway becomes, the more pressure there will be for warehouse and industrial projects that could harm local ecosystems,” she told The River ReporterProponents highlight the highway’s role in accommodating long-term population and traffic growth. The 17Forward86 coalition projects rising demand along the corridor over the next 30 years, citing millions of square feet of existing and planned industrial space and thousands of new housing units.Mayo said the debate is not just about construction, but “rethinking the way you do this expansion,” with some proposals focusing on upgrades that do not require a full third lane.An environmental impact statement is currently in preparation, with planning expected to continue through late 2025 or early 2026. The state is aiming to complete the project by 2030.More information on the Route 17 project is at the New York State Department of Transportation's website: dot.ny.gov.

This weekend, the Big Eddy Film Festival returns to Narrowsburg, New York, showcasing independent films that challenge, entertain, and unite audiences. Radio Catskill is proud to serve as a media partner for this celebration of countercurrent, independent storytelling.Among the featured films are Melody Roscher’s Bird in Hand and Elegance Bratton’s Move Ya Body: The Birth of House. Bird in Hand, the Saturday Night Spotlight film, is a comedy-drama exploring family, desire, and the surprises that unfold during a mother-daughter visit in the Catskills. Move Ya Body: The Birth of House traces the origins of house music in Chicago, highlighting the genre’s roots in queer and Black culture and its global impact.When asked about the significance of their films at the festival, Roscher said, "The story is is driven by a main character that I feel is very underrepresented in mainstream movies. She's a biracial woman who's failing at most things in her life and really trying to understand herself better and her identity and how to build it … I feel that it's a story that resonates for a lot of people, no matter who they are, but also really spotlight spotlights the difficulty of of being biracial."Elegance highlighted the communal power of house music: "House music is the music of togetherness. It's about being, you know, on a dance floor with people of different races, different sexuality, different genders, but somehow we're united by this beat. The possibility that people who are so different from one another can be united by the same rhythm is threatening to those who seek to keep us apart."Both filmmakers emphasized the intimate, community-focused experience of festival screenings. Roscher noted, "I really love just the collective experience in the theater that a crowd can have when they're feeding off of each other. That's the power of film and cinema. You can go into a room with a bunch of people you don't know and interact in storytelling together."Elegance added, "Big Edy gives me an opportunity to meet my audience and to get to know them and for them to get to know me. It's just a chance to like form community around the work in the most direct way."Catch Bird in Hand on Saturday night and Move Your Body: The Birth of House on Sunday at noon during the Big Eddy Film Festival in Narrowsburg. For tickets and the full lineup, visit bigeddyfilmfest.com.

The Woodstock Playhouse will host a unique benefit concert this Saturday, September 27, blending timeless classical music with unforgettable film moments. The event supports both the Woodstock Film Festival and the Woodstock Symphony Orchestra.Ken Wagner of the Symphony Orchestra says the power of live music deepens the cinematic experience. “We’ll play a film clip highlighting certain music like Strauss’s the music in the Space Odyssey or the original unmasking scene from The Phantom of the Opera. The music was by Bach. So, we’ll play snippets of that and then have it still and our pianist will continue that scene live. And you know there’s nothing like live theater, live music. It’s such a better way of connecting with an audience.”The concert will feature pianists Anna and Dmitri Shelest, a Ukrainian duo known for their piano four-hands performances. “When they do the four hands together it just swells the sound,” Wagner added.Mike Hassan, member of the Woodstock Film Festival's Board of Directors, noted the diversity of the program, which includes everything from Strauss in 2001: A Space Odyssey to Rachmaninoff in Jurassic Park and Philip Glass in The Truman Show. “What we want the audience to do is have that 'a-ha' moment where they realized that came from Rachmaninoff instead of Somewhere in Time,” he said.The concert takes place Saturday, September 27, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Woodstock Playhouse, 4 Playhouse Lane, Woodstock. Tickets are available at woodstocksymphony.org and woodstockplayhouse.org.

The Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) rolls out the red carpet for the 13th annual Big Eddy Film Festival, running September 25–28. From student shorts to international features, this festival celebrates bold, counter-current storytelling rooted in the Catskills."We celebrate counter-current narratives and films inspired by the rural imagination. Our selections come through long-standing relationships with filmmakers, submissions via platforms like FilmFreeway, and recommendations from our team of advisors who scout independent works nationwide," said DVAA Executive Director Ariel Shanberg. Highlights include:Thursday, Sept. 25: 20th anniversary screening of Good Night, and Good Luck at the Tusten Theater, with a post-film discussion on journalism, free speech, and holding power accountable with Radio Catskill's Board President and journalist Pete Madden, Board Member and documentary filmmaker Elizabeth Hope Williams and Community Advisory Board Member and journalist Steve Yaccino. All proceeds benefit Radio Catskill. Friday, Sept. 26: Countercurrent Shorts at Krause Hall and opening night feature The Gesuidouz, a Japanese film about a punk band retreating to the countryside to create their masterpiece.Saturday, Sept. 27: Youth-focused films, student shorts from Vassar, Ithaca, and beyond, French narrative Jim’s Story, and local Rural Shorts like Hypnoscape, There’s No Crying in Baseball, and Catskill Talks from Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo. Evening festivities include a VIP filmmaker reception and a public music party at The Parlor.Sunday, Sept. 28: Too Short to Suck micro-shorts, Move Ya Body: The Birth of House exploring the roots of house music and LGBTQ culture, and closing documentary Future Council, following young environmental activists across Europe.For the full schedule and tickets, visit bigeddyfilmfest.com.

Sullivan County legislators still can’t agree on where to put a gateway housing shelter. Some critics warn that the clock is ticking to apply for funding for the facility before state funds are gone, but that funding is no longer available.On Wednesday, New York's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance suspended accepting funding applications for the key housing program the county was planning to apply for.Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar was at the legislative meeting yesterday as tensions unfolded and brings us this report.

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.